Preassembled Irrigation Conduit with Integrated Lateral Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional dripline system installations require significant labor and materials, leading to increased costs and potential for uneven grids and debris entry due to on-site assembly, which complicates the installation process and introduces foreign particles into the system.

Innovation Solution

A preassembled main supply line with pre-installed lateral connectors at predetermined intervals, allowing for accurate and efficient installation of driplines, reducing labor and minimizing debris entry through a secure, watertight connection mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional PVC pipe and fittings are used for lateral connections, then the system can be assembled, but significant labor and time are required for measurement, cutting, cleaning, priming, and gluing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is pre-assembled with the lateral connection integrated into the supply line at predetermined intervals during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site measurement, cutting, and fitting. The connector body is pre-formed with injection molded features including barbs for securing driplines and a seal for watertight connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into modular components with the connector serving as a pre-fabricated segment that combines multiple functions (supply line connection, lateral connection point, and dripline attachment) into a single integrated unit that is installed as one piece

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional PVC assembly methods are used in trenches, then connections can be made, but plastic chads, dirt and foreign debris enter the system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoiddebris contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is completely assembled and sealed in a controlled manufacturing environment before installation, preventing any debris from entering the system during the connection process. The seal is pre-installed and the connector is closed, eliminating open ends that could collect dirt or chads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process transforms the potential harm of debris entry by performing all assembly operations in a clean factory setting rather than in the contaminated trench environment, converting the harmful installation condition into a beneficial pre-assembled clean component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Loss of time

If special fittings like insert fittings or saddle tees are used, then labor is reduced, but accurate spacing between drip lines and debris prevention is still problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation laborVSAvoidspacing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates predetermined spacing parameters built into its structure during manufacturing, with fixed distances between connection points that ensure accurate dripline spacing without requiring field measurements. The connector geometry itself defines the precise spacing locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The accurate spacing is pre-determined and fixed during connector manufacturing rather than being established during installation, eliminating the need for field measurements and ensuring consistent, precise spacing between all lateral connections along the supply line

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution significantly reduces installation labor and costs while ensuring accurate spacing and minimizing debris entry, resulting in a more reliable and efficient irrigation system with reduced potential for clogging.

Implementation Method 1

a seal to prevent fluid flow between the connector body and the supply line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

The connector segment includes barbs to secure the lateral line to the connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS9661807B2Conduit with connector and assembly thereof

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 RAIN BIRD CORP

AI summary

A fluid supply line is provided to reduce the labor and cost required for dripline system installations by providing predetermined fitting locations where driplines can be attached. The supply line consists of a conduit having a side wall, a connector extending through the side wall of the conduit, the connector having a conduit connecting segment extending outside the conduit and an inlet segment extending into the conduit, and the inlet segment being connected to the side wall of the conduit.