Pressure Regulator Shuttle Control for Variable Flow Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems require complex and costly networks of remotely controllable valves to achieve variable flow patterns for sprinklers and nozzles, which is inefficient and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator with a pressurizable chamber that controls water flow by using a shuttle to open or close the flow passage, allowing for remote or programmed on-off cycles without the need for additional valves, utilizing a sealed chamber with a pressurization port connected to a source of pressurized fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex network of remotely controllable valves is added to each sprinkler and nozzle to achieve variable flow irrigation, then variable flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is designed to perform multiple functions: it continues to regulate water pressure while also serving as the flow control valve through the remotely operable shut-off mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate control valves at each sprinkler or nozzle, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining variable flow capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the pressure regulator and flow control valve into a single integrated device. The remotely operable shut-off feature is incorporated directly into the pressure regulator structure, merging two previously separate components (pressure regulation and flow control) into one unit, thereby reducing the number of parts and system complexity
2Measurement precision
If remotely controllable valves are added to each sprinkler and nozzle for variable flow irrigation, then water application precision is improved, but installation cost and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator serves dual purposes as both a pressure regulating device and a remotely controllable flow control valve. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional control valves at each sprinkler or nozzle location, significantly reducing installation costs and effort while maintaining precise water application control through remote operation
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pressure regulator shuts off flow when inlet pressure is too low, then outlet pressure stability is improved, but water flow continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A remotely operable shut-off mechanism acts as an intermediary control between the pressure regulation function and the flow continuity requirement. This mechanism allows external control of flow shutdown, separating the automatic pressure response from the flow continuity decision, enabling pressure stability to be maintained while allowing flow to remain continuous when conditions permit through remote activation
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective variable flow irrigation by allowing remote control of water flow through pressure regulators, reducing the complexity and expense of adding additional valves, while maintaining uniform water pressure at the outlet.
Implementation Method 1
A pressurizable chamber is provided between the plunger and the shuttle. The chamber may be sealed and houses a spring, another type of mechanical spring or other deformable and resilient device. A pressurization port is added to the housing of the chamber. A supply of pressurized air or other pressurized fluid is coupled to the port.
Implementation Method 2
The chamber includes seals to allow for pressurization of the chamber. A pressurization port is added to the housing of the chamber. A supply of pressurized air or other pressurized fluid is coupled to the port.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pressure regulator (10) including: a housing (12, 14) including a flow passage (44, 46, 48); a plunger (38) configured to move within the housing, wherein the plunger is hollow and has a plunger passage (46) included in the flow passage; a valve seat (52) in the housing and disposed in the flow passage immediately upstream of an inlet (44) to the plunger passage; a shuttle (42) within the housing configured to move between an upstream-most position at which the shuttle abuts the valve seat to close the flow passage and a downstream position displaced from the valve seat which opens the flow passage; a sealed chamber (26) within the housing and between the plunger and the shuttle, wherein the sealed chamber is configured to be operated at pressures other than at atmospheric pressure; and a port (66) in the housing and open to the sealed chamber, wherein the port is configured to be connected to a source (68) of a pressurized fluid.