Programmable Drip Irrigation Emitter With Flow Selection Knob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drip irrigation systems lack precision and flexibility in delivering the optimal amount of water to plants with varying watering needs, leading to over-watering, under-watering, and waste due to fixed flow rates and manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A programmable drip irrigation emitter device with a flow selection knob, orifices, and diffusor pin arrays that allow for adjustable flow rates and uniform distribution, enabling precise control of water flow to each plant, regardless of input pressure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed flow rate emitters are used in drip irrigation systems, then the system structure is simple, but the precision and flexibility of water delivery to plants with varying needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the emitter flow rate adjustable rather than fixed. The device includes a flow selection knob that allows users to change the flow rate setting, transforming a static emitter into a dynamic one that can adapt to different plant water requirements. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precision control while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure without complex electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter of the emitter from a fixed value to an adjustable range. By incorporating multiple orifices of different sizes that can be selectively activated by turning the flow selection knob, the system allows continuous or discrete adjustment of the flow rate parameter. This enables precise water delivery matching plant needs while keeping the device structure simple and maintenance-free.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustments are made to irrigation systems, then the system structure is simple, but the labor and time required for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple orifices of different sizes within the emitter body before deployment. Users can select the desired flow rate by simply turning a flow selection knob that opens predetermined orifices, eliminating the need for manual calculations, drilling, or complex adjustments during maintenance. This preliminary preparation of flow options significantly reduces maintenance time and effort while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed flow rates are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different plant watering needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single flow path into multiple parallel paths, each with a different orifice size. The emitter contains several discrete orifices (e.g., 0.5 gph, 1.0 gph, 1.5 gph) that can be independently selected by rotating the flow selection knob. This segmentation allows the single emitter device to adapt to different plant watering needs while keeping the overall device structure simple and compact.
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 device provides nearly limitless flexibility in water delivery, ensuring optimal plant health, conserving water, and simplifying maintenance and adjustments, reducing labor and waste in irrigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
water is splashed against the chamber surface while being redirected and channeled to pass through several diffusor pin arrays used to achieve nearly uniform water flow rate at the output ports
Implementation Method 2
an orifice sized to deliver the desired flow rate of water
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present invention disclosed herein, there is provided a programmable drip irrigation emitter device, comprising: an input port; a gathering chamber; a flow selection knob; an orifice sized to deliver the desired flow rate of water; one or more output ports; an output distribution chamber, wherein the water is splashed against the chamber surface while being redirected and channeled to pass through several diffusor pin arrays used to achieve nearly uniform water flow rate at the output ports; and an external case comprised of a top piece and a bottom piece.