Intelligent Irrigation Rain Sensor Droplet Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation controllers are inefficient as they commence irrigation cycles based on pre-programmed schedules, regardless of the landscape's water needs, and prior art rain sensors lack accuracy in measuring rainfall, often leading to unnecessary watering during rain events.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent irrigation rain sensor that captures and detects rainfall using a rain catcher reservoir and droplet detector with multiple electrode pairs, accurately measuring droplet counts in real-time to send precise rain signals to the irrigation controller, suspending or adjusting watering cycles accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional rain sensors use hygroscopic material to detect rainfall, then the sensor can detect rain presence, but the measurement precision of rainfall amount is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hygroscopic expansion mechanism with an electrical detection system. Instead of using material that physically expands when wet, the invention uses electrodes that detect water droplets through electrical property changes (capacitance, resistance, or inductance), enabling precise measurement of rainfall amounts while maintaining simple sensor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from physical expansion (hygroscopic material size change) to electrical properties (capacitance, resistance, or inductance changes). This parameter transformation allows for accurate quantification of rainfall amounts based on the electrical signal changes caused by water droplets, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Speed
If rain sensors use smaller quantities of hygroscopic material, then the sensor responds quicker to rain, but the accuracy of rainfall estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the hygroscopic material-based system with an electrical detection system, the patent eliminates the trade-off between response speed and accuracy. The electrical sensors can detect rain immediately without relying on material absorption capacity, while simultaneously providing accurate rainfall measurement through quantitative electrical signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical properties (capacitance, resistance, or inductance) as an intermediary between the rain droplets and the detection system. This intermediary enables both rapid detection and accurate measurement, as the electrical signal changes occur instantly upon droplet contact while providing quantifiable data about rainfall amount.
3Extent of automation
If irrigation controllers use pre-programmed schedules, then the controller operates automatically, but water conservation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by integrating rain sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide real-time information to the irrigation controller. This feedback loop allows the controller to adjust its pre-programmed schedule dynamically based on actual rainfall, maintaining automation while significantly improving water conservation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static pre-programmed irrigation schedule into a dynamic system that adapts to real-time environmental conditions. The controller maintains its automated operation but adjusts timing and duration based on live rain sensor data, enabling the system to respond flexibly to changing weather conditions while preserving water resources.
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 intelligent rain sensor ensures accurate and timely suspension of irrigation during rain events, improving water conservation by accurately measuring rainfall amounts and adjusting evapotranspiration data, leading to more efficient water use and reduced waste.
Implementation Method 1
The state change may be related to the state of an electrical property such as resistive, inductive or capacitive properties
Implementation Method 2
The state change may be related to the state of an electrical property such as resistive, inductive or capacitive properties
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent irrigation rain sensor for use in an irrigation system comprises a rain sensor unit and a sensor control unit. The rain sensor unit has a rain catcher reservoir with an open top for receiving rainwater with an internal volume for holding water and tapers into a funnel. At least one droplet detector is positioned directly below the funnel opening that contacts the water droplets from the funnel. The droplet detector includes detection electrodes for sensing a change in an electrical property being monitored by a detection control in the sensor control unit and for discriminating phantom droplets from rain. Upon exceeding a rain threshold amount over measurement time period, the intelligent irrigation rain sensor issues a rain signal to the irrigation controller. The intelligent irrigation rain sensor issues a corresponding dry signal to the irrigation controller after a drying period has elapsed.