Relay-Switched Irrigation Controller for Two-Wire Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current decoder-based irrigation controllers face limitations in expandability and troubleshooting, as the number of decoder-based irrigation control units connected via a two-wire path is restricted, leading to the need for additional controllers and time-consuming, costly troubleshooting processes.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation control system with a microcontroller and modulator that manages multiple two-wire paths through switches, allowing for automatic isolation of short conditions, fault-finding, and mapping of decoder-based irrigation control units, enabling increased expandability and efficient troubleshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple decoder-based irrigation control units are connected via a single two-wire path, then the number of supported control units increases, but the risk of short conditions and troubleshooting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single two-wire path into multiple separate two-wire paths, each with its own relay switch. This segmentation allows the controller to independently manage and troubleshoot each path, reducing overall system complexity while supporting more control units.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay switches are introduced as intermediary components between the controller and decoder-based irrigation control units. These relays act as mediators that enable automatic isolation of short conditions and simplify fault detection by providing distinct electrical paths for each control unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional irrigation controllers are purchased to control expanded coverage areas, then the number of supported control units increases, but the system cost and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multiple two-wire paths and relay switches that can independently support multiple decoder-based irrigation control units. This multi-functionality allows a single controller to handle expanded coverage areas without requiring additional controller units.
3Ease of repair
If traditional troubleshooting methods are used for irrigation problems, then fault identification is possible, but the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic actions by automatically testing each two-wire path and isolating short conditions before full system operation. The relay switches are pre-configured to enable systematic fault isolation, allowing rapid identification of problems without time-consuming manual troubleshooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically detect and report short conditions on individual two-wire paths. This feedback system provides real-time information about system status and faults, enabling rapid diagnosis and reducing troubleshooting time significantly.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, systems and methods provide an irrigation control system, comprising: an irrigation controller comprising an irrigation control unit; a power source; a microcontroller; and a modulator, wherein the modulator is configured to output modulated power signals; a plurality of switches coupled to an output of the modulator and independently controlled by the microcontroller; and a plurality of two-wire path output connectors each coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of switches, wherein each of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors is configured to be connected to a corresponding two-wire path of a plurality of two-wire paths to which multiple decoder-based irrigation control units can be connected and controlled, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to operate the plurality of switches to couple and decouple the modulated power signals from the output of the modulator to one or more of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors.