Remote Garden Watering Controller for Adaptive Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden watering controllers are complex and time-consuming to program, with user interfaces that are difficult to use, and they do not adapt well to changes in daylight hours or weather conditions, requiring frequent adjustments to maintain optimal watering times.
Innovation Solution
A tap-mountable garden watering controller unit with remote control capabilities via a network, featuring a battery-powered electrically operated valve that stores a watering schedule and enters a sleep mode to conserve battery life, with a manual override for immediate watering and automatic adjustments based on geo-location data and weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a programmable timer-based system is used, then watering can be automated at specific times, but the system becomes complex and time-consuming to program
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines optimal watering times by monitoring weather conditions and soil moisture levels, eliminating the need for users to manually program complex schedules. The controller self-adjusts based on environmental sensors, making the system both automated and simple to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor soil moisture and weather conditions, providing feedback to the controller which automatically adjusts watering schedules. This closed-loop feedback mechanism replaces manual programming with intelligent, condition-based automation.
2Reliability
If fixed programmable schedules are used, then watering occurs at predetermined times, but the system cannot adapt to changes in daylight hours or weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The watering schedule is dynamically adjusted based on real-time weather data and soil moisture readings. The system transitions from static predetermined times to flexible, condition-responsive scheduling that adapts to changing environmental conditions while maintaining reliable watering.
Solution Approach 2:
Environmental sensors provide continuous feedback on weather conditions and soil moisture, enabling the controller to automatically modify watering schedules in response to actual conditions rather than following fixed predetermined programs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the controller continuously monitors conditions and allows remote adjustments, then adaptability improves, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs monitoring and communication in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It checks soil moisture and weather conditions at scheduled intervals and only communicates with the remote device when adjustments are needed, significantly reducing battery consumption while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously monitors conditions and makes routine adjustments without requiring constant remote communication. It only engages the wireless communication module when user intervention is necessary, allowing continuous adaptability with minimal energy expenditure.
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
Facilitates easy and adaptive watering control, reducing battery consumption and allowing for optimal watering times based on sunrise, sunset, and weather changes without frequent user intervention, ensuring efficient and convenient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless transceiver unit for allowing wireless communication
Implementation Method 2
battery-powered electrically operated valve
Implementation Method 3
battery-powered electrically operated valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A garden watering controller (1) for operating a valve (31) for controlling supply of water into a garden watering arrangement. The controller comprises wireless receiver means (22) for wirelessly receiving programming data signals, and a central unit (21) for outputting control signals for operating the valve (31) in dependence on the received programming data signals.