Riser Cap Annular Skirt Threaded Coupling Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,445, are limited in their ability to couple sprinkler risers of larger sizes, specifically ¾″ riser pipes, to tubular couplers, requiring redesign of existing components for accommodation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed irrigation pipe system includes a tubular coupler member with a riser adapter and a riser cap member featuring an annular skirt with internal threads, allowing for the connection of larger diameter sprinkler risers through a threadable and sealable mechanism, providing a flexible and fluid-tight coupling without altering the existing tubular coupler design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inner diameter of the riser adapter is fixed to accommodate smaller risers, then the coupling mechanism remains simple and reliable, but larger diameter sprinkler risers cannot be coupled to the tubular coupler member
Solution Approach 1:
The riser cap member is divided into distinct functional segments: a central tubular section for receiving the sprinkler riser, and an annular skirt for threadable connection to the riser adapter. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the central tubular section can accommodate various riser sizes while the annular skirt provides a standardized connection interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a radial dimension to the connection interface by incorporating an annular skirt that extends outward from the central tubular section. This annular skirt provides an external threading surface that engages with the riser adapter, creating a new dimensional interface that allows larger risers to connect without modifying the original coupler design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a threadable connection mechanism is added to accommodate larger risers, then versatility is improved, but the risk of leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the riser cap member and the sprinkler riser. This seal member fits within the central tubular section and creates a fluid-tight barrier, ensuring that the threadable connection and the riser interface do not compromise the overall seal integrity of the coupling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member functions as a flexible barrier that conformally seals the interface between the riser cap member and the sprinkler riser. This flexible sealing element accommodates minor dimensional variations and ensures reliable leak-proof connection across different riser sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A polymeric riser cap member includes a central tubular section defining a generally cylindrical bore for receiving a sprinkler riser, the central tubular section having open top and bottom ends, and an annular skirt coaxial with the central tubular section and having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the central tubular section. The annular skirt has an inner surface having internal threads threadably connectable with the externally threaded surface of a tubular riser adapter member of a tubular coupler. The bottom end of the central tubular section has an annular projection disposed opposite and spaced from a portion of the annular skirt. The riser cap member includes an annular recess adapted to receive a seal located in a wall extending laterally between the annular skirt and the annular projection.