Rotary Deflector Flute Geometry for Uniform Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary irrigation nozzles often result in uneven water distribution, with areas close to the nozzle receiving insufficient irrigation and lacking a clear edge in arcuate coverage patterns, particularly for nozzles providing less than 360-degree coverage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rotating deflector with flutes that have specific end-of-flute features, such as ramps and angled walls, to distribute water streams uniformly and create a defined edge in irrigation patterns, ensuring full circle coverage and improved precipitation near the nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional rotary nozzles with fluted deflectors are used, then water is distributed over a surrounding area, but areas close to the nozzle receive insufficient irrigation resulting in a doughnut-shaped pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the flute geometry at different radial positions on the deflector. Specifically, the flutes have different inclinations, depths, or cross-sectional areas at their inner ends (near the center) compared to their outer ends. This local variation in flute characteristics redirects water flow to provide enhanced irrigation coverage near the nozzle center, eliminating the doughnut-shaped pattern while maintaining overall distribution effectiveness.
2Area of stationary object
If rotary nozzles are designed for less than 360-degree coverage, then the irrigation pattern is limited to a specific arc, but the edges of the arcuate coverage area lack a distinct and well-defined boundary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different flute configurations at opposite sides of the deflector. One side features flutes with geometry optimized for creating a sharp, well-defined edge at the arcuate coverage boundary, while the other side maintains flutes for continuous coverage. This asymmetric local differentiation enables precise control over the irrigation pattern edges while maintaining the desired arcuate coverage area.
3Area of stationary object
If the deflector rotates to sweep water streams over the terrain, then coverage area is increased, but water distribution uniformity deteriorates with certain parts receiving insufficient irrigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the physical parameters of the flutes across the deflector surface. The flutes exhibit gradients in inclination angle, depth, width, or curvature radius from the inner radial region to the outer radial region. These parameter variations modify the water flow trajectory and distribution characteristics, ensuring that as the deflector rotates and sweeps water streams over the terrain, all areas including those near the center receive adequate and uniform irrigation coverage.
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
This solution enhances uniformity in water distribution, fills in irrigation gaps near the nozzle, and provides a straighter edge to arcuate patterns, improving the overall effectiveness of rotary nozzles in irrigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The water impinges upon this underside surface of the deflector to fill these curved channels and to rotatably drive the deflector
Implementation Method 2
water is directed upwardly against a rotatable deflector having a lower surface with curved flutes defining an array of relatively small flow channels
Data Source
AI summary
Rotary nozzles and deflectors for use with rotary nozzles are provided. The deflector includes a number of flutes that deliver fluid streams radially outwardly from the deflector. Fluid striking the flutes of the deflector cause the deflector to rotate, and the flutes subdivide fluid impacting deflector into multiple fluid streams that are distributed radially outwardly to surrounding terrain as the deflector rotates. Each of the flutes have the same curvature, although they may have different inclinations to distribute fluid streams at different trajectories. The flutes may also include blocking and downward-facing features at the ends of the flutes to improve the evenness of the fluid distribution in the irrigation coverage area.