Rotary Sprinkler Pass-Based Irrigation Run Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in determining the correct irrigation run time for rotary sprinklers, as different types have varying nozzle sizes, pressure ratings, and rotation speeds, and may not be set for a full 360-degree rotation, leading to either inadequate or excessive watering when trying to achieve a specific number of passes.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation control unit that allows users to input the desired number of watering passes, which calculates and sets the appropriate run time based on the sprinkler's arc rotation data, ensuring accurate irrigation coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually determine irrigation run time based on sprinkler specifications, then they can control the number of watering passes, but it becomes difficult to determine the correct run time due to varying nozzle sizes, pressure ratings, and rotation speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary controller that acts as a mediator between the user's desired number of passes and the actual irrigation execution. The controller stores arc rotation data and automatically calculates the required run time, eliminating the need for users to manually compute complex timing based on varying sprinkler specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to simply input the desired number of passes without needing to understand sprinkler technical specifications. The controller automatically retrieves arc rotation data, performs calculations, and determines the correct run time, making the system self-sufficient in handling the complexity of variable sprinkler parameters.
2Ease of operation
If users guess at the run time to achieve a specific number of passes, then the system remains simple to operate, but the amount of water applied becomes inaccurate causing fertilizer to either dry on plants or wash away
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by storing arc rotation data and using it to calculate the precise run time required to achieve the desired number of passes. This closed-loop approach ensures that the controller adjusts the irrigation duration based on actual sprinkler performance characteristics, guaranteeing accurate water application for fertilizer treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing arc rotation data for different sprinkler configurations. Before irrigation begins, the controller retrieves this stored data and calculates the exact run time needed, ensuring that the correct amount of water is applied from the start without requiring manual adjustment or guesswork.
3Measurement precision
If the system accounts for different sprinkler configurations with varying arc settings, then irrigation accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases due to need to store and process arc rotation data
Solution Approach 1:
The system handles parameter changes by storing arc rotation data that corresponds to different sprinkler configurations. When a sprinkler with a specific arc setting is installed, the controller retrieves the corresponding pre-stored arc rotation data and uses it to calculate the appropriate run time, automatically adapting to various sprinkler types without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a system for controlling irrigation comprises an irrigation control unit comprising: an input configured to receive a user entered number of watering passes for a rotary sprinkler configured to repetitively rotate about an arc and irrigate an area of an irrigation site, wherein each rotation about the arc comprises a watering pass; a memory to store the number of watering passes and arc rotation data for the rotary sprinkler corresponding to a time duration for the rotary sprinkler to make the watering pass about the arc; and a control circuit configured to: receive the number of watering passes; receive the arc rotation data; determine a run time that will result in irrigation by the rotary sprinkler about the arc for the user entered number of passes; and store the run time.