Programmable Rotary Sprinkler With Wireless Power and Precision Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water sprinkler systems have high power requirements, are difficult to program for optimal coverage, and waste water due to mechanical limitations and lack of precision in controlling sprinkler direction and timing.

Innovation Solution

A smart sprinkler system that uses wireless control via a smartphone or tablet to rotate the sprinkler head in any direction, with adjustable water pressure and pattern creation in polar coordinates, powered by a hydro generator and solar panel, eliminating the need for external power and allowing for arbitrarily shaped watering patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wired electrical power is used to control sprinkler direction and timing, then the system can achieve programmable control, but the power requirements become high and require complex wiring infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogrammable controlVSAvoidpower requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired electrical power systems with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The base station transmits power wirelessly to the sprinkler head, eliminating the need for complex wiring infrastructure while maintaining programmable control capabilities through wireless communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The base station is designed to perform multiple functions: storing water, transmitting power wirelessly, and providing programmable control through wireless communication. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity and power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of substance

If mechanical rotational limits and spray nozzle selection are used to control coverage distance and rotation arcs, then the system structure is simple, but the system wastes considerable amounts of water and cannot achieve optimal coverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater wasteVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control of the sprinkler head, allowing it to rotate to any position within its range rather than being limited to fixed mechanical arcs. The system dynamically adjusts rotation angle and water pressure in real-time based on programmable parameters, enabling precise delivery of water to specific locations and minimizing waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously - rotation angle, water pressure, and timing - to achieve precise control over water delivery. By programmatically adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize coverage patterns for different areas and eliminate water waste associated with fixed mechanical configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If external electrical power connection is required for electronic control, then precise control of sprinkler direction and timing is achievable, but the system cannot be a direct replacement for typical lawn sprinklers and requires additional infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidreplacement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the requirement for external electrical power connections with a wireless power transmission system. The base station transmits power electromagnetically to the sprinkler head, enabling precise electronic control while allowing the system to be installed anywhere within wireless range, thus becoming a direct replacement for traditional sprinklers without requiring electrical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sprinkler head contains onboard memory and control electronics that allow it to autonomously execute programmed watering patterns. Once configured via wireless communication from the base station, the sprinkler head independently controls its own rotation, pressure, and timing, eliminating the need for continuous external power or control connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The system efficiently delivers water to specific locations with reduced water waste and lower power consumption, enabling precise and reproducible watering patterns without the need for external power, thus improving upon existing mechanical systems.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydro generator: Water Turbine

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar panel: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3934815B1Programmable electronically controlled rotary sprinkler system and method of operation

Publication Date: 2024.11.27 HEANEY JOHN S

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AI summary

A programmable, electronically controlled sprinkler system (10) has hermetically sealed internal chambers (102) which enclose all of the internal water flow, valves (200), mechanical and rotational components (300) and a plurality of magnetic coupling arrangements (204,304) which allow external motors (202,302) to control operation of the internal mechanical components without requiring any hydraulic seals.