Rotary Variable Arc Nozzle With Speed Brake
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation nozzles lack flexibility in adjusting the water distribution arc and throw radius, leading to overwatering or underwatering due to limited adjustability, and often require a hand tool for arc adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design with an arc adjustment feature that allows users to set the water distribution arc to any desired angle by depressing and rotating the deflector, and a radius reduction feature that adjusts the flow rate without changing water pressure, both accessible without a hand tool and with reduced torque requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional nozzles use fixed, dedicated construction with interchangeable pattern inserts or punch-outs, then the nozzle structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability for adjusting water distribution arc is limited to discrete patterns only
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where a rotatable deflector with a variable arc opening allows continuous adjustment of the water distribution arc from 0 to 360 degrees. The deflector rotates about a vertical axis and includes an arc adjustment valve that can be positioned at any angular location, enabling flexible adaptation to different irrigation requirements without being limited to fixed patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle design integrates multiple functions into a single device: it can distribute water over any arc from 0 to 360 degrees, control flow rate through a radius reduction valve, and adjust throw distance. This universal capability eliminates the need for multiple specialized nozzles for different arc patterns, providing versatility while maintaining a unified structural design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional nozzles allow variable arc coverage, then the water distribution flexibility is improved, but the adjustability is limited to a very limited arcuate range only
Solution Approach 1:
The arc adjustment valve is designed to be directly accessible and operable by the user without requiring special tools or complex mechanisms. The valve can be adjusted manually to any desired arc position within the 0-360 degree range, allowing end-users to easily configure the nozzle for their specific irrigation needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional nozzles lack radius reduction device, then the nozzle structure is simple, but the throw radius control is limited and results in wasteful watering or insufficient coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The radius reduction valve controls the throw radius by adjusting the flow rate parameter of water through the nozzle. By varying the amount of water delivered to the deflector, the valve directly influences the distance water is distributed, allowing precise control over throw radius without changing water pressure from the source.
4Ease of operation
If conventional nozzles require hand tool for arc adjustment, then the adjustment mechanism may be simple, but the ease of operation is reduced and hand tool availability is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The arc adjustment valve is designed to be directly accessible and operable by the user without requiring special tools or complex mechanisms. The valve can be adjusted manually to any desired arc position within the 0-360 degree range, allowing end-users to easily configure the nozzle for their specific irrigation needs.
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 nozzle provides a variable arc and radius adjustment, ensuring more precise and efficient water distribution, reducing wastage and improving irrigation coverage without the need for hand tools, and maintaining consistent operation across different flow rates and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
The water jet or jets impinge upon this underside surface of the deflector to fill these curved channels and to rotatably drive the deflector
Implementation Method 2
A brake is disposed within the deflector for reducing rotational speed of the deflector to a selected rate
Implementation Method 3
The friction pad is biased against the rotating body and has a frustoconical shaped portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A brake disposed within the deflector (1008) for maintaining rotation of the deflector (1008) at a relatively constant speed regardless of flow rate through the nozzle body (1016) and regardless of temperature; wherein the brake comprises a first body that rotates with the deflector (1008), a second body that is fixed against rotation, and a brake pad (1030) disposed between the first body and the second body; wherein the brake pad (1030) defines a bore therethrough, has a bottommost surface defining an inner ring for engagement with the first body to reduce deflector (1008) rotation at low power input, and has an outermost lip for engagement with the first body to reduce deflector rotation (1008) at high power input, the outermost lip being thicker than the remainder of the brake pad (1030).