Rotatable Sprinkler Deflector Assembly for Adjustable Water Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinklers lack user-adjustable features for optimizing water distribution patterns, limiting flexibility and efficiency in irrigation applications.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable sprinkler design featuring a water outlet nozzle and a rotatable deflector assembly with user-selectable axes, allowing for adjustment of water distribution parameters through a system of rotatable water path deflector portions and engagement protrusions, enabling multiple user-selectable water flow pathways and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sprinklers are used, then the structure is simple, but the water distribution pattern cannot be adjusted by users
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler head is divided into multiple independent deflector portions (first rotatable water path deflector portion and second rotatable water path deflector portion), each capable of independent rotation and adjustment. This segmentation allows users to adjust water distribution patterns by rotating individual portions to different orientations, providing versatility without requiring complete redesign of the entire sprinkler structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector portions are designed to be rotatable and dynamically adjustable during operation. The second rotatable water path deflector portion can be rotated relative to the first portion about a second axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of water flow pathways and distribution patterns while maintaining structural integrity through standardized mounting interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If multiple rotatable deflector portions are added, then user selection of water distribution parameters is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete, independently adjustable components (first and second rotatable deflector portions with separate rotation axes). Users can adjust water distribution parameters by simply rotating these segmented components to desired orientations, making operation intuitive and easy without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler employs self-adjusting features where users can directly rotate the deflector portions to desired positions without requiring external tools or complex adjustment mechanisms. The engagement protrusions and receiving recesses enable users to easily set and lock the deflector portions at specific orientations, providing user-friendly operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If engagement protrusions and receiving recesses are used, then user-selectable orientations are fixed, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement protrusions and receiving recesses are designed with specific local geometric features that provide precise alignment at critical locations. The protrusions extend radially outwardly with specific shapes that mate with corresponding recesses, ensuring accurate positioning of the second deflector portion relative to the first without requiring high precision across the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features are designed with optimized geometric parameters (radial extension, angular positioning, and dimensional tolerances) that balance manufacturing precision requirements with ease of assembly. The parameters of the protrusions and recesses are specifically configured to provide sufficient alignment precision while accommodating normal manufacturing variations and facilitating straightforward assembly operations.
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
Enables customizable water distribution patterns and enhanced irrigation efficiency by allowing users to select from various water flow pathways and orientations, improving coverage and adaptability to different irrigation needs.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable water deflector assembly, downstream of the water outlet nozzle and receiving the pressurized axial stream of water therefrom, the rotatable water deflector assembly being rotated during sprinkler operation by the pressurized axial stream of water about a rotatable water path deflector assembly axis
Implementation Method 2
the first water path deflector surface, which includes an initial generally vertical planar surface portion, which extends vertically to a curved surface portion, the curved surface portion extending vertically and radially outwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable sprinkler including a water outlet nozzle providing a pressurized axial stream of water along a nozzle axis, and a rotatable water deflector assembly, downstream of the water outlet nozzle and receiving the pressurized axial stream of water therefrom, the rotatable water deflector assembly being rotated during sprinkler operation by the pressurized axial stream of water about a rotatable water path deflector assembly axis, the rotatable water deflector assembly including a first rotatable water path deflector portion and a second rotatable water path deflector portion, which is user rotatable relative to the first rotatable water path deflector portion about a second rotatable water path deflector axis, thereby enabling user selection of at least one water distribution parameter.