Rotating Sprinkler with Intermittent Pulse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating sprinklers used with pulsating devices in irrigation systems face challenges in maintaining effective distribution of liquid due to high flow rates causing rapid rotation, which results in shorter spray distances and uneven coverage.
Innovation Solution
A rotating sprinkler design that stops rotating before the end of each pulse, utilizing momentum and biasing forces to control movement, and incorporates mechanical interactions between rotating and static parts to achieve a non-integer angular rotational movement, ensuring even distribution by varying the rotational step between pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sprinkler rotates at high speed during each pulse due to high flow rate, then the liquid can be distributed quickly, but the emitted pulses are sprayed to shorter distances
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler implements periodic rotation during each liquid pulse, rotating for a controlled portion of the pulse duration and then stopping. This periodic motion allows the sprinkler to distribute liquid to multiple areas over time while maintaining sufficient spray distance during the stationary phases, resolving the contradiction between distribution speed and spray distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler transitions from continuous rotation to dynamic intermittent rotation, where the rotation speed and duration are controlled based on the pulse characteristics. This dynamic control allows optimization of both distribution efficiency and spray distance by adjusting rotation timing during each pulse cycle.
2Area of stationary object
If the sprinkler rotates continuously during the pulse, then liquid distribution coverage increases, but the distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic rotation with controlled stopping phases, the sprinkler achieves more uniform liquid distribution. The intermittent rotation pattern ensures that liquid is deposited in a systematic sequence across the coverage area, preventing concentration in specific zones and improving overall distribution uniformity while maintaining extensive coverage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sprinkler allows momentum force to continue rotation after pulse ends, then rotation smoothness improves, but spray distance decreases due to excessive speed
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler applies preliminary counter-action by implementing controlled stopping mechanisms before the pulse ends, preventing excessive rotation speed buildup. This anticipatory control ensures that the sprinkler maintains optimal rotation speed throughout the pulse duration and can maintain sufficient spray distance, while still achieving smooth rotation through controlled motion transitions.
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 design enhances the distance of liquid spray and achieves a more even distribution pattern, covering a wider area by combining static and dynamic movement of the sprinkler parts, resulting in improved irrigation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the emitted pulses being sprayed to shorter distances... the remainder of the given pulse that is still being emitted until the given pulse ends
Implementation Method 2
the sprinkler comprises a biasing means adapted to urge the rotating portion to move down along the axis
Implementation Method 3
pulses emitted by the rotating portion to the outside environment are directed along paths forming a moment force that urges the rotation of the rotating portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2F
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A rotating sprinkler (14) configured to be used with a pulsating device (12) that forms pulses that have a beginning and an end. The sprinkler has a rotating portion (16) that can rotate about an axis (X) while emitting the liquid pulses to the outside environment, and the rotating portion (16) is adapted to stop to rotate before the end of each liquid pulse.