Sand Trap Flushing Valve Control for Continuous Irrigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Irrigation systems face issues with sand and debris accumulation in filters, leading to improper functioning or shutdown, requiring manual intervention that can disrupt irrigation and result in valuable time loss.

Innovation Solution

A flushing system with a controlled valve connected to the filter, which can be manually, electronically, or automatically operated, using sensors and timers to flush debris when the irrigation system is in use, ensuring timely and automated sand trap cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual emptying of sand trap is performed, then the sand trap can be cleaned, but the operator must locate and climb the tower which causes time loss and disrupts irrigation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesand trap cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidtime to locate and access sand trap

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service cleaning by using the irrigation system's own water flow to automatically flush the sand trap. The controlled valve allows water to bypass the filter element and directly flush the sand trap contents without requiring operator intervention or tower climbing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of climbing the tower and manually emptying the sand trap is replaced with an automated hydraulic system. The controlled valve and water flow substitution eliminates the need for physical access to the elevated sand trap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual emptying of sand trap is performed, then the sand trap can be cleaned, but the operator's physical access is required which increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesand trap cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidoperator access requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the sand trap is not emptied in a timely manner, then the irrigation system can continue operating, but sand and debris accumulate causing improper functioning or shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirrigation system continuous operationVSAvoidirrigation system proper functioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary cleaning action by periodically flushing the sand trap during irrigation operation. The controlled valve is activated at predetermined intervals to prevent sand and debris accumulation before it can cause improper functioning or shutdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sand trap flushing is integrated into the continuous irrigation operation. The controlled valve allows water to continuously flow through the system while periodically diverting water to flush the sand trap, ensuring continuous productive operation without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Extent of automation

If automated valve control is implemented, then the flushing process is automated reducing manual intervention, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve control automationVSAvoidcontrol system components

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor irrigation system operation and automatically trigger the controlled valve to open for flushing at predetermined intervals. This feedback-based automation reduces manual intervention while managing system complexity through intelligent control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 effectively flushes debris from filters, preventing system malfunction and ensuring continuous operation by automating the cleaning process, reducing manual intervention and minimizing downtime.

Implementation Method 1

water from the irrigation system entering the sand trap, flushes the sand and debris from the sand trap via the valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic flow:

Data Source

PatentUS12569785B2Automatic flushing system for filters associated with an irrigation system

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 REEVES BARRY H

AI summary

Disclosed is a flushing system for flushing debris from a sand trap of an irrigation system. The system includes a controlled valve fluidly coupled to a flush outlet of the sand trap. The valve is electronically controlled, such that when open and with the irrigation system running, water from the irrigation system entering the sand trap, flushes the sand trap via the valve. In one embodiment, the flush system comprises a valve connected to a flush outlet of the sand trap. A control unit in electrical communication with the valve and a sensor is associated with the control unit for sensing an operation of the irrigation system. The control unit is configured to control the valve to open or close based on input from the sensor relating to operation of the irrigation system, wherein when the valve is open fluid and/or debris can be purged from the sand trap.