Segmented Control Cam for Adjustable Sprinkler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinklers with uniformly flexible control cam annular discs suffer from irregularities in sprinkled area boundaries and potential standstill due to maximum gradient issues during nozzle arrangement rotation, caused by the flexibility of the control cam body.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler design featuring dimensionally stable segments with non-flexible curve sections and joint areas, where the control cam is supported only at the joint areas, reducing the maximum gradient and ensuring consistent sprinkling width adjustment as a function of angle via a continuously continuous control curve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a uniformly flexible control cam annular disc is used, then the control curve can be adjusted in non-planar shapes, but irregularities in the sprinkled area boundaries and standstill occur due to maximum gradient issues
Solution Approach 1:
The control cam is divided into multiple rigid segments connected by flexible joints, replacing the uniformly flexible annular disc. Each segment maintains dimensional stability while the joints provide necessary flexibility for non-planar control curves, eliminating the gradient-related irregularities and standstill issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the control cam have different properties: rigid segments for dimensional stability and gradient control, and flexible joints for adaptability. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve non-planar control curves without the harmful effects of uniform flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control cam is made flexible to allow non-planar shaping, then the sprinkling width can be adjusted as a function of angle, but the maximum gradient becomes too high causing irregularities and standstill
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control cam into rigid sections, each segment can be precisely manufactured with controlled gradients. The segmentation allows the overall flexible appearance while maintaining local rigidity and gradient control for precise sprinkling width adjustment without boundary irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control cam transitions from a static uniformly flexible disc to a dynamic segmented structure where rigid segments are connected through flexible joints. This allows the cam to adapt to non-planar shapes while maintaining controlled gradients through the rigid segments, ensuring precise and regular sprinkling patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjusting means are distributed around the circumference to support the control cam, then the control curve can be shaped, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control cam is segmented into modular units that can be independently adjusted. Each segment can be positioned and locked at specific heights using simple adjusting means, eliminating the need for complex continuous adjustment mechanisms while still enabling versatile non-planar control curve shaping.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing continuous adjustment along the entire circumference, adjusting means are provided only at discrete segment positions. This partial action approach reduces device complexity while still achieving the necessary control curve shaping capability through the segmented structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a circular or sector sprinkler, a nozzle arrangement of which generates a jet pattern with a sprinkling range that is adjustable in accordance with the angle of rotation. The sprinkler head of said sprinkler is surrounded by an annular control cam which can be transformed into a non-planar shape by means of adjusting elements. The control cam is formed by a plurality of segments which are to be considered dimensionally stable per se, are sequentially arranged in the peripheral direction, and are connected in joint regions in such a way that the segments can be angularly adjusted relative to one another. The control cam is supported on the housing by adjusting elements in the joint regions.