Self-Cleaning Emitter Filter via Flexible Membrane Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation emitters with static filters are prone to blocking due to the accumulation of foreign bodies, leading to interrupted water flow and lack of effective cleaning mechanisms, while sophisticated emitters with resilient diaphragms are costly and complex to assemble and maintain.
Innovation Solution
The emitter incorporates a filter with rectangular or other openings that can bend under pressure, disrupting the foreign body layer and restoring flow by developing a pressure difference across the filter elements, allowing them to return to their original position once the blockage is cleared, ensuring continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a static filter with rigid rectangular openings is used, then filtering quality is improved, but the filter becomes prone to blocking by foreign bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static rigid filter structure into a dynamic flexible membrane structure. The membrane can deform and adapt its shape in response to pressure changes, allowing it to maintain filtering functionality while preventing blocking by foreign bodies through its ability to flex and recover.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly implements this principle by using a flexible membrane instead of rigid rectangular openings. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to varying pressure conditions and prevent foreign bodies from causing permanent blockages, while still maintaining the necessary filtering precision through its controlled permeability.
2Reliability
If resilient diaphragms are used to prevent blocking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filtering function and the self-cleaning function into a single integrated flexible membrane structure. This eliminates the need for separate resilient diaphragms and complex assembly procedures, as the membrane inherently performs both filtering and automatic clearing of foreign bodies through its pressure-responsive deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane operates on a self-service principle where the pressure differential automatically causes the membrane to deform and clear foreign bodies without requiring external intervention, complex mechanisms, or sophisticated assembly procedures. The system cleans itself through its inherent mechanical response to pressure changes.
3Reliability
If preventive water purification is implemented, then blocking is prevented, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane provides self-service by automatically clearing foreign bodies through pressure-induced deformation, eliminating the need for costly external water purification systems. The membrane's inherent mechanical response to pressure changes performs the cleaning function internally, reducing operational costs while maintaining reliable blockage prevention.
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 self-cleaning mechanism effectively prevents blockages and maintains emitter functionality without the need for costly preventive measures, ensuring reliable water flow and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a difference of pressure is developed between the two surfaces of the above mentioned elements. This difference of pressure exercises forces that bend certain points of these elements
Implementation Method 2
the elements are bent slightly in the limits of elasticity of the plastic material and therefore they are restored immediately afterwards in their previous position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The emitter with potential of self cleaning of the water inlet filter, has incorporated filter in the inlet of water that consists of openings (2) with potential of bending of elements (1, Ia, 9) that create them if particular pressure is exercised from the one side of their surface. In case of complete blocking of the openings (2) of elements (1, Ia, 9) from foreign bodies that are transferred by water, a difference of pressure is developed between the two surfaces of these elements. This difference of pressure exercises forces and moments that bend or twist specific points of elements (1, Ia, 9) and as a consequence the continuity in the layer of foreign bodies that covers the filter is disturbed and interrupted. These forces are exercised constantly until the above mentioned difference of pressure is eliminated. In most systems, the deflection sag is controlled and limited by terminal limits (11).