Self-Cleaning Sprinkler Needle Mechanism for Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler systems fail to effectively prevent debris accumulation in nozzles, leading to reduced water expulsion efficiency and water loss due to stuck debris in flushing openings.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning sprinkler design featuring an upper and lower housing with a nozzle, a diaphragm that moves between open and closed positions to allow water flow, and a needle that expels debris from the nozzle when closed, preventing further debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-flushing mechanism with spiral spring and sleeve valve is used, then debris from main conduit can be removed, but debris in nozzle cannot be cleaned and water is constantly lost through open flushing openings
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is propelled by water pressure itself to perform the cleaning function. When water flows through the nozzle, the pressure differential causes the needle to move and scrape debris from the nozzle interior, then return to its blocking position automatically when pressure equalizes, eliminating the need for external actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing mechanism operates periodically rather than continuously. The needle blocks the flushing opening during normal operation to prevent water loss, then opens periodically when water pressure builds up to expel debris, creating a rhythmic clean-block cycle that maintains pressure while removing debris
2Ease of operation
If compression spring mechanism is used for pop-up sprinkler, then stem can pop in and out of ground, but no means to prevent debris accumulation in nozzle or packing material area
Solution Approach 1:
The needle acts as an intermediary cleaning element between the water flow and the nozzle interior. It transfers the cleaning action from the flowing water to the nozzle surfaces, scraping debris away without interfering with the stem's pop-up and pop-down movement controlled by the compression spring
Data Source
AI summary
A self-cleaning sprinkler is disclosed, generally comprised of an upper and lower housing, which encase a nozzle and a diaphragm. The diaphragm moves in an upward and downward position relative to the nozzle, which allows water located within a chamber to be expelled out of an exit aperture of the nozzle. A needle is secured within the diaphragm to correspondingly move in an upward and downward position, such that once in a closed position, the needle will penetrate the exit aperture of the nozzle in order to clean any debris that may have accumulated therein. The diaphragm moves in from a closed position to an open position depending on the incoming water pressure.