Self-Retaining Irrigation Nozzle with Snap-Fit Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nozzle retention methods in irrigation sprinklers are inadequate, as they can lead to unintentional nozzle discharge under high water pressures, requiring frequent adjustments and potential replacement, especially during harsh operations like winterization, and may reduce sprinkler range without a diffuser screw.

Innovation Solution

A self-retaining nozzle design featuring a snap-fit connection with axial extensions and barbs that securely attach to the nozzle socket, preventing unintentional discharge under typical and elevated pressures, while allowing easy removal when the sprinkler is not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screw retaining the nozzle within the nozzle socket is used as a stream diffuser, then the nozzle can be retained and the water stream can be de-energized, but the user may inadvertently remove the screw and the nozzle may become unintentionally discharged under high water pressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle retention reliabilityVSAvoiddifficulty of inadvertent removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the nozzle retention function from the stream diffuser function by providing a dedicated retention mechanism (snap-fit connection with axial extensions and barbs) distinct from the diffuser screw. This segmentation ensures that the retention mechanism cannot be inadvertently removed while still allowing the diffuser screw to perform its stream modification function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The snap-fit retention mechanism is designed to be self-activating upon nozzle insertion into the socket. The axial extensions automatically engage with the socket features and the barbs lock the nozzle in place without requiring separate fastening actions, eliminating the need for users to manually secure the nozzle with a screw.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the diffuser screw is removed to improve ease of operation, then close range watering is achieved, but the nozzle cannot withstand water pressures above about 30 psi and may become unintentionally discharged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of close range watering setupVSAvoidnozzle retention under pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating retention and diffuser functions, the invention allows the nozzle to be securely retained regardless of diffuser screw presence. Users can operate the sprinkler with or without the diffuser screw based on desired spray pattern, without compromising nozzle retention reliability under high pressures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If retainer screws are used to hold the nozzle in place, then the nozzle can be securely retained, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle retention securityVSAvoidnumber of retention components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the retention function from the diffuser screw and implements it through integrated snap-fit features directly on the nozzle and socket. This eliminates the need for separate retainer screws and associated threading features, reducing component count and simplifying the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention features (axial extensions and barbs) are integrated directly into the nozzle body structure, merging the retention function with the nozzle component itself rather than requiring separate retention hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the nozzle is designed for easy removal and installation, then user convenience is improved, but the nozzle may become unintentionally discharged under high water pressures like during winterization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of nozzle installation and removalVSAvoidresistance to unintentional discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The snap-fit connection incorporates flexible axial extensions that can dynamically respond to pressure loads. The barbs are designed to flex slightly under high pressure during winterization but maintain sufficient engagement to prevent unintentional discharge, while still allowing easy manual removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The combination of rigid nozzle body with flexible axial extensions creates a composite structure that provides both ease of installation (through snap-fit engagement) and resistance to unintentional discharge (through pressure-resistant barb locking).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8888023B2Self-retaining nozzle

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 RAIN BIRD CORP

AI summary

An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a nozzle and a turret for the distribution of irrigation water that includes a latching portion so that the nozzle may be detachably inserted into a nozzle socket of the turret. The nozzle may include radially flexible extensions with radial protrusions that interengage with corresponding lock seats of the nozzle socket to form a latching connection therewith. The latching connection restricts the nozzle from becoming unintentionally discharged from the nozzle socket. The nozzle may further be configured so that increased water pressure acting on the nozzle causes the radial protrusions to more tightly engage the nozzle socket to prevent unintentional discharge of the nozzle.