Side Load Sprinkler Nozzle System With Pivoting Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary-type sprinkler heads require disassembly and shut-off of water supply to change nozzles, which is complex and lacks simple and reliable nozzle-change and shut-off features, affecting irrigation efficiency and adaptability to different soil conditions and crop types.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler head design featuring a nozzle carrier that pivots between installed and offset positions, with a shut-off surface and spring arms for locking and releasing nozzles, allowing for easy nozzle exchange and flow control without disassembling the sprinkler head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is made removable and interchangeable, then the adaptability of the sprinkler system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler head is divided into distinct modular components: a body, a carrier assembly that holds the nozzle, and spring arms. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be easily removed and replaced by simply detaching the carrier assembly from the body, without requiring disassembly of the entire sprinkler head.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier assembly is designed to be movable relative to the body, transitioning between an engaged position (where the nozzle is active) and a disengaged position (where the nozzle can be removed). This dynamic design enables quick nozzle changes without permanent fixation, resolving the contradiction between interchangeability and complexity.
2Reliability
If the water supply is shut off to change nozzles, then the reliability of the shut-off process is improved, but the productivity of the irrigation system deteriorates due to system disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The shut-off function is extracted from the main water supply line and integrated into the carrier assembly itself. The carrier assembly includes a shut-off surface that, when moved to a specific position, blocks the flow passage within the sprinkler head. This allows the nozzle to be changed without shutting off the main water supply, maintaining irrigation productivity while ensuring reliable flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the water supply and the nozzle. It provides a local shut-off function that isolates only the specific nozzle being serviced, rather than shutting off the entire system. This mediator approach maintains overall system productivity while enabling safe nozzle replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex multi-nozzle turret arrangement is used for selective nozzle installation, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a complex multi-nozzle turret arrangement, the invention provides a simple carrier assembly with a single nozzle holder that can be quickly attached and detached. The spring arms provide localized securing force only where needed to hold the nozzle in place, rather than requiring a complex mechanism to manage multiple nozzles. This simplifies operation while maintaining the ability to selectively install different nozzles.
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
Enables quick and reliable nozzle replacement and shut-off without disrupting the sprinkler system, improving irrigation flexibility and efficiency by allowing for on-demand adjustments in sprinkling patterns based on soil conditions and crop needs.
Implementation Method 1
spring arms provided with tabs engageable with the sprinkler body
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body having an inlet bore at one end, and a nozzle carrier supporting at least one nozzle is attached to the sprinkler body for pivoting movement between a nozzle-offset position and a nozzle-installed position. The nozzle carrier is provided with a shut-off surface portion for shutting off flow through the sprinkler body when the nozzle carrier is moved to the nozzle-offset position.