Smart Sprinkler Wireless Identification for Faster Program Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of smart sprinklers requires manual identification and assignment of watering programs to each sprinkler, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, as conventional techniques involve roaming the grounds to activate each sprinkler individually.
Innovation Solution
Smart sprinklers are equipped with a transmitter to wirelessly broadcast a unique identification code, allowing a computing device to receive and display the sprinkler's location, enabling efficient identification and program assignment without manual searching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional techniques are used to identify sprinklers by manual activation and roaming, then the system can identify sprinklers, but the installation time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical identification process (roaming and visually locating activated sprinklers) with an automated electronic system. Each sprinkler is equipped with a unique identification code stored in memory, and a transmitter that wirelessly broadcasts this code. The controller automatically receives and processes these transmissions to identify sprinkler locations, eliminating the need for manual roaming and activation observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler system performs self-identification through automated transmitters that broadcast unique identification codes. The system serves itself by automatically locating and identifying each sprinkler's position without requiring manual intervention or roaming by installers, thereby reducing installation time and labor requirements.
2Ease of operation
If manual activation of each sprinkler is performed for identification, then the sprinkler can be located, but the operation complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing unique identification codes in the memory of each sprinkler during manufacturing. The transmitters are pre-configured to broadcast these codes automatically when activated by the controller. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual identification processes during installation, as the system already contains all necessary identifying information.
3Productivity
If conventional identification methods are used, then sprinklers can be identified, but the efficiency and water savings benefits are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the transmitter continuously or periodically broadcasts the sprinkler's unique identification code to the controller. The controller receives this feedback information and automatically processes it to identify the sprinkler's location and assign the appropriate watering program. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual identification steps and accelerates the installation process.
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
Facilitates rapid and accurate identification of installed sprinklers, reducing installation time and improving efficiency by allowing simultaneous detection and labeling from a close proximity.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter contained in the interior cavity and configured to wirelessly broadcast the sprinkler identification code
Data Source
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AI summary
A sprinkler includes a base having an interior cavity, a fluid flow path extending through the interior cavity, a valve, a nozzle head, a motorized rotator, memory containing a sprinkler identification code that uniquely identifies the sprinkler, and a transmitter. The valve includes a valve body and a valve element configured to move relative to the valve body to various positions to control a water flow through the fluid flow path. The nozzle head is supported by the base and includes at least one nozzle configured to discharge water received through the fluid flow path. The motorized rotator is configured to rotate the nozzle head about an axis. The transmitter is contained in the interior cavity and configured to wirelessly broadcast the sprinkler identification code.