Soil-Moisture Sprinkler Control for Uniform Golf Course Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinkler systems on golf courses operate based on a singular command, often leading to uneven water distribution, affecting vegetation growth and golfing conditions due to overwatering or underwatering in different areas.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation system with sensors to measure soil water saturation levels, a control system to adjust watering schemes, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium to dynamically control sprinklers based on data for optimal water saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a singular command controls all sprinklers in the system, then the control system is simple and easy to operate, but water distribution becomes uneven across different areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sprinkler system into multiple independently controllable zones or areas, each with its own control parameters. Instead of treating all sprinklers as a single unit, the system segments them into groups that can be managed separately based on local conditions, enabling differentiated water distribution while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control of segmented units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality control by allowing different water distribution parameters (timing, duration, intensity) to be applied to different areas based on their specific needs. Each zone can have customized watering schedules and saturation targets, ensuring that each local area receives appropriate water management rather than a uniform approach across the entire course.
2Ease of manufacture
If preset commands are transmitted at fixed times, then the control system is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to changing conditions affecting vegetation and play quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor soil saturation levels and environmental conditions in real-time. Sensors detect current moisture content and provide this information back to the control system, which then adjusts watering commands based on actual conditions rather than relying solely on preset schedules. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static preset commands to dynamic adjustment capabilities. Watering parameters such as timing, duration, and intensity are made variable and can be modified in real-time based on sensor data and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond flexibly to changing vegetation needs and weather conditions while building upon a simple base control structure.
3Device complexity
If all areas receive the same water saturation command, then the control logic is simple, but some areas receive too much or too little water affecting vegetation growth
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic is segmented into area-specific control units, each managing water distribution for particular zones of the golf course. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple control logic within each zone while achieving reliable vegetation growth optimization through localized control. Each segment can have its own saturation targets and watering parameters tailored to specific vegetation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality control by setting different water saturation targets and parameters for different areas based on their specific vegetation types, soil conditions, and usage requirements. Each zone receives customized water management parameters rather than a uniform command, ensuring optimal vegetation growth in each local area while the overall control logic remains relatively simple through standardized local control routines.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system includes at least one sensor configured to acquire data regarding a water saturation level of an area of soil, a sprinkler configured to provide water to the area of soil, and a control system. The control system is configured to acquire the data from the at least one sensor and adjust a watering scheme of the sprinkler based on the data to provide a desired water saturation level to the area of soil.