Sprinkler Head Adjustment Tool With Water-Redirected Debris Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access to and engagement of irrigation sprinkler head adjustment elements are impeded by debris accumulation, making it difficult to adjust sprinkler operations.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a curved tube redirects the water stream from the sprinkler nozzle to the adjustment element, washing away debris and facilitating access and engagement using a tool head to adjust the sprinkler head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sprinkler head is recessed below ground level, then the sprinkler head is protected from damage and debris accumulation, but access to the adjustment elements is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved tube as an intermediary device that redirects water flow from the nozzle to the adjustment element area. This mediator uses the existing water stream to clean debris from the adjustment element, resolving the contradiction between protection (recessed position) and accessibility (cleaning need) without requiring the sprinkler head to be elevated
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the sprinkler system to clean its own adjustment elements using its own water output. The curved tube redirects a portion of the sprayed water back to clean the adjustment element, allowing the system to self-maintain without external intervention or system redesign
2Device complexity
If adjustment elements are recessed in bores or ports, then the sprinkler head structure is compact and protected, but debris accumulation obstructs access to adjustment elements
Solution Approach 1:
The curved tube serves as a mediator that delivers water flow precisely to the recessed adjustment element area. This allows the adjustment elements to remain recessed for structural compactness while the water stream, redirected through the curved tube, cleans debris from the bore or port area to maintain accessibility
3Device complexity
If debris accumulates on the upper portion of the sprinkler head, then the structure remains simple without additional cleaning mechanisms, but access to and engagement of the adjustment element becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The curved tube adds minimal structural complexity while providing multi-functionality: it redirects water flow to clean the adjustment element, facilitates access by washing away debris, and maintains the simple recessed sprinkler head design. The solution achieves cleaning functionality without complex mechanical cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational water output to perform the cleaning function. The curved tube redirects a portion of the sprayed water back to clean the adjustment element area, allowing the sprinkler to self-maintain without requiring separate cleaning mechanisms or external intervention
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
Effectively clears debris from adjustment elements, enabling easy access and adjustment of sprinkler head operations.
Implementation Method 1
redirects the water stream from the sprinkler nozzle to the adjustment element, washing away debris
Data Source
AI summary
A method and tool for cleaning and adjusting an irrigation system sprinkler head includes a tool with tool head configured to engage an adjustment element of the sprinkler head and a curved tube having a first open end and a second open end. The tool is positioned so that the first open end of the curved tube receives a water stream exiting a nozzle of the sprinkler head and the second open end of the curved tube ejects the water stream in a direction of the adjustment element. The tool is then positioned so that the tool head engages the adjustment element and the adjustment element is turned with the tool head to adjust an operation of the sprinkler head.