Sprinkler Arc Adjusting Gear With Disengaging Reverse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotor-type sprinklers with reversing mechanisms lack precise control over arc adjustment and tactile feedback, leading to inconsistent and unpredictable changes in rotation direction, which affects the uniformity of irrigation coverage.
Innovation Solution
The sprinkler design incorporates a reversing mechanism with a shift arm, adjustment gears, and a user interface that allows for axial movement of the adjustment shaft to selectively engage and disengage gears, providing precise control over the arc adjustment and rotation direction through a cam-driven mechanism, ensuring consistent and adjustable arc settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reversing stator design with a long metal shaft is used, then the reversing mechanism can switch water jets to reverse rotation, but the shaft can twist relative to rigidly mounted components and undesirably change the reverse point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional long metal shaft mechanical system with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupling transmits rotational force from the motor to the reversing mechanism without physical contact, eliminating shaft twist and ensuring consistent reverse points. This substitution of mechanical connection with magnetic field interaction directly resolves the reliability issue while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the motor and the reversing mechanism. This magnetic intermediary transfers torque without requiring a rigid mechanical connection, allowing the reversing mechanism to operate smoothly while preventing the shaft twist problem that causes inconsistent reverse points.
2Ease of operation
If stopping the rotation of the stator and changing direction via alternate water jets is used, then reversal can be achieved, but good repeatable arc shift points and tactile feedback are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms in the arc adjustment system. When users adjust the arc settings, they can feel distinct stop points and tactile cues that indicate precise positioning. This feedback loop allows users to achieve repeatable arc shift points by sensing the mechanical stops and position indicators, directly addressing the measurement precision issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the arc adjustment mechanism into discrete, segmented positions with tactile stops. Instead of continuous adjustment, the system provides distinct, feelable position markers that guide users to precise arc settings. This segmentation enables repeatable arc shift points by creating identifiable, tactile reference positions throughout the adjustment range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional reversing mechanisms are used, then rotation direction can be changed, but precise control over arc adjustment and tactile feedback are lacking, leading to inconsistent irrigation coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical reversing mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system that provides smoother, more precise control. This substitution eliminates mechanical play and inconsistency in the reversing action, enabling better arc adjustment control and more uniform irrigation coverage through precise, repeatable reverse points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the reversing mechanism dynamically adjustable with precise control over arc settings. The system allows users to dynamically change arc parameters while maintaining consistent performance through tactile feedback and magnetic coupling, enhancing adaptability while ensuring manufacturing precision in the form of uniform irrigation coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler can include a turbine, a nozzle, a gear drive and a reversing mechanism. The gear drive and the reversing mechanism rotatably couple the turbine and the nozzle. The gear drive can shift a direction of rotation of an output stage that is coupled to the reversing mechanism. The sprinkler can include at least one arc adjusting gear that moves and arc adjusting tab to contact a shift arm to cause the shifting mechanism to change direction. The arc adjusting gear can engage with the arc tab for adjusting the arc setting and disengage from the arc tab for normal operation.