Sprinkler Base Rotational Adjustment for Sloping Terrain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sprinkler bases lack the ability to adjust the sprinkler head to a preferred vertical or near-vertical position when placed on sloping surfaces, affecting the operation and efficiency of sprinkler systems on uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

A sprinkler base design featuring a platform component and a flow component with cooperating restraint means, including 'C' shaped circumferential members and interengaging toothed surfaces, allowing incremental rotational adjustments to compensate for surface slopes, ensuring the sprinkler head can be oriented near vertically, and incorporating features like filter screens and pressure regulating discs for efficient water distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sprinkler base is placed on a sloping surface, then the sprinkler head cannot maintain vertical orientation, but adding adjustment mechanisms increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesprinkler head orientationVSAvoidbase structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base incorporates a rotational adjustment mechanism with toothed surfaces that allow the sprinkler head to be dynamically repositioned to various angular orientations. This enables the sprinkler to adapt to sloping surfaces while maintaining proper water distribution, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural complexity by providing controlled adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the angular parameter of the sprinkler head orientation through the rotational mechanism. By allowing adjustment of the orientation parameter, the sprinkler can compensate for slope angles and maintain effective operation, balancing the need for operational flexibility with a relatively simple mechanical adjustment structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the sprinkler head is adjusted to precise vertical position, then water distribution efficiency improves, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater distribution efficiencyVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a simple mechanical toothed engagement system instead of complex mechanical adjustment devices. The toothed surfaces provide incremental rotational positioning through direct mechanical engagement, achieving precise vertical alignment without requiring complex mechanisms, thus improving water distribution efficiency while keeping the adjustment mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the circumferential members are designed to restrain rotation, then the sprinkler head maintains proper orientation, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesprinkler head positionVSAvoidrestraint mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circumferential members feature asymmetric toothed surfaces with teeth on only one side, creating a ratchet-like restraint mechanism. This asymmetric design allows rotation in one direction while restraining rotation in the opposite direction, providing stable sprinkler head positioning with a simple structural feature rather than a complex dual-directional restraint system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3062604B1Sprinkler base
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 KATCO HLDG
  • EP3062604B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3062604B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3062604B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sprinkler base is provided comprising a platform component and a flow component. The flow component may have a tubular body encompassing a flow passage. A fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet may communicate with each other via the flow passage. The first fluid outlet may be arranged to receive a sprinkler head extending perpendicularly to an axis of the tubular body. The platform component may include mounting means to hold the tubular body of the flow component. Restraint means may be provided to retrain the tubular body against rotation about the axis of the tubular body relative to the platform component in one of a plurality of rotational positions.