Sprinkler Brake Assembly and Removable Nozzle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary sprinklers face issues with reduced water throw distance due to high rotational speed, interference from frame supports, and serviceability challenges, including temperature-dependent viscosity affecting deflector rotation and requiring removal from the water supply for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A rotary sprinkler design with a removable nozzle and brake device that allows top-serviceable maintenance, featuring a self-contained brake module with friction control and interlocking portions for easy assembly and disassembly, and support structures with airfoil-shaped cross-sections to minimize shadow in the spray pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a viscous brake device is used to control rotation of the deflector, then the rotational speed can be controlled, but the rotation speed varies when ambient temperature or supply pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly uses a friction brake mechanism where the brake shoe presses against the brake drum to create friction-based resistance. By adjusting the spring pressure or friction material characteristics, the brake can compensate for temperature and pressure variations to maintain more consistent rotational speed compared to viscous fluid-based brakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the viscous fluid-based braking system with a mechanical friction brake system. This substitution eliminates the temperature-dependent viscosity characteristics and provides more reliable, consistent braking performance across varying operating conditions through direct mechanical friction control.
2Strength
If the nozzle is installed from the underside of the sprinkler, then it can be secured firmly, but the sprinkler must be removed from the water supply to access and clean the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler is divided into separable modules with the nozzle, deflector, and brake assembly able to be independently removed from the upper portion. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be accessed and serviced from the top without removing the entire sprinkler from the water supply, while maintaining firm connection during operation through the interlocking portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of accessing the nozzle from the underside as in conventional designs, the invention enables top-serviceable access. The nozzle is designed with interlocking portions that allow it to be inserted and secured from the top, reversing the traditional service approach and eliminating the need to remove the sprinkler for nozzle maintenance.
3Device complexity
If the brake device is integrated into the frame, then the structure is compact, but the entire sprinkler must be removed to service the brake
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly is segmented as a separate, removable module that interfaces with the frame through standardized mounting features. This allows the brake to be independently accessed, removed, and serviced without disturbing the entire sprinkler assembly or frame structure, enabling top-serviceable maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly is designed as a universal, self-contained module that can be easily installed and removed from the frame. This modular design provides multi-functionality by allowing the same brake module to be serviced, replaced, or adjusted without affecting other components, maintaining structural integration benefits while enabling independent maintenance.
4Area of stationary object
If the deflector rotates at high speed, then the spray coverage area increases, but the water throw distance is substantially reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly provides dynamic control of the deflector rotational speed by creating friction-based resistance that can be adjusted to achieve optimal rotation rates. This dynamic braking system allows the deflector to rotate at controlled speeds that balance spray coverage area with water throw distance, preventing excessive rotation that would reduce throw distance while still providing adequate coverage.
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
The design enhances water throw distance, reduces interference from supports, and simplifies maintenance by allowing the brake and nozzle to be serviced without removing the sprinkler from the water supply, maintaining consistent deflector rotation across temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
a viscous brake device is used to control rotation of the deflector. The viscous brake device utilizes drag produced by rotation of a brake rotor within a viscous fluid
Implementation Method 2
The deflector redirects the stream into a generally horizontal spray and the deflector is rotated by a reaction force created by the impinging stream from the fixed nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, a sprinkler is provided having a nozzle, a deflector that receives fluid flow from the nozzle, and a friction or viscous brake assembly that controls rotation of a deflector. The friction or viscous brake assembly is releasably connected to the frame in order to enhance serviceability of the sprinkler. In another aspect, a sprinkler is provided having a frame, a deflector rotatably connected to the frame, a nozzle, and a nozzle socket of the frame. The nozzle and nozzle socket have interlocking portions that releasably connect the nozzle to the frame. The nozzle may be easily removed for servicing. Further, the nozzle socket can be configured to receive a plurality of nozzles having different flow characteristics. A nozzle can be selected and utilized with the sprinkler according to the desired application for the sprinkler.