Rotary Sprinkler Brake Assembly for Throw Distance and Serviceability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary-type sprinklers face issues with reduced water throw distance due to high rotational speed, interference of frame supports with the water stream, and serviceability challenges such as nozzle plugging and braking system failures, which require removal from the water supply for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a removable brake device that controls deflector rotation using friction, allowing for easy maintenance and replacement, and optimized frame supports with airfoil-shaped cross-sections to minimize shadow in the spray pattern, enabling adjustable nozzle configurations for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the deflector rotates at high speed, then the sprinkler covers more area, but the water throw distance is substantially reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a brake device that adjusts the rotational speed parameter of the deflector. The brake device includes a brake rotor with brake surfaces that create frictional resistance, allowing the rotational speed to be controlled and regulated. This enables the system to operate at optimized speeds that balance coverage area with water throw distance, preventing excessive rotation that would reduce throw distance while still maintaining adequate coverage.
2Speed
If a viscous brake device is used to control rotation, then rotational speed is regulated, but constant rotation speed is not maintained when ambient temperature or supply pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the viscous fluid-based braking system with a mechanical friction-based brake device. The brake rotor with brake surfaces creates frictional resistance that is less sensitive to environmental conditions. This mechanical substitution provides more reliable and consistent rotational speed control across varying ambient temperatures and supply pressures, as mechanical friction remains relatively stable compared to viscous fluid properties.
3Strength
If frame supports are used to support the deflector, then structural support is provided, but the supports interfere with the water stream and produce shadow in the spray pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the frame supports with specific geometric characteristics that minimize their interference with the water stream. The supports are configured with cross-sectional shapes and orientations that reduce shadowing effects in specific locations where the water stream passes. This allows the frame to maintain its structural support function while locally optimizing the support geometry to reduce harmful shadowing in the spray pattern.
4Device complexity
If the nozzle is installed from the underside of the sprinkler, then the sprinkler structure is simplified, but the sprinkler needs to be removed from the water supply to clean the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by making the nozzle a separable, removable component from the sprinkler body. The nozzle can be detached from the underside of the sprinkler without removing the entire sprinkler from the water supply. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be easily accessed, removed, cleaned, or replaced independently, maintaining structural simplicity while significantly improving maintenance accessibility.
5Reliability
If the braking system fails, then the deflector stops rotating or spins out of control, but the entire sprinkler must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by designing the brake device as a separate, removable component from the main sprinkler body. The brake rotor and brake surfaces are configured as independent elements that can be accessed and replaced without replacing the entire sprinkler. This modular design allows the braking system to be serviced independently, improving ease of repair and reducing waste when brake components fail.
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
This solution enhances the throw distance and uniformity of the water spray while facilitating top-serviceable maintenance, reducing the need for complete sprinkler replacement and minimizing interference from frame supports.
Implementation Method 1
The brake device utilizes friction between brake surfaces to restrict and control the rate of rotation of the deflector
Implementation Method 2
The viscous brake device utilizes drag produced by rotation of a brake rotor within a viscous fluid
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a sprinkler is provided having a nozzle, a deflector that receives fluid flow from the nozzle, and a friction brake assembly that controls rotation of a deflector. The friction 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.