Sprinkler Control Bar for Adjustable Water Spray Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinkler systems face limitations in controlling water flow and preventing leakage, as they often require multiple seal rings that increase moving resistance and restrict water spray patterns, and they typically have a single nozzle that limits the control over multiple nozzle elements.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler structure with a control bar that rotates within guide orifices to control water entry into multiple gathering zones, each connected to multiple nozzles, using seal rings to prevent leakage and an elongated lid to cover and separate water outflow zones, allowing for adjustable water spray patterns by controlling the inflow chamber and stop element to manage water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple seal rings are arranged on the control bar to control water flow and leakproof function, then water leakage is prevented, but moving resistance of the control bar increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from multiple seal rings and concentrates it into a single seal ring by redesigning the sealing structure. The control bar is modified to include a sealing surface that works with the single seal ring to achieve the same leakproof function, thereby reducing moving resistance while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sealing functions into a single seal ring by integrating the sealing surfaces and structures. Instead of having separate seal rings at different positions, the design combines the sealing action into one optimized seal ring that prevents water leakage across all critical interfaces.
2Device complexity
If a single nozzle is used where water flows out, then the structure is simple, but water spray coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single nozzle into multiple nozzle elements arranged in different directions. Each nozzle element sprays water in a specific direction, collectively providing comprehensive coverage. The control bar controls multiple nozzles independently or in groups, expanding the spray area while maintaining structural simplicity through modular nozzle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-direction nozzle to multi-directional nozzle elements by adding spatial dimensions to the spray pattern. Nozzles are arranged in different orientations (upward, sideways, downward) to create three-dimensional water coverage, significantly expanding the effective spray area without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If water flows out of a control bar on a peripheral side via a bend section, then the sprinkler structure is compact, but flowing speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bending the control bar peripherally to achieve compactness, the patent inverts the approach by extending the control bar linearly or using a different geometric configuration that maintains water flow velocity. The control bar is positioned to allow gravity-assisted or pressure-driven flow without restrictive bends, preserving flowing speed while achieving compactness through alternative spatial arrangement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a control element controls water entry to multiple chambers or nozzles, then water spray control over multiple nozzle elements is achieved, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control bar to perform multiple functions: it controls water flow to multiple nozzle elements, acts as a structural support, and provides a mounting platform for the seal ring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each nozzle, simplifying the overall control system while maintaining versatility in spray pattern control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control bar is pre-configured with channels and openings that direct water flow to different nozzle elements based on its position and orientation. By establishing the flow control pathways in advance during manufacturing, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, reducing control complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 design allows for efficient control of water output from multiple nozzles, preventing leakage and enabling adjustable spray patterns from a single control element, enhancing the sprinkler's functionality and water distribution efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The control bar further includes two seal rings accommodated thereon and individually abutting against each first guide orifice and each second guide orifice
Implementation Method 2
The control bar includes an inflow chamber defined on a top thereof and includes a receiving portion formed on a side of the inflow chamber so as to house a stop element, such that the stop element abuts against a bottom of each first water gathering zone and of each second water gathering zone
Implementation Method 3
the accommodation tube includes multiple first guide orifices arranged on a first peripheral side thereof, and the accommodation tube includes multiple second guide orifices arranged on a second peripheral side thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a water sprinkler structure comprising a control bar (20) which is able to control water output from a plurality of nozzles (31). The sprinkler structure may comprise two chambers (13,14), each connected to at least one nozzle, access to each chamber being controlled by the control bar (20). Alternatively, access to a single chamber (13') may be controlled by the control bar (20), with the single chamber (13') being connected to a plurality of nozzles (31).