Irrigation Sprinkler Converging Coupling and Visual Nozzle Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation sprinklers face challenges in assembly complexity due to the use of screws and lack of visual indication for nozzle selection and spray direction, making them difficult to assemble and use.
Innovation Solution
The irrigation sprinkler design includes a base, nozzle assembly, cap component, and indication component, where the nozzle assembly rotates around a vertical axis, and the cap component connects to the base through a converging movement of male and female members, providing visual recognition of the selected nozzle via an indication component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an attachment screw is used to connect the flow control member to the cover, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the attachment screw from the assembly, extracting the fastening element that caused complexity. The flow control member is instead retained by the structural geometry of the cover and body components, eliminating the need for additional fastening hardware while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the fastening function into the existing structural components. The cover and body are designed with interlocking features that combine the retention function previously requiring separate screws, merging multiple functions into unified structural elements.
2Ease of operation
If no visual indication is provided for nozzle selection, then the structure remains simple, but the user cannot easily identify the selected nozzle or spray direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators such as colored markings or transparent/semi-transparent cover portions that allow users to see through to the selected nozzle. This enables nozzle identification through color or visual contrast without adding complex mechanical indication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicator elements as intermediaries between the nozzle selection mechanism and the user. These indicators (such as markings on the cover or body, or transparent sections) mediate the communication of selection status without requiring direct mechanical interaction changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation sprinkler includes an engagement component connecting a cap component to a base by a converging movement. The base includes a holding member; the cap component includes an anchor member; and the engagement component includes a first male member and a first female member mating with each other. The first male member is alternatively arranged on the holding member and the anchor member, and the first female member is arranged on the other. Therefore, the first male member non-releasably couples with the first female member by a movement toward each other, and the first engagement component connects the cap component to the base. An indication component couples with the cap component offers visual recognition of the selected one of nozzles.