Sprinkler Deflector Guiding Element Reduces Liquid Splash

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sprinkler deflectors result in significant splashed water during operation, leading to wastage and damage to vegetation and sprinkler components.

Innovation Solution

A deflector with an elongated guiding element that directs splashed liquid back into the main jet, reducing wastage and accumulation around the sprinkler, and is designed with a resilient bias and specific angles to minimize splashed water flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a deflecting surface is used to adjust the range of the liquid jet, then the range adjustment function is achieved, but significant splashed liquid is generated causing wastage and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange adjustmentVSAvoidliquid wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The deflecting surface is segmented into multiple inclined surfaces arranged in sequence. Each inclined surface redirects splashed liquid at different angles, progressively guiding it back toward the liquid jet path rather than allowing it to splash away in random directions. This segmentation reduces liquid wastage while maintaining range adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined surfaces act as intermediary elements between the liquid jet and the surrounding environment. Instead of the liquid jet directly splashing onto horizontal surfaces or components, the inclined surfaces mediate the liquid flow, redirecting it back into the jet path and preventing harmful splashing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a deflecting surface is used to change the liquid jet range, then the adjusting function is achieved, but splashed liquid accumulates around the sprinkler causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange adjustmentVSAvoidliquid accumulation damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deflecting surface is divided into multiple inclined surfaces that work in sequence. Each surface redirects splashed liquid at progressively different angles, ensuring that liquid is guided back toward the jet path rather than accumulating around the sprinkler head. This segmented approach prevents liquid damage to surrounding vegetation and components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined surfaces convert the harmful splashed liquid into a beneficial resource by redirecting it back into the liquid jet path. The splashed liquid, which would otherwise be wasted or cause damage, is instead recovered and reused, improving overall sprinkler efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a deflecting surface is used to adjust the liquid jet, then range control is achieved, but splashed liquid flows down through sprinkler components causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange controlVSAvoidcomponent durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deflecting surface is segmented into multiple inclined surfaces that progressively redirect splashed liquid. This segmentation ensures that liquid flows in a controlled manner back toward the jet path rather than flowing down through internal components, preventing damage and maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined surfaces serve as intermediary structures that intercept and redirect splashed liquid before it can flow down through the sprinkler components. This mediation protects internal components from liquid damage while maintaining the range control function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces splashed water, improving sprinkler efficiency and protecting components from damage by redirecting splashed liquid back into the main jet, thus enhancing water distribution and reducing maintenance issues.

Implementation Method 1

The guiding element is in contact with the liquid jet to direct splashed liquid from the deflecting surface back into the liquid jet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid redirection through contact:

Implementation Method 2

the guiding element is resiliently biased against the nozzle body and/or a wall element of the holding structure adjacent to the nozzle body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic biasing force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2651566B1Deflector for a sprinkler
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP2651566B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2651566B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2651566B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A sprinkler includes a sprinkler head (100) having at least one nozzle (106). The nozzle (106) includes a nozzle body (108) and a nozzle opening (110). Further, the nozzle (106) is configured to discharge a liquid jet (202) through the nozzle opening (110). A deflector (112) is provided downstream of the nozzle (106). The deflector (112) includes a deflecting surface (114) which is in contact with the liquid jet (202) to adjust a range of the liquid jet (202). Further, the deflector (112) includes an elongated guiding element (120) which is provided upstream of the deflecting surface (114). The guiding element (120) is in contact with the liquid jet (202) to direct splashed liquid from the deflecting surface (114) back into the liquid jet (202).