Sprinkler Deflector Head with Remote Pivot Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sprinkler deflector systems are difficult to adjust post-installation, often requiring manual adjustments that can result in wetting of the installer and lack of automation for handling shifting wind patterns or landscape maintenance-induced misalignment.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses device-to-machine communication, powered by a waterwheel, to remotely pivot a deflector guide attached to a sprinkler head, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments and automated overspray management without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of deflector is used, then adjustment capability is provided, but installer gets wet and operation is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidwater spray on installer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with wireless communication control. The deflector head includes a communication device that receives commands from a user device via wireless signal, enabling remote adjustment without physical access to the sprinkler system, thus preventing water spray on the installer while maintaining adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication device as an intermediary between the user and the deflector head. This intermediary transmits control signals wirelessly, allowing the user to adjust the deflector from a distance without being exposed to water spray, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of adjustment and protection from harmful water spray

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cellular network communication is used, then mobility and coverage are improved, but cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simplified communication model where the deflector head contains a communication device that can be identified and controlled by user devices without requiring complex cellular infrastructure. This copying approach allows wireless communication functionality to be replicated in the deflector head itself, eliminating the need for expensive cellular modules and continuous power consumption while maintaining mobility and coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If Wi-Fi communication is used, then cost is reduced, but coverage and latency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the communication device in the deflector head to be universally compatible with multiple communication protocols and user devices. This multi-functional approach allows the system to work with various wireless standards, providing cost-effective implementation while maintaining low latency through direct wireless communication without requiring expensive cellular infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables users to adjust the sprinkler disbursement field without getting wet, automatically addresses besprinkling issues due to wind or maintenance, and provides a unified interface for managing overspray across different sprinkler systems, improving latency and allowing adjustments without cellular or Wi-Fi access.

Implementation Method 1

The sprinkler head rests on a sealed bottom ring comprised of a waterwheel, transformer, rotating top slider, and D2M communications device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaterwheel: Water Turbine

Data Source

PatentUS10974261B2Sprinkler deflector head with device to machine adjustment

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 MELANIE DAVIS

AI summary

A system and method to direct a communication from a user device to rotate a deflector guide located proximal to a sprinkler head. The sprinkler head rests on a sealed bottom ring comprised of a waterwheel, transformer, rotating slider, and D2M communications device. When water is deployed from the sprinkler head, the waterwheel inside the sealed bottom ring rotates to generate energy. This starts the communication device which maintains a D2M communication signal until the water is turned off. The communication device is managed by a user on a user device through a user interface. After communication signal is selected in the user interface of the user device, the deflector head responds to commands and pivots along a circular path. The deflector comprises an opening that limits the spray from the sprinkler head to a more limited range than if the deflector was not used.