Rotating Sprinkler Deflector Plate for Throw Radius and Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotator-type sprinklers face challenges in achieving a larger throw radius while maintaining pressure compensation and rotation speed over a wide range of nozzle sizes, with current designs either being low-cost but limited in nozzle compatibility or high-cost but complex in structure.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler module with a unique combination of support bearings, water passage geometry, and low-cost brake assemblies, featuring a deflector plate with gear teeth and labyrinth shields to maintain consistent rotation speed and wide nozzle compatibility, creating a customizable wetted pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single stream deflector plate is used to achieve larger throw radius, then the throw radius increases, but rotation speed compensation is lost and nozzle compatibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector plate is segmented into multiple functional zones: an upstream section with compensation geometry for pressure variation, a central high-velocity stream section for maximum throw radius, and a downstream section with brake interaction zones for rotation speed control. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize for its specific function while working together to achieve both large throw radius and broad nozzle compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic interaction between the rotating deflector plate and the brake assembly, where the brake applies friction to the plate's periphery to control rotation speed. The brake force is dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions, enabling the single plate design to compensate for varying nozzle sizes and pressures while maintaining large throw radius.
2Speed
If multiple stream deflector plate is used to achieve rotation speed control, then rotation speed compensation improves, but throw radius is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the single deflector plate have different local qualities: the central region maintains a concentrated stream geometry for maximum throw radius, while the periphery has brake interaction surfaces for rotation speed control. The upstream section has compensation geometry tailored for pressure variation, while the downstream section has features optimized for brake engagement. This local differentiation allows the plate to perform multiple functions simultaneously without sacrificing throw radius.
3Ease of manufacture
If low cost noncompensating brake design is used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but rotation speed control over wide nozzle range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The simple brake assembly serves itself by using the kinetic energy of the rotating deflector plate to generate the necessary friction force for speed control. The brake design requires no external power source or complex actuation mechanisms - it passively engages the rotating plate and uses the plate's own motion to provide rotation speed compensation across a wide range of nozzle sizes and operating conditions.
4Ease of manufacture
If deflector plate is mounted directly on brake shaft with balanced radial loads, then bearing cost decreases, but rotation speed compensation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly is positioned to interact with the deflector plate in a tangential dimension rather than purely radial. The brake applies friction force tangentially to the plate's periphery, creating a torque that controls rotation speed. This dimensional change allows the simple radial-bearing-supported plate to achieve rotation speed compensation through tangential brake engagement, maintaining low bearing costs while gaining speed control capability.
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 sprinkler module achieves a larger throw radius with reduced mist and runoff, providing a customizable wetting pattern that optimizes water absorption and reduces tire rutting and runoff issues, functioning over a wide range of nozzle sizes and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
a stream deflector plate that captures the nozzle stream after it emits to atmosphere and deflects the stream such that it drives the concentric rotation of the plate
Implementation Method 2
A brake assembly is typically associated with the plate to slow rotation of the plate
Implementation Method 3
A plate gear secured to the hub is rotatable with the deflector plate and includes gear teeth. A cover assembly connected to the cap includes a brake gear coupled with a brake assembly, where the brake gear is disposed in a path of the gear teeth
Implementation Method 4
A bow tie version has two beefy fixed struts that the stream zips quickly past, so there is little mist generated by the stream impinging on the struts
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler module is cooperable with a sprinkler nozzle unit supporting a sprinkler nozzle to define a sprinkler configuration. The sprinkler module includes a cage attachable to the sprinkler nozzle unit and including a pair of struts, a cap connected to the cage via the pair of struts, and a deflector plate cooperable with the sprinkler nozzle and rotatably secured between the cap and the cage. The deflector plate includes a hub extending through the cap. A plate gear with gear teeth is secured to the hub and is rotatable with the deflector plate, and a cover assembly is connected to the cap. The cover assembly includes a brake gear coupled with a brake assembly, where the brake gear is disposed in a path of the gear teeth.