Sprinkler Flow Stop Mechanism for Damage Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed spray sprinklers are vulnerable to damage and water wastage due to the lack of effective flow shut-off mechanisms, especially when the nozzle or inner conduit is broken, leading to uncontrolled water flow and potential flooding.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler device with a flow stop mechanism that includes a valve located at the upstream end of the inner conduit, operated by a push rod, which closes when the inner conduit is severed, preventing water flow and protecting the valve from damage by keeping it within the housing conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner conduit is extended above ground level for spraying, then the sprinkler can function properly, but it becomes vulnerable to damage from lawnmowers, vehicles, and vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
The inner conduit is designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable. During operation, it extends above ground level to enable proper spraying function. When not in use or during retraction, it returns to a protected position within the housing conduit, eliminating exposure to external damage sources such as lawnmowers, vehicles, and vandalism.
2Reliability
If the inner conduit is broken or ruptured, then water flows uncontrollably causing waste and flooding, but adding a flow shut off valve increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The flow shut off valve is designed to automatically detect and respond to conduit damage. When the inner conduit is broken or ruptured, the valve self-actuates to close the water supply, preventing uncontrolled flow, waste, and flooding without requiring external intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is positioned at the upstream end of the inner conduit, extracting the flow control function to the source of water supply. This strategic placement allows the valve to effectively shut off water flow when damage is detected, simplifying the overall system by concentrating the protective function at a critical point rather than distributing complexity throughout the conduit.
3Reliability
If the valve is placed at the upstream end of the inner conduit, then it can prevent water flow upon damage, but it becomes exposed to external damage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is nested within the housing conduit at the upstream end of the inner conduit. This nesting arrangement allows the valve to maintain its flow shut off capability while being protected from external damage sources. The housing conduit serves as a protective enclosure, shielding the valve from lawnmowers, vehicles, and vandalism while preserving its functional position.
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 flow stop mechanism effectively prevents water wastage and flooding by closing the valve upon damage to the nozzle or inner conduit, while protecting the valve from external damage, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the sprinkler system.
Implementation Method 1
A metal retraction spring 18 holds the inner conduit 14 in a retracted position within the housing conduit 16 when the water supply to the sprinkler device 10 is off. When pressurized water enters an inlet 114, water pressure acts against parts such as the inner conduit 14 and nozzle 22 to compress the spring 18 and to extend the inner conduit 14
Implementation Method 2
When pressurized water enters an inlet 114, water pressure acts against parts such as the inner conduit 14 and nozzle 22 to compress the spring 18 and to extend the inner conduit 14 to the elevated spray position
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler for producing a fixed spray pattern includes an inner flow conduit having a nozzle at an outlet. A filter screen is held in place beneath the nozzle. The filter screen engages a push rod of a valve of a flow stop mechanism. The push rod spaces a valve member away from a valve seat to permit water flow through the inner flow conduit when the filter screen and nozzle are in place. If the nozzle is removed or if the inner conduit is severed, the filter screen can be removed, which causes the valve member to close under the force of water pressure and to shut off flow through the inner flow conduit. The valve is located upstream of parts that are vulnerable to damage.