Oscillating Sprinkler Gear Cage Biasing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oscillating sprinkler designs face issues with spring fatigue, limited spring force, and springs popping out of place due to the need for continuous bias in gear cages, leading to potential disengagement during operation.

Innovation Solution

The oscillating sprinkler employs a transmission system with multiple torsion springs and a movable gear cage that uses over-center torsion springs with lateral projections to maintain engagement between drive gears and the output shaft, preventing stalling and ensuring continuous operation by biasing the gear cage into specific positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single spring is used to bias the gear cage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to spring fatigue and limited spring force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of springsVSAvoidspring durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single spring biasing mechanism is segmented into multiple springs (first spring and second spring) that independently bias the gear cage assembly. This segmentation distributes the mechanical load across multiple spring elements, preventing any single spring from failing due to excessive fatigue while maintaining the overall biasing function. Each spring carries a portion of the load, extending the operational life of the spring system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple springs are positioned to provide continuous biasing force on the gear cage assembly before any disengagement can occur. This pre-applied biasing force acts as a cushion against the forces that would otherwise cause the driving terminal gear to disengage during stopping or starting operations, preventing the harmful effect before it can manifest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If spring force is increased to prevent disengagement, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to larger or additional springs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement stabilityVSAvoidspring configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The total required biasing force is segmented and distributed across multiple springs rather than concentrated in a single large spring. This allows the use of smaller, more manageable spring elements that are easier to install and maintain while collectively providing the necessary force to prevent gear disengagement during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple springs are merged into a coordinated biasing system where the first spring and second spring work together to apply continuous force on the gear cage assembly. This combination of multiple spring elements provides the cumulative force needed for reliable engagement stability while keeping individual spring components simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If springs are used to maintain gear engagement, then the reliability improves, but springs may pop out of place during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous biasVSAvoidspring positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gear cage assembly serves as an intermediary structure that provides a stable mounting platform for the springs. The springs are attached to this intermediary structure rather than directly to moving components, which stabilizes their positioning and prevents them from popping out during operation while maintaining continuous bias on the driving terminal gear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The springs are pre-positioned and secured to the gear cage assembly in their correct locations before operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that during subsequent operation, the springs remain in place and continue to provide the necessary biasing force without dislodging or popping out.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This design enhances the reliability and durability of the sprinkler by preventing accidental disengagement, reducing the likelihood of spring failure, and allowing for adjustable arc of rotation, thereby ensuring consistent water distribution.

Implementation Method 1

an over-center torsion spring positioned to bias the movable gear cage in at least one of the first position and the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first torsion spring and the second torsion spring include at least one lateral projection formed at a bottom thereof, at least one of a first lateral projection of the first torsion spring and a second lateral projection of the second torsion spring extending into a first slot formed below a top surface of a gear cage support surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11596956B2Oscillating sprinkler

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 K RAIN MANUFACTURING CORP

AI summary

An oscillating sprinkler includes a turbine operatively connected to a movable gear cage that is biased into either a first position or a second position using three torsion springs to drive rotation of a nozzle housing.