Sprinkler Generator Flow Control for Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler systems with generators face challenges in maintaining optimal water and nutrient distribution at higher flow rates, as increased flow rates reduce the area of coverage, requiring frequent re-calibration of sprinkler distances in center pivot systems.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler system that converts hydraulic energy into electrical energy using a rotor coupled with a generator, with a gate valve and electronic components to adjust flow rates and maintain desired rotation, utilizing a wireless sensor network for real-time adjustments and energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flow rate is increased to improve productivity, then water and nutrient distribution speed is improved, but area of coverage reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler system dynamically adjusts rotation speed based on flow rate variations. The control mechanism modifies the rotation speed to compensate for changes in flow rate, ensuring that the sprinkler maintains optimal coverage area regardless of whether the flow rate is high or low. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (rotation speed) in response to flow rate changes. When flow rate increases, the control mechanism adjusts rotation speed to maintain the same coverage area, and vice versa. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain consistent performance across varying flow conditions.
2Productivity
If flow rate is increased to improve irrigation efficiency, then water delivery is improved, but rotational speed control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism incorporates feedback from flow rate sensors to automatically adjust rotational speed. The system continuously monitors flow rate and makes real-time adjustments to maintain desired rotational speed, eliminating the need for manual intervention and making the system easy to operate despite varying flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler system is self-regulating through its control mechanism that automatically responds to flow rate changes. The system serves itself by detecting flow variations and adjusting rotation speed without external control, making operation straightforward while maintaining irrigation efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If flow rate compensation is implemented to maintain coverage area, then area of coverage is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism serves multiple functions: it monitors flow rate, determines rotational speed adjustments, and executes control actions. By making the control mechanism multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while still maintaining coverage area through flow rate compensation.
4Productivity
If rotational speed is increased to improve water distribution speed, then productivity is improved, but flow rate compensation becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotational speed control function with the flow rate compensation function into a single integrated control mechanism. By merging these functions, the system achieves high water distribution speed through increased rotational speed while the same control mechanism simultaneously compensates for flow rate variations, avoiding the need for separate compensation hardware and limiting overall system complexity.
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 system optimizes water and nutrient distribution by maintaining consistent rotation and flow rates, reducing the need for frequent re-calibration and ensuring efficient irrigation coverage.
Implementation Method 1
sprinklers embedded with generator are used to harvest energy from flowing water
Implementation Method 2
generator may be mechanically coupled with a rotor and a generator base
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is sprinkler system. The system comprises a gate valve. Further, a sprinkler frame is mounted on the gate valve. The sprinkler frame further consists of wires for connection. The system further comprises a generator. The generator is mechanically coupled with a rotor and a generator base. Further the system comprises of an electronic component. The system is housed in a sprinkler housing.