Sprinkler Head Nozzle Adjustment and Slippage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler systems face difficulties in adjusting the initial angle of the nozzle without misalignment and have complex, cumbersome processes for removing and replacing nozzles, which can lead to damage during adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler head design featuring a base with an axial column, upper and lower toothed rings, and a flexible adjusting sheet that allows for adjustable oscillation angles and easy nozzle removal and replacement, utilizing a gear system to prevent damage during adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the adjusting shaft is forced rotated after the gear disk reaching a stop, then the elastic cross sheet will slip and engage again to prevent damage, but the angular indicating disk will still be rotated causing misalignment between angular indication and actual nozzle position
Solution Approach 1:
A slippage protection device is introduced as an intermediary between the adjusting shaft and the angular indicating disk. This device allows controlled slippage to prevent damage to the gear disk while simultaneously preventing the angular indicating disk from rotating during slippage, thereby maintaining alignment accuracy. The slippage protection device acts as a mediator that decouples the harmful rotation transmission while allowing the necessary protective slippage.
2Strength
If the nozzle is fixed to the receiving chambers by bolts with total fit, then the connection is strong, but the removal of the nozzle becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the nozzle and receiving chamber transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic controllable state. During installation, the connection is tight and secure. During removal, the system allows for controlled loosening through the slippage protection mechanism, enabling easy detachment without damaging the nozzle or receiving chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly is segmented into separable components with standardized interfaces. The nozzle can be independently removed from the receiving chamber through the designed slippage mechanism, allowing for easy maintenance and replacement while maintaining a strong connection during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a gear system with upper and lower toothed rings is used to adjust the oscillation angle, then the initial angle can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The toothed ring structure serves multiple functions: it provides the adjustment mechanism for oscillation angle, acts as a gear transmission element, and integrates with the slippage protection device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall device while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism utilizes rotational movement in one dimension (rotation of the toothed ring) to control the oscillation angle in another dimension. This dimensional transformation allows for simple rotational adjustment to achieve precise angle control without complex multi-axis mechanisms.
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 precise adjustment of the nozzle angle without misalignment and simplifies the process of removing and replacing nozzles, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an upper portion of the column of gear being engaged with the upper toothed ring; a lower portion of the column of gear being engaged with the lower toothed ring; the lower toothed ring will be indirectly driven by the upper toothed ring
Implementation Method 2
a flexible adjusting sheet extending from a lower end of the toothed ring; an oscillation angle of the base will be set by changing an included angle of the fixed adjusting sheet and the flexible adjusting sheet
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A sprinkler head for an embedded sprinkler includes a base (10) having an adjustment device arranged to an upper portion thereof and an inlet pipe (12) formed to a lower portion thereof. The inlet pipe (12) has a lateral outlet (121) and a receiving chamber. A nozzle (14) is received in the receiving chamber (13). A gap is formed between the nozzle and the receiving chamber (13) so as the nozzle (14) can be easily removed. A lower toothed ring (15) indirectly rotated by the adjustment device is arranged to a bottom of the inlet pipe (12). An angle between a flexible adjusting sheet (151) extending from the lower toothed ring (15) and a fixed adjusting sheet (19) extending from a bottom of the base can be changed. A sleeve is arranged to the inlet pipe (12) to receive an axial tube of a sprinkler so as to oscillate clockwise and counterclockwise with a driving shaft of the sprinkler.