Sprinkler Nozzle Barrier Layout for Overlap Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler systems face issues with undesired overlaps and range constraints, leading to liquid wastage and inefficiencies, particularly in complex landscape applications.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler system with a body defining a liquid channel and a plurality of nozzles, featuring at least one barrier that partially limits the flow to the second nozzle, altering flow characteristics such as pressure and rate, and adjustable nozzle angles for customized distribution patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a conventional sprinkler system uses uniform nozzles for liquid distribution, then the system structure is simple, but liquid wastage occurs due to undesired overlaps and cannot accommodate complex landscape shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different nozzles with varying flow rates, spray patterns, and throw distances at different locations within the sprinkler assembly. Specifically, nozzles positioned in overlapping regions have reduced flow rates or different spray characteristics compared to nozzles in non-overlapping regions, allowing each local area to be irrigated appropriately without waste from excessive application in already-served zones
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler system segments the liquid distribution function by dividing the nozzle array into multiple groups with different characteristics. Each nozzle or nozzle group is independently configured with specific flow rates and spray patterns, allowing the system to segment the irrigation task into specialized sub-functions that collectively eliminate overlap waste while maintaining system-level simplicity
2Productivity
If a sprinkler system uses multiple nozzles with different flow rates to prevent overlap wastage, then liquid distribution efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple nozzle functions into a single integrated sprinkler assembly, where nozzles with different flow rates and spray characteristics are combined in one unit. This allows the system to achieve differentiated liquid distribution efficiency across various zones without requiring multiple separate sprinkler systems or complex control mechanisms, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity at the assembly level
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sprinkler system uses uniform throw distance for all nozzles, then the system design is simple, but it cannot effectively irrigate complex landscape shapes and areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by configuring nozzles with different throw distances based on their specific positional requirements within the landscape. Nozzles positioned to serve distant areas have higher throw distances, while nozzles for nearby areas have lower throw distances, allowing the system to adapt to complex landscape shapes by matching each nozzle's throw characteristic to its local irrigation requirements
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 reduces liquid wastage by varying flow characteristics across nozzles, allowing for precise and efficient liquid distribution based on application requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one barrier at least partially limits the flow of liquid from the outlet towards the at least one second nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
A sprinkler system (100) includes a body (110) defining a liquid channel (112). The liquid channel (112) is defined between an inlet (110A) and an outlet (110B) of the body (110) to allow flow of a liquid. A sprinkler head (118) is coupled to the body (110) and a plurality of nozzles (119) are disposed with the sprinkler head (118). The plurality of nozzles (119) defines a first nozzle (121) and at least one second nozzle (122). The sprinkler system (100) is characterizing in that the body (110) further defines at least one barrier (123) such that the at least one barrier (123) at least partially limits the flow of liquid from the outlet (110B) towards the at least one second nozzle (119).