Sprinkler Nozzle Base Arc Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation sprinkler designs require cumbersome screwdriver adjustments and slow processes to set the watering arc, which can be damaging if not done correctly, and lack efficient methods for arc adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler system that allows user-rotation of the nozzle base to adjust the watering arc by rotating it in specific directions to change the arc's size or area, utilizing a clutch mechanism to prevent gear damage and enable adjustments without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screwdriver adjustment mechanism is used to set the watering arc, then the arc can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes slow and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler allows the user to directly rotate the nozzle base with their hand to adjust the watering arc, eliminating the need for external tools like screwdrivers. The trip mechanism automatically detects when the nozzle base reaches the stop positions and prevents further rotation, enabling self-service adjustment without requiring a separate tool-operated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the arc adjustment function from the traditional screwdriver-operated mechanism and integrates it directly into the nozzle base rotation. By allowing direct manual rotation of the nozzle base to adjust the arc, the system removes the intermediate tool-based adjustment step, significantly reducing adjustment time and simplifying the operation.
2Speed
If the nozzle base is fast-forwarded to quickly see the arc setting, then the adjustment process speeds up, but gear damage may occur if a clutch is not present
Solution Approach 1:
The trip mechanism is positioned beforehand to detect when the nozzle base reaches the stop positions. When the trip arm contacts the stop, it automatically engages to prevent further rotation, cushioning against potential gear damage before it can occur. This protective mechanism is built into the system design, preventing the harmful effect of over-rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trip mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's fast-forwarding action and the gear system. When the nozzle base is rotated quickly to verify arc settings, the trip mechanism intercepts the motion at the appropriate stop positions, preventing direct transmission of excessive force to the gears and protecting them from damage.
3Ease of operation
If the watering arc is adjusted by watching the unit rotate and trip on each side, then no tool is needed, but the process is inefficient because rotors do not rotate very quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic adjustment by enabling the user to rotate the nozzle base at any speed, including fast-forwarding to quickly verify arc settings. The trip mechanism dynamically engages when the stop positions are reached, regardless of rotation speed, maintaining both ease of operation and productivity by accommodating rapid adjustment movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The trip mechanism is pre-positioned at the correct stop locations before adjustment begins. This allows the user to quickly rotate the nozzle base without needing to carefully monitor each degree of rotation, as the trip mechanism will automatically engage at the predetermined stop positions, significantly improving adjustment efficiency while maintaining tool-free operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a rotor or sprinkler that allows its watering arc to be rotated, increased, or decreased by user-rotation of the sprinkler's rotating nozzle base.