Sprinkler Nozzle Tilt Control via Guide Member and Engagement Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sprinkler devices have limited oscillation and nozzle adjustment mechanisms, making it difficult for users to intuitively control and set a desired spraying pattern and range, with complex and inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A sprinkler device with a base member defining perpendicular axes, featuring a guide member with slots and engagement members that allow nozzles to tilt and adjust, providing intuitive operation through a control member that pivots and moves along these axes, ensuring stable and durable fluid spray control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a guide bar mechanism is used to tilt nozzles to increase spraying range, then the spraying range is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespraying rangeVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex guide bar mechanism and replaces it with a simplified direct control system. Each nozzle is individually controlled by a simple actuator that tilts the nozzle directly, removing the intermediate guide bar structure and its associated complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust nozzle angles for expanded spraying coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the nozzle control system into independent individual nozzle actuators rather than using a single integrated guide bar. Each nozzle can be tilted independently through its own simple mechanism, which simplifies the overall system while providing flexible spraying pattern control across a wide area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanism is used to adjust nozzles, then the spraying pattern control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespraying pattern controlVSAvoiduser operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through simple actuators that directly control each nozzle's tilt angle. The actuators are designed to be intuitively operated by users without requiring complex mechanisms or specialized knowledge. Each actuator provides direct mechanical control over its associated nozzle, enabling users to easily adjust spraying patterns while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the oscillation range is limited, then the device stability is improved, but the spraying range deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidspraying range
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by enabling individual nozzle tilt adjustment while maintaining stable base oscillation. Each nozzle can be independently tilted to optimal angles to maximize spray distribution across the desired area, while the oscillation mechanism maintains stable operation within appropriate ranges. This dynamic adjustment capability expands effective spraying range without compromising device stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3930912B1Sprinkler device
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP3930912B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3930912B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3930912B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sprinkler device (100) includes a base member (102), a plurality of nozzles (212), a guide member (214), and at least one control member (220, 222). The sprinkler device (100) also includes at least one engagement member (306, 308) disposed on one of the guide member (214) and the at least one control member (220, 222). The sprinkler device (100) further includes a grooved portion (402, 404) provided on other of the guide member (214) and the at least one control member (220, 222). The at least one engagement member (306, 308) is adapted to engage with the grooved portion (402, 404) such that the at least one control member (220, 222) is adapted to selectively move the guide member (214) along a first lateral axis (Y-Y') to selectively tilt at least one of the plurality of nozzles (212) with respect to a second lateral axis (Z-Z'). The at least one control member (220, 222) is adapted to selectively pivot about an axis (A-A', B- B'), such that the axis (A-A', B-B') is substantially parallel with respect to the first lateral axis (Y-Y').