Sprinkler Nozzle Assembly with Vertical Flow and Tamper-Resistant Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nozzle assemblies for underground sprinklers lack adjustable water output, face difficulties in assembling due to narrow spaces, and have insecure operation mechanisms that can be easily tampered with, leading to unintended water flow changes.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle assembly with a vertical main channel, a water inlet at the bottom, and a water outlet on one side, featuring an adjustment member with a conical frustum and slot that controls the flow path diameter, allowing for adjustable water output regulation through displacement, and a sealing ring for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an arc valve body is used to control water flow, then water output can be adjusted, but the assembly becomes complex and difficult to assemble in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment member is divided into functional segments: a conical frustum for flow control and a cylindrical portion with external threads for actuation. This segmentation allows the valve to be assembled in the narrow space while maintaining adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment member serves multiple functions: the conical frustum controls water flow by blocking the outlet, the external threads enable actuation, and the integrated structure provides both flow regulation and mechanical engagement in a single component, reducing overall assembly complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gear drive assembly is used to rotate the nozzle, then water flow can be adjusted, but the operation becomes unreliable when connections are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The complex gear drive assembly is removed and replaced with a direct threaded connection between the adjustment member and the valve body. This extraction of unnecessary intermediate components eliminates connection reliability issues while preserving the water flow adjustment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The external threads on the adjustment member serve as a reliable intermediary mechanism for actuation, providing a simple yet dependable connection that translates rotational motion into linear displacement of the conical frustum for flow control.
3Ease of operation
If the drive member is mounted at the top of the nozzle assembly, then operation is convenient, but the system becomes vulnerable to tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment member is nested within the valve body, with the conical frustum positioned inside the valve chamber and the threaded portion extending through the valve body. This nesting conceals the adjustment mechanism while maintaining accessibility for legitimate operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection is positioned at a specific location on the valve body that allows for controlled access during installation and adjustment, while the overall compact design limits exposure to unauthorized tampering. The local placement of the threaded interface balances operability with security.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle assembly for a sprinkler is revealed. The nozzle assembly includes a main channel having a water inlet on one end and a water outlet on the other end thereof The nozzle assembly features on that: an adjustment member for control of water flow is disposed on the main channel, located between the water inlet and the water outlet. The adjustment member is arranged around the main channel. The displacement direction of the adjustment member and the water flow direction of the main channel are not along the same axis, or not parallel to each other. Thus when the nozzle assembly is applied to underground sprinklers; it is hidden from view and is able to prevent others from changing outlet water flow purposely.