Rotor Sprinkler Nozzle Pressure Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation sprinkler systems face challenges in maintaining consistent water pressure at the nozzle, leading to inefficient water distribution and potential overuse or underuse due to fluctuations in municipal or well water pressure, which can result in suboptimal turf and landscaping health.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a pressure regulator valve with a pivotable elliptical valve member mounted between the gear train reduction and the nozzle in a rotor-type sprinkler, allowing for precise control of water pressure at the nozzle, either as a fixed or adjustable setting, to ensure consistent water flow and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a pressure regulator is installed externally or in the riser below the turbine, then water pressure can be regulated, but the overall height and complexity of the sprinkler system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator valve is integrated into the nozzle assembly, merging the pressure regulation function with the existing nozzle structure. This eliminates the need for separate external pressure regulators or additional riser space, thereby reducing overall system height while maintaining pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator valve is nested within the nozzle assembly structure, placing the pressure regulation mechanism inside the existing component envelope. This nesting approach allows pressure control functionality to be incorporated without increasing the external dimensions or height of the sprinkler system.
2Productivity
If pressure fluctuations occur in municipal or well water supplies, then water delivery can vary, but this leads to inefficient water distribution and potential overuse or underuse
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator valve incorporates a feedback mechanism where the pivotable valve member responds to pressure changes in the water supply. As supply pressure fluctuates, the valve member automatically adjusts its position to maintain consistent pressure at the nozzle, providing self-regulating feedback control that ensures reliable water distribution despite variations in municipal or well water supplies.
3Stress or pressure
If a pressure regulator valve with pivotable valve member is integrated into the nozzle assembly, then water pressure control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: water delivery through the nozzle opening, pressure regulation via the integrated pressure regulator valve, and rotation driven by the turbine and gear train. By making the nozzle assembly multi-functional, the design avoids adding separate dedicated pressure regulation components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving effective pressure control.
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
This solution ensures accurate regulation of water pressure at the nozzle, optimizing water distribution and reducing waste by maintaining a consistent flow rate regardless of pressure fluctuations, thereby enhancing turf and landscaping health while also reducing the overall height and cost of the sprinkler system.
Implementation Method 1
A turbine is mounted in the riser and is rotatable by water entering a lower end of the riser
Implementation Method 2
A pressure regulator valve includes a pivotable valve member that is mounted between the gear train reduction and the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation sprinkler includes an outer case and a riser extensible from the outer case by water pressure and normally in a retracted position. A nozzle is rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A turbine is mounted in the riser for rotation by water entering a lower end of the riser. A gear train reduction is mounted in the riser. A gear driven coupling mechanism mounted in the riser couples the gear train reduction and the nozzle. A pressure regulator valve is located inside a nozzle turret of the sprinkler and includes a valve member that is pivotably mounted between the gear train reduction and the nozzle.