Rotary Sprinkler Run Time from User-Set Watering Passes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in determining the correct irrigation run time for rotary sprinklers, as different types have varying nozzle sizes, pressure ratings, and rotation speeds, making it difficult to ensure the right amount of watering without over or under-watering, especially when applying fertilizer.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation control system that allows users to input the desired number of watering passes, which calculates and sets the appropriate run time based on the sprinkler's arc rotation data, ensuring accurate irrigation coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users manually determine irrigation run time based on sprinkler specifications, then irrigation can be applied, but it is difficult to determine the correct run time to achieve the desired number of passes
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores arc rotation data for multiple sprinkler types in the database before operation. When a user selects a sprinkler type, the corresponding arc rotation data is automatically retrieved, eliminating the need for users to manually calculate or determine run time based on sprinkler specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the user and the irrigation system. Instead of users directly calculating run time based on complex sprinkler parameters, they simply input the desired number of passes, and the controller automatically calculates and sets the appropriate run time using stored arc rotation data.
2Reliability
If irrigation run time is increased to ensure sufficient passes, then fertilizer coverage is improved, but fertilizer may wash away due to excessive water
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to users by displaying the calculated run time and number of passes before irrigation begins. Users can review and adjust the desired number of passes, and the system will recalculate the run time accordingly, ensuring optimal fertilizer application without over-watering.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system allows dynamic adjustment of the number of passes and run time based on real-time user input and conditions. The controller can modify the irrigation schedule to apply the exact amount of water needed for the desired number of passes, preventing both under-watering and over-watering of fertilizer-treated areas.
3Loss of substance
If irrigation run time is decreased to prevent fertilizer washing, then fertilizer is preserved, but insufficient water may be applied causing fertilizer to dry on plant life
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores the optimal run time required to achieve each desired number of passes for different sprinkler types. This allows users to select the appropriate number of passes, and the system automatically applies the correct amount of water to ensure fertilizer is properly activated and distributed without drying out or washing away.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple sprinkler types with different specifications, then versatility is improved, but determining correct run time becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments sprinkler types into distinct categories in the database, each with pre-determined arc rotation data. When a user selects a sprinkler type, the system retrieves the specific arc rotation data for that segment, simplifying the run time calculation process while maintaining support for multiple sprinkler types with different specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple sprinkler types by storing arc rotation data for various sprinkler configurations in the database. This allows a single controller to automatically adapt to different sprinkler types without requiring complex manual calculations or adjustments by the user.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a system for controlling irrigation comprises an irrigation control unit comprising: an input configured to receive a user entered number of watering passes for a rotary sprinkler configured to repetitively rotate about an arc and irrigate an area of an irrigation site, wherein each rotation about the arc comprises a watering pass; a memory to store the number of watering passes and arc rotation data for the rotary sprinkler corresponding to a time duration for the rotary sprinkler to make the watering pass about the arc; and a control circuit configured to: receive the number of watering passes; receive the arc rotation data; determine a run time that will result in irrigation by the rotary sprinkler about the arc for the user entered number of passes; and store the run time.