Sprinkler Shield Deflector Spring Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler technologies fail to effectively shield direct water from impervious areas and direct water to desired areas efficiently and accurately.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler shield system comprising a deflector and a rod with a spring mechanism that pivots to redirect water from sprinklers, and a stalk with a pivot and spring configuration for angled applications, allowing for efficient shielding of unwanted areas and targeted watering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing sprinkler technology is used, then water is applied to lawns and gardens, but water is wasted on impervious areas and shielding is not effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shield as an intermediary component positioned between the sprinkler and impervious areas. The shield physically intercepts water droplets and redirects them away from unwanted areas, effectively mediating the water flow path. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable shielding (improving reliability) while preventing water waste on impervious surfaces (reducing energy loss).
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is divided into multiple segments or panels that can be independently positioned and angled. This segmentation allows precise control over water redirection for different zones, enabling effective shielding of specific impervious areas while maintaining water application to desired garden areas. The modular structure improves shielding effectiveness without compromising water distribution efficiency.
2Reliability
If a shield structure is added to redirect water, then shielding effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic repositioning of shield panels. This dynamic capability enables the shield to adapt to different sprinkler positions and watering patterns, maintaining high shielding effectiveness while using a relatively simple mechanical structure. The adjustability compensates for the added complexity by providing flexible, situation-specific protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield design includes self-adjusting features where water pressure itself helps position and stabilize the shield panels. The structure utilizes the force of the water flow to maintain its protective orientation, reducing the need for complex external support mechanisms or active control systems. This self-service approach improves shielding effectiveness while minimizing the addition of complex mechanical systems.
3Productivity
If water is redirected away from impervious areas, then water efficiency improves, but water direction precision must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield employs different panel configurations and angles tailored to specific local conditions - the type and position of impervious areas, sprinkler placement, and desired water distribution patterns. Each section of the shield is optimized for its specific location, providing precise water redirection exactly where needed. This localized optimization achieves high water efficiency without requiring the entire system to operate at maximum precision uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed to redirect slightly more water than the minimum required, creating an excess that ensures complete coverage of target areas even with variations in sprinkler pressure or position. This partial over-correction approach maintains high water efficiency by preventing any water from reaching impervious surfaces, while the excess redirected water simply provides a safety margin rather than requiring extreme precision.
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
The system provides practical, reliable, and efficient shielding of impervious areas while directing water to desired areas, ensuring effective watering without unnecessary water application.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to pivot the deflector from a first position to a second position when compressed
Implementation Method 2
a deflector... redirect water from sprinklers
Implementation Method 3
a spring configured to pivot the deflector from a first position to a second position when compressed
Data Source
AI summary
A tool including a deflector, a rod comprising a first end and a second end, and a spring configured to pivot the deflector from a first position to a second position when compressed. In many embodiments, the rod can be coupled to the deflector at the first end. Other embodiments of related apparatuses are also provided.