Pop-up Irrigation Sprinkler Shock Absorbing Riser

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Rotor-type sprinklers used on golf courses and athletic fields are prone to damage due to extreme forces from water hammer and high pressure surges during system winterization and spring recharge, leading to premature wear and replacement.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a shock absorber, specifically spring fingers, between the riser and the outer case to mitigate the impact forces during rapid retraction, extending the sprinkler's useful life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the riser is designed to rapidly extend and retract without shock absorption, then the sprinkler responds quickly to water pressure changes, but the riser and internal components suffer damage from water hammer and high pressure surges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveriser extension and retraction speedVSAvoidsprinkler component durability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A shock absorber is installed at the lower end of the riser to cushion the impact forces that occur during rapid retraction. The shock absorber includes a spring mechanism that compresses to absorb the shock energy, preventing direct transmission of impact forces to the riser and internal components, thereby protecting the sprinkler from damage while maintaining rapid response capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorber acts as an intermediary element between the riser and the outer case, mediating the transmission of impact forces. It provides a controlled compliance that allows rapid motion during normal operation while protecting against extreme forces during water hammer events, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If high pressure water is used for efficient irrigation coverage, then water delivery efficiency improves, but water hammer forces and pressure surges increase causing component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater delivery efficiencyVSAvoidwater hammer and pressure surge forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorber converts the harmful impact forces from water hammer into useful elastic deformation energy. By allowing controlled compression of the spring mechanism, the system dissipates the harmful shock energy through elastic deformation, protecting the sprinkler components while allowing high pressure water delivery for efficient irrigation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the riser is protected from impact forces, then component lifespan is extended, but the complexity of the sprinkler structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesprinkler useful lifeVSAvoidsprinkler structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorption function is segmented as a separate, modular component at the lower end of the riser rather than being integrated throughout the entire sprinkler structure. This localized addition protects the riser and internal components without requiring complex redesign of the entire sprinkler assembly, thus extending lifespan with minimal increase in overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 shock absorber significantly reduces the forces exerted on the sprinkler's delicate parts during rapid retraction, thereby extending its lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacement.

Implementation Method 1

The riser is surrounded by a coil spring that holds the riser in its lowered position within the outer case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

When the water to the sprinkler is turned ON, the riser telescopes to its raised position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure Increase: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

A shock absorber is positioned between a lower end of the riser and a rigid structure in the lower end of case for lessening the forces otherwise exerted on the riser during rapid retraction of the riser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9149827B2Pop-up irrigation sprinkler with shock absorbing riser retraction springs

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 HUNTER INDUSTRIES INC

AI summary

An irrigation sprinkler includes an outer case, a riser telescopically extensible from the outer case, and a nozzle at an upper end of the riser. A coil spring surrounds the riser and normally holds the riser in a lower retracted position within the outer case. The coil spring is dimensioned and configured to permit extension of the riser to a raised upper position when pressurized water is introduced into the outer case. A shock absorber is positioned between a lower end of the riser and a rigid structure in the lower end of case for lessening the forces otherwise exerted on the riser during rapid retraction of the riser.