Sprinkler Sleeve Assembly Segmentation for Soil-Free Maintenance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underground irrigation systems face difficulties in efficiently removing and installing sprinkler heads due to compacted soil creating a tight fit, making it time-consuming and messy to inspect, replace, or repair damaged sprinkler heads.

Innovation Solution

A sprinkler sleeve assembly comprising a top and bottom unit with a vertical traversing channel that allows the sprinkler head to be easily accessed and removed without disturbing compacted soil, featuring a top unit that slides into a bottom unit with passageways for irrigation tubing and a solid inner floor to prevent soil compaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sprinkler heads are buried entirely underground with compacted soil around them, then the irrigation system is aesthetically pleasing and protected, but it becomes difficult and time-consuming to remove and inspect the sprinkler heads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesprinkler head protectionVSAvoidsprinkler head removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is divided into two segments: an upper coupling portion that remains accessible above ground and a lower coupling portion that is buried underground. This segmentation allows the sprinkler head to be easily removed by accessing the upper portion while keeping the lower portion embedded in the ground, thus maintaining both aesthetic appearance and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sprinkler head and the underground piping system. This intermediary component provides a threaded connection that allows easy attachment and detachment of the sprinkler head without requiring excavation, while still securing the sprinkler head firmly when installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If sprinkler heads are easily accessible above ground, then maintenance is simple, but the aesthetic appearance and protection from damage are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesprinkler head accessVSAvoidsprinkler head damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is divided into two segments: an upper coupling portion that remains accessible above ground and a lower coupling portion that is buried underground. This segmentation allows the sprinkler head to be easily removed by accessing the upper portion while keeping the lower portion embedded in the ground, thus maintaining both aesthetic appearance and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional buried sprinkler heads are used, then the system is simple to install, but digging around compacted soil to remove heads is messy and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem installation simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is divided into two segments: an upper coupling portion that remains accessible above ground and a lower coupling portion that is buried underground. This segmentation allows the sprinkler head to be easily removed by accessing the upper portion while keeping the lower portion embedded in the ground, thus maintaining both aesthetic appearance and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sprinkler head and the underground piping system. This intermediary component provides a threaded connection that allows easy attachment and detachment of the sprinkler head without requiring excavation, while still securing the sprinkler head firmly when installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12121922B2Sprinkler sleeve assembly

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 WATEVE LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are new sprinkler sleeve assemblies, and methods of use, configured to be placed around underground sprinkler heads to create a barrier between the sprinkler head and the surrounding soil. More specifically, the sprinkler sleeve assemblies comprise a top unit and a bottom unit, wherein the top unit comprises a vertical channel configured to surround the sprinkler head; and the bottom unit is configured to receive the top unit and can comprise one or more passageways that allow irrigation tubing to pass through.