Oscillating Sprinkler Toggle Width Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oscillating sprinklers have an inconveniently located width control knob, making it difficult for users to adjust the coverage area effectively while the sprinkler is in use.
Innovation Solution
The oscillating sprinkler features a toggle mechanism that allows independent adjustment of jet angles, with toggles positioned along the axis of rotation, enabling users to visually confirm the fluid dispersal angle without turning the sprinkler on or off, and includes a resilient jet design for easy angular movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a width control knob is included to adjust the fluid emission angle, then the coverage area control is improved, but the control knob placement becomes inconvenient and cumbersome for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the width control mechanism from a remote knob placement to a location along the axis of rotation, utilizing the rotational dimension of the sprinkler body. This allows users to access and adjust the width control at any point during oscillation, transforming a fixed-access problem into a multi-access solution through dimensional relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler design allows the oscillating motion itself to bring the control mechanism within user reach. As the sprinkler body rotates, the width control feature passes by the user periodically, enabling adjustment without requiring the user to reach into awkward or hidden locations. The system's own motion facilitates user access to the control.
2Ease of operation
If the width control knob is placed in a convenient location, then ease of operation is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating body of the sprinkler serves dual functions: it performs the primary irrigation function by rotating the spray pattern, and it simultaneously acts as a moving carrier for the width control mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixed mounting structures or additional linkages, maintaining simplicity while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The width control mechanism is merged with the oscillating body structure rather than being a separate externally-mounted component. By integrating the control feature into the body that already undergoes rotational motion, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving convenient user access during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the jet angle is adjusted to increase coverage area, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural complexity of the jet adjustment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the jet angle through the oscillating motion of the sprinkler body. As the body rotates, the jets naturally change their emission angle relative to the ground, providing variable coverage patterns without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms for each jet. The dynamic motion of the entire assembly achieves angle variation simpler than static adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The width control is achieved by controlling individual jets or groups of jets independently through the oscillating body's motion. Each jet can be angled separately as the body rotates, allowing segmented control of the spray pattern. This segmentation enables flexible coverage adjustment without requiring a single complex mechanism to control all jets simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
An irrigation device includes a body (110) defining a fluid passage (123); a slider (170) movably coupled to the body (110), wherein the slider includes (170a) a body (171a) defining a plurality of apertures (172a) and a plurality of projections (175a) extending away from the body(171a); a plurality of flexible jets (141) coupled longitudinally to the body (110), wherein the plurality of flexible jets (141) receive fluid from the fluid passage (123), and wherein each jet (141) is received by an aperture (172a) in the plurality of apertures (172a) of the slider (170a); and a toggle (180a) rotatably coupled to the body (110) and to the slider (170a), wherein the toggle (180a) is rotatably coupled to the body (110) in substantial alignment with the plurality of jets (141), and wherein rotation of the toggle (180a) in a first direction moves the slider (170a) to cause at least one projection (175a) of the slider (170a) to engage with at least one jet (141) to adjust a position of the at least one jet (141).