Subsurface Pressurized Irrigation Pipe With Nested Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Above-ground irrigation systems suffer from water waste due to inefficiencies such as spray on non-target areas, wind loss, runoff, and evaporation, necessitating a more targeted and efficient method to deliver water directly to vegetation roots with minimal waste.
Innovation Solution
A subsurface pressurized irrigation system comprising pipes with distinct cavities and ribs to facilitate pressurized fluid flow from a larger reservoir cavity to a smaller delivery cavity, ensuring efficient water distribution and aeration, with a coupler system to connect pipes and prevent leakage, promoting water delivery directly to the root zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If above-ground irrigation systems are used, then water can be easily distributed, but water waste occurs due to spray on non-target areas, wind loss, runoff, and evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the irrigation delivery by using separate pipes for water supply and air injection, with distinct cavities for water reservoir and delivery. This segmentation allows precise control of water flow directly to root zones, eliminating waste from spray dispersion and wind loss while maintaining ease of operation through modular pipe components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary substance injected into the water flow through side-by-side pipes. This air-water mixture delivers water more efficiently to the root zone, reducing evaporation and runoff losses while the intermediary air injection mechanism maintains simple operational control through standard irrigation infrastructure.
2Productivity
If subsurface pressurized irrigation system with multiple pipes and cavities is implemented, then water delivery efficiency to roots is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges water delivery and air injection functions into a integrated subsurface irrigation assembly. The side-by-side pipe configuration with connected cavities combines multiple functions (water supply, air injection, mixing) into a single installable unit, improving water delivery efficiency to roots while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested cavity structure where the air injection pipe is positioned within or adjacent to the water supply pipe, with cavities nested to facilitate water-air mixing. This nesting arrangement achieves efficient pressurized water delivery to roots while minimizing the external footprint and installation complexity of the system.
3Loss of substance
If water is delivered directly to root zone through subsurface pipes, then water waste is minimized, but installation cost and difficulty may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The subsurface irrigation system is designed to be self-installing through simple coupling mechanisms between the side-by-side pipes. The modules can be assembled in-place without complex manufacturing or specialized installation equipment, reducing installation costs and difficulty while achieving minimal water loss through direct root-zone delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive pipe materials and coupling mechanisms that can be easily manufactured and installed. The modular design allows for cost-effective replacement or adjustment of individual sections, making the system economically viable despite the subsurface installation requirement, while effectively minimizing water loss.
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 effectively reduces water waste by delivering water directly to the roots, enhancing vegetation growth while minimizing environmental impact through efficient water and nutrient distribution, and is cost-effective and easy to install.
Implementation Method 1
a coupler configured to engage with a first end of the third pipe and having a ridge configured to make contact with the first end of the third pipe
Implementation Method 2
water in the first pipe is configured to flow into the coupler and through the opening of the wall in order to flow into the second pipe
Implementation Method 3
a third pipe connected around the first pipe and the second pipe for maintaining the first pipe within a predetermined distance from the second pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An underground irrigation or piping system for water or fertilizing adjacent soil. The irrigation or piping system may be a horizontal system or a vertical system. A pipe contains a first, larger cavity and a second smaller cavity. Water or other fluids may flow from the first cavity to the second cavity, through a transfer port or via a vortex created by a restriction within a coupling or other element of the system. As the fluid transfers from the first cavity to the second cavity, it obtains a higher pressure. Emitters, such as holes) in the pipe that communicate with the second opening allow the pressurized fluid to spray out of the pipe a predetermined distance. Nutrients, air, or other elements may be added in the system to further fertilize or encourage vegetation growth.