Sub-surface Irrigation Tubing Grid for Irregular Landscapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional above-ground irrigation systems face issues such as water wastage through evaporation, overspray, and damage from freezing temperatures, and lack adaptability to irregular landscape shapes, making them inefficient and prone to maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A sub-surface irrigation system comprising longitudinal perforated tubing members and cross members that can be customized to fit any landscape format by cutting and connecting sections, forming a grid-like pattern to ensure efficient water distribution and minimize waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If above-ground sprinkler systems are used, then water can be applied to lawns, but water is lost to evaporation, overspray, and runoff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the irrigation function from above-ground sprinklers and relocates it to subsurface lateral conduits buried in the landscape. This removes the harmful overspray and evaporation issues by delivering water directly at the source rather than through airborne distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces permeable lateral conduits as an intermediary between the water supply and the landscape. These conduits act as a mediator that distributes water subsurface through permeable walls, allowing controlled infiltration without the waste associated with above-ground spray systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If above-ground sprinkler systems are used, then irrigation can be provided, but buildings and outdoor furniture may be damaged by overspray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sprinkler heads and above-ground distribution components that cause overspray damage. By extracting the water application function to subsurface conduits, the harmful overspray is eliminated while irrigation functionality is maintained through underground water delivery.
3Loss of energy
If conventional sub-surface systems are used, then water loss is reduced, but they are not adaptable to irregular landscape formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the subsurface irrigation system into modular components: longitudinal conduits that can be cut to length, permeable lateral conduits that can be positioned at various intervals, and coupling mechanisms that allow flexible assembly. This segmentation enables adaptation to irregular landscapes while maintaining the water loss reduction benefits of subsurface irrigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic, flexible subsurface system where conduits can be cut, positioned, and connected to match irregular landscape contours. The system transitions from rigid conventional subsurface layouts to a flexible configuration that adapts to any landscape format while maintaining subsurface water delivery efficiency.
4Reliability
If subsurface irrigation systems are installed, then above-ground components are protected from damage, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the subsurface irrigation system into pre-fabricated modular units with standardized coupling mechanisms. This segmentation simplifies installation by allowing workers to assemble the system from discrete components rather than installing long continuous pipes, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining system durability through protected subsurface routing.
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 reduces water waste, is robust against freezing, easy to install, and allows concurrent use of grassy areas, providing adaptable and cost-effective irrigation for various landscape shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The lateral fluid conduits 20, 40 may be porous or have perforations that allow the conduits to exude or seep water
Implementation Method 2
The lateral fluid conduits 20, 40 may be porous or have perforations that allow the conduits to exude or seep water
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system and method is provided that includes a set of longitudinal perforated tubing members, with each tubing member having a tubing proximal end attached or attachable to a proximal lateral fluid conduit and having a tubing distal end attached attachable to a distal lateral fluid conduit to form an irrigation array. Two types of cross members are provided, a spacer cross member and a tubing cross member. The cross members hold each of the perforated tubing members in a grid-like pattern forming a tubing/spacer array or a tubing/tubing array. The longitudinal perforated tubing may be cut to accommodate the shape of a landscape format. Methods are provided for joining or ending the cut portions. The irrigation array is created, attached to a water supply, and buried below the surface of the ground.