Tree Watering Device with Segmented Radial Hoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tree watering devices are time-consuming to set up, difficult to monitor water application, and visually unattractive, lacking flexibility and the ability to measure water distribution effectively, which deters users from proper usage, especially for extended treatments.
Innovation Solution
A watering device comprising an inlet valve with a primary manifold that splits water flow into flexible tubing portions connected to distribution manifolds with multiple orifices, allowing for adjustable orientations and conforming to topography, equipped with a meter to measure water flow and display output, and flexible tubing that can be easily shaped and reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open hose or hose fed-root feeders are used to water trees, then water can be applied to the tree, but the user must manually move the device multiple times during treatment and cannot determine how much water is being applied
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments: a central hub, multiple radial hoses, and multiple distribution points arranged in a circular pattern. This segmentation allows water to be distributed simultaneously at multiple locations around the tree, eliminating the need to manually move a single hose multiple times while reducing total setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single unit: it serves as both a distribution manifold and multiple individual watering outlets simultaneously. The circular configuration with multiple radial hoses allows one device to water the entire circumference of a tree in a single setup, replacing the need for multiple separate hose movements.
2Measurement precision
If soaker hoses are used to water trees, then water can be applied to the ground surface, but the setup is time-consuming and there is no way to measure how much water is being applied
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a flow meter in the water inlet line that provides real-time feedback on water consumption. This allows the user to monitor and measure the exact amount of water being applied to the tree during treatment, enabling precise control and documentation of water application without adding significant setup time.
3Ease of operation
If self-contained root feeders or drip-irrigation rings are used, then water supply is self-contained, but the devices are visually unattractive and time-consuming to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses flexible hoses that can be easily configured and adjusted during setup, making the installation process quick and adaptable to different tree sizes and locations. The flexible nature of the hoses allows for rapid deployment compared to rigid drip-irrigation systems, reducing setup time while maintaining an adaptable configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single spike system is used to water trees, then the device is simple, but it must be moved multiple times around the circumference of the tree to ensure uniform watering
Solution Approach 1:
The watering device is segmented into multiple radial outlets arranged in a circular pattern around the tree trunk. This segmentation allows water to be distributed simultaneously at multiple circumferential locations, providing uniform coverage without requiring the user to move the device around the tree. Each radial hose acts as an independent watering zone that operates concurrently with the others.
Data Source
AI summary
A watering device comprising an inlet valve operably to be connected into fluid communication with a water source, a primary manifold coupled to and in fluid communication with the inlet valve wherein the primary manifold divides the water flow into at least two closed channels. The watering device further includes at least two flexible tubing portions wherein each of the flexible tubing portions may be connected to and in fluid communication with one of the closed channels. The watering device further includes at least two distribution manifolds wherein each of said distribution manifolds may be connected to and in fluid communication with one of the flexible tubing portions. Each distribution manifold includes a plurality of water orifices to facilitate the flow of water therethrough.