Two-Wire Irrigation Decoder Control for Long-Range Valve Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional irrigation systems face challenges with complexity and cost due to individually wired valves, and signal attenuation over long wires limits system size, making it difficult to manage large irrigation systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation controller using a two-wire communication network to power and control solenoid-actuated valves through data-encoded power waveforms, with a processor generating control signals and a bridge circuit employing solid-state relays to transmit AC power in-phase or phase-shifted, enabling efficient communication and valve control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual wires are run between each valve and the irrigation controller, then each valve can be controlled independently, but the complexity and cost of wiring increases significantly for large systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (power transmission and data communication) into a single two-wire network. The controller transmits both power and control signals through the same pair of wires, eliminating the need for separate wiring for each valve while maintaining individual valve control capability through digital addressing of decoder modules along the wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to remote decoder modules, transmits control signals from the controller, and enables bidirectional communication for system monitoring and diagnostics. This multi-functional approach replaces traditional separate wiring systems for power and control.
2Area of stationary object
If long individual wires are used to connect distant valves to the controller, then system coverage area increases, but signal attenuation prevents valves from actuating
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the irrigation control function into segmented decoder modules distributed along the two-wire network. Each decoder module can independently receive and execute control commands, and can also act as a signal repeater to extend the effective range of the network, overcoming signal attenuation over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
Decoder modules serve as intermediaries between the controller and the solenoid valves. They receive weak control signals from the controller, amplify and regenerate them, then transmit to connected valves. This intermediary function overcomes signal attenuation and enables reliable control over extended distances.
3Reliability
If traditional individual wiring is used for each valve, then reliable valve actuation is achieved, but installation cost and time increase for large systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and control signaling into a single two-wire infrastructure, dramatically reducing the amount of wiring required compared to traditional individual valve wiring. This reduces both material costs and installation time while maintaining reliable valve actuation through the use of decoder modules that actively regenerate control signals.
4Device complexity
If data-encoded power waveforms are used over a two-wire network, then wiring complexity is reduced, but signal attenuation and interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical switching with solid-state electronic decoding. The decoder modules use electronic circuits to detect and decode control signals from the power waveforms, providing more reliable signal detection and regeneration compared to mechanical systems, thereby reducing the impact of attenuation and interference.
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
This solution reduces installation costs and minimizes signal attenuation, allowing for larger irrigation system coverage by using data-encoded power waveforms to efficiently control solenoid-actuated valves over a two-wire network, enhancing the management of large irrigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer configured to receive an input power signal and provide AC power signal
Implementation Method 2
at least one of others of the plurality of solid-state relays is enabled when the control signal is in the second state to shift a phase of the AC power signal by approximately 180 degrees
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of solenoid-actuated valves connected to corresponding decoders
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system comprises an irrigation controller that receives user input and provides a power signal and command and message data to an encoder. The encoder encodes the command and message data onto the power signal to provide a data encoded power waveform that is sent over a two-wire path. The irrigation system further comprises one or more decoders in communication with the two-wire path to receive the data encoded power waveform and one or more irrigation valves in communication with the one or more decoders. The data encoded power waveform provides power to the decoders and the decoders decode the command and message data from the data encoded power waveform to control the irrigation valves according to the user input.