Two-Wire Irrigation Decoders for Long-Range Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional irrigation systems face challenges with complexity and cost due to the need for individual wiring of irrigation valves to controllers, and signal attenuation over long wires limits system size, making it impractical for large setups.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation controller using a two-wire communication network to power and control solenoid-actuated valves through data-encoded power waveforms, where a processor generates control signals and a bridge circuit with solid-state relays outputs phase-shifted AC power signals to manage valve operation, allowing for serial addressability and efficient communication.
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 individually, but the complexity and cost of wiring increases significantly for large systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (power delivery and data communication) into a single two-wire network. The controller communicates with multiple decoders along this shared network, eliminating the need for individual wiring to each valve while maintaining individual control capability through serial addressing of decoders.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to decoders and enables bidirectional data communication for control and status monitoring. This multi-functional approach replaces the traditional separate control wiring for each valve.
2Ease of operation
If individual wires are used to connect valves to the controller, then direct control is achieved, but signal attenuation over long wire lengths prevents valve actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces decoder devices as intermediaries along the two-wire network. These decoders receive control signals and power from the controller, then locally actuate the connected valves. This intermediary approach allows the controller to manage valves at greater distances without direct long-distance signal transmission to each valve.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional individual wiring is used, then each valve is directly controllable, but the cost and installation complexity become prohibitive for large irrigation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the irrigation control system into modular components: a central controller, multiple decoders distributed along the two-wire network, and valves connected to decoders. Each decoder is serially addressable and can independently control its associated valve, enabling scalable system expansion without proportional increases in wiring complexity.
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 complexity by enabling efficient communication over long distances, allowing for larger irrigation system setups without signal attenuation, and integrates sensor data for enhanced control.
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.