Two-Wire Irrigation Decoders for Remote Valve Control Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional irrigation systems face challenges with complexity and cost due to individually wired irrigation valves, and signal attenuation over long distances limits the size of irrigation systems, making it difficult to manage large-scale installations efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation controller that uses a two-wire communication network to power and control solenoid-actuated valves through data-encoded power waveforms, utilizing a processor, transformer, and bridge circuit with solid-state relays to transmit AC power signals in-phase or phase-shifted, allowing for remote control and monitoring via a cloud-based system.
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 power transmission and data communication into a single two-wire interface. The irrigation controller and valves communicate through a shared communication bus that carries both power and control signals, eliminating the need for separate individual wiring for each valve while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire communication interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to the valves, transmits control commands from the controller, and enables bidirectional communication for system monitoring and diagnostics. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system wiring complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If long lengths of individual wires are used to connect valves to the controller, then large irrigation systems can be implemented, but signal attenuation prevents valve actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces decoder modules as intermediary devices positioned at or near each valve. These decoders receive the control signal from the controller through the two-wire bus, locally decode the command, and directly actuate the valve solenoid. This intermediary approach allows the controller to manage large irrigation systems without direct long-distance wiring to each valve, maintaining signal reliability.
3Device complexity
If a two-wire communication network is used to control multiple valves, then wiring complexity is reduced, but the ability to individually address and control each valve becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct functional modules: the central irrigation controller, intermediate decoder modules, and endpoint valve actuators. Each decoder is assigned a unique address and can be individually controlled through the shared two-wire bus. This segmentation allows simplified wiring while maintaining individual valve addressing and control capabilities through hierarchical architecture.
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 simplifies the installation and operation of large irrigation systems by reducing wiring complexity, enhancing signal reliability over long distances, and enabling remote management through a cloud-based interface, thus improving efficiency and scalability.
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
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.