Ultrasonic Irrigation Flow Sensing Near Pipe Obstructions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow sensors in irrigation systems require upstream and downstream obstructions or diversions at least ten and five pipe diameters away, respectively, to avoid turbulence, limiting the compactness and configuration options of flow control systems.

Innovation Solution

A flow system with a flow sensor positioned closer to obstructions or diversions than previously thought possible, utilizing ultrasonic flow sensors and controllers to accurately measure fluid velocity despite proximity to these obstructions, allowing for compact and varied configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If flow sensor is positioned at least ten pipe diameters away from upstream obstruction and at least five pipe diameters away from downstream obstruction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid velocity measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial parameters (distances) between the flow sensor and obstructions/diversions, allowing installation at distances less than the traditional 10D upstream and 5D downstream requirements. This parameter change enables more flexible and compact system configurations while maintaining acceptable measurement accuracy through calibration adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different requirements to different locations relative to the flow sensor. By establishing specific distance thresholds (less than 10D upstream and less than 5D downstream) as acceptable installation conditions, it creates localized quality standards that enable compact configurations while maintaining measurement precision in the critical sensor region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If flow sensor is positioned closer to obstructions or diversions, then ease of operation and installation are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to turbulence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidfluid velocity measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical flow sensor installations that require strict spacing requirements with an ultrasonic flow sensor system that uses acoustic waves to measure flow velocity. This substitution eliminates the need for physical obstruction elements and allows flexible installation positions closer to diversions and obstructions without compromising measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces calibration values as an intermediary element that mediates between the flow sensor measurements and the actual flow conditions. By applying calibration factors that account for the reduced distance to obstructions and diversions, the system compensates for turbulence effects and maintains measurement accuracy despite the compact configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables more compact and versatile flow control systems that accurately measure fluid velocity and volume, facilitating precise irrigation control with reduced turbulence effects.

Implementation Method 1

flow sensors for measuring velocity of fluid flowing in pipes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid velocity measurement:

Implementation Method 2

utilizing ultrasonic flow sensors and controllers to accurately measure fluid velocity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic measurement: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12520778B2Flow valve system with flow sensor, fluid valve, and radio module

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 SARVER LARRY C

AI summary

In a flow system, a flow sensor conducts fluid between a source and a distributor. The flow sensor outputs to a processor an electrical signal related to a velocity or volume of fluid flowing by, proximate to, or through the flow sensor. A fluid valve is connected to conduct a fluid between the flow sensor and the fluid distributor The processor determines, based on the electrical signal: the volume of fluid flowing by, proximate to, or through the flow sensor; and a second electrical signal, and outputs the second electrical signal to an irrigation controller. The processor includes a radio for wirelessly communicating the determined volume to a remote server via a smart device that includes a first radio for receiving the determined volume from the processor and a second radio for uploaded or transmitting the determined volume received by the smart device to the remote server.