Universal Sprinkler Weight with Adjustable Mass Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigation systems face challenges due to the variability in sprinkler designs and positions along boom systems, requiring numerous weights with different configurations, making it difficult for operators to manage and maintain consistent sprinkler positioning during overhead irrigation.
Innovation Solution
A universal weight design featuring a connector and shell with engagement structures and a chamber for adding or removing material, allowing attachment to various sprinklers in multiple orientations and configurations, ensuring compatibility and reducing the number of required weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different weights with various configurations are used to match different sprinkler designs, then compatibility with various sprinklers is improved, but device complexity and the number of components required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight is designed with a universal connector that can attach to multiple sprinkler types through various coupling mechanisms (threads, barbs, snap-fits). The connector serves multiple functions: attaching to different sprinkler designs, providing a sealed water passage, and enabling weight adjustment. This single universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized weights for different sprinkler configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight system incorporates adjustable mass through removable weighting material (sand, water, shot) that can be added or removed from the chamber. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single weight design to serve multiple weight requirements, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-weight configurations.
2Manufacturing precision
If weights are added or removed based on water pressure and location along the boom system, then sprinkler positioning accuracy is improved, but the time and effort required for installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight chamber allows operators to quickly add or remove weighting material (sand, water, shot) to adjust the weight mass according to specific operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment is much faster than installing entirely different weight components, reducing maintenance time while achieving precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight is designed as a separable assembly with the connector as one component and the weighted chamber as another, allowing the weighting material to be independently adjusted. This segmentation enables rapid reconfiguration of the weight mass without replacing the entire weight assembly.
3Ease of operation
If a universal weight design with multiple couplings is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple coupling mechanisms (external threads, internal threads, barbs, snap-fits) into a single component, allowing one universal weight to attach to various sprinkler types. While the connector structure is complex, it eliminates the need for multiple different weight designs, simplifying the overall system inventory and operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A weight for attaching to a sprinkler is disclosed. The weight includes a connector having a passageway for water to flow between a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first coupling. The second end includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface includes a second coupling and the inner surface includes a third coupling. The connector supports a shell having a chamber. The chamber allows a user to add weight to or subtract weight from the shell. In a first aspect, the weight can be attach in multiple orientations to the same sprinkler. In a second aspect, the weight can be attached to a plurality of sprinklers that have different designs. In either aspect, the weight is considered universal.