Integrated Irrigation Valve Coil Assembly for Reduced Wiring Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation control systems require complex and time-consuming installations involving multiple wires and separate decoder and coil modules, leading to increased clutter and installation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
An integrated valve actuator coil and control module that combines the coil and decoder circuitry within a single housing, reducing the number of wires needed for installation and providing a streamlined, space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate decoder module and coil module are used, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the decoder module and coil module into a single integrated valve actuator assembly. The decoder circuitry is housed within the same enclosure as the coil assembly, eliminating the need for separate mounting of these two components. This integration reduces the number of discrete parts while maintaining the functional separation and reliability of both the decoding and actuation functions.
2Reliability
If separate decoder module and coil module are used, then functional reliability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the decoder and coil into a single pre-assembled unit, the installation process is simplified. The entire valve actuator assembly can be mounted as one component rather than requiring separate installation and wiring of two distinct modules, thereby reducing installation time while preserving the functional reliability of both subsystems.
3Reliability
If separate decoder module and coil module are used, then functional reliability is improved, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design consolidates the electrical connections. The decoder circuitry and coil assembly share a common housing with integrated terminal blocks, reducing the number of separate wire connections required. This integration maintains the functional reliability of both components while significantly simplifying the wiring configuration compared to separate modules.
4Ease of operation
If integrated valve actuator assembly is used, then installation simplicity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single valve actuator assembly that includes both the decoder and coil components. This integration simplifies installation by reducing the number of discrete parts to be mounted and wired, while the internal complexity is managed through modular design principles that keep the functional separation clear despite the physical integration.
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
Simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of wires to connect, enhances ease of use, and offers a more efficient and compact solution for irrigation control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation control device comprises a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil to receive control signals from an irrigation control unit and to control the flux at the coil. A housing covers at least a portion of both the coil and the control circuitry, the housing including a threaded end configured to thread the irrigation control device to a valve assembly to be actuated by the electromagnetic flux of the coil.