Variable Arc Sprinkler with Adjustable Flow Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation sprinklers lack adjustability in water distribution arc and flow rate, leading to inefficient watering patterns, with limited ability to cover a full range of angles and inconsistent throw radius, resulting in overwatering or underwatering of terrain.
Innovation Solution
A rotating stream sprinkler design with an adjustable arc feature accessible from the top, allowing settings from 90 degrees to 360 degrees, and a flow rate adjustment mechanism that regulates water flow without altering water pressure, using a collar and valve system with a throttle control member to control fluid flow and throw radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional sprinklers use fixed arc patterns with interchangeable inserts or punch-outs, then the manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture are improved, but the adaptability and ease of operation are worsened due to limited discrete arc settings and inability to adjust to any desired arc pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where a rotary dial with a pointer interacts with a graduated scale to enable continuous arc adjustment. The dial can be rotated to any position within a range of at least 90 to 360 degrees, allowing the sprinkler to be set to any desired arc pattern rather than being limited to discrete fixed patterns. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both manufacturing simplicity and operational versatility.
2Device complexity
If conventional sprinklers are designed with fixed construction for discrete arc patterns, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is worsened as users cannot adjust the arc to match specific terrain requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple rotary dial mechanism that rotates about a stem to adjust the arc. The dial features a pointer that indicates the selected arc setting on a graduated scale. This dynamic but simple mechanism allows continuous adjustment from 90 to 360 degrees while maintaining straightforward construction without complex interchangeable parts or multiple components.
3Device complexity
If conventional sprinklers lack flow rate adjustment capability, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and water distribution efficiency are worsened due to inconsistent throw radius and inability to control watering patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flow rate adjustment mechanism that allows users to vary the water flow rate independently of the arc setting. By changing the flow rate parameter, users can control the throw radius and water distribution patterns to match specific terrain requirements. This parameter adjustment capability improves water distribution efficiency and productivity while adding only minimal complexity to the overall device.
4Device complexity
If conventional sprinklers provide limited arcuate coverage range, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is worsened as multiple sprinkler models are needed to cover different terrain types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sprinkler design that can perform multiple arc coverage functions within a single device. By implementing a rotary dial mechanism with a range of at least 90 to 360 degrees, the sprinkler can be configured for various arc patterns (quarter-circle, half-circle, three-quarter-circle, full-circle) without requiring multiple different sprinkler models. This multi-functional approach improves adaptability while reducing the complexity of managing multiple specialized models.
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 flexible and efficient water distribution over a wide range of angles, ensuring uniform irrigation coverage without overwatering or underwatering, by allowing users to adjust the arc and flow rate to suit specific terrain needs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more jets of water are generally directed upwardly against a rotatable deflector having a vaned lower surface defining an array of relatively small flow channels extending upwardly and turning radially outwardly with a spiral component of direction. The water jet or jets impinge upon this underside surface of the deflector to fill these curved channels and to rotatably drive the deflector.
Implementation Method 2
a valve, whereby the valve seat is formed at the inlet of said collar and whereby opening and closing of the valve adjusts the amount of fluid flow therethrough to control distance of throw
Implementation Method 3
The valve comprises a throttle control member is rotatable about the central axis and wherein rotation of the collar causes rotation of the throttle control member and movement of the throttle control member in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis.
Data Source
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AI summary
A variable arc sprinkler (10) may be set to numerous positions along a continuum to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a nozzle body (16,62) and a valve sleeve (64) that helically engage each other to define an arcuate slot (20) that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate span. The sprinkler (10) may include a flow rate adjustment device (128,130,50) that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion (124) of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion (124) may cause a throttle control member (130) to move axially to or away from an inlet (134), or may cause one or more restrictor elements (401,403,405) to open or close, to control the flow rate of the sprinkler (10).