Variable Arc Sprinkler Head Helical Valve Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation sprinkler heads lack flexibility in adjusting the water distribution arc and flow rate, leading to overwatering or underwatering due to limited adjustability, and often require a hand tool for adjustments, which can be inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler head design featuring a rotatable deflector with a valve system using helical surfaces for adjustable arc settings and a flow rate adjustment mechanism that allows for direct actuation without tools, enabling variable arc and flow rate control without altering water pressure, and includes a spring for sealing and flushing debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sprinkler heads use fixed or limited arc settings, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different irrigation needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic arc adjustment mechanism where the valve body can be rotated to different positions to change the arc of water distribution. The deflector is designed to work with the valve body at multiple angular positions, allowing the sprinkler to dynamically adapt between full circle, half circle, and quarter circle patterns without changing the physical structure of the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions: it controls the flow rate of water, adjusts the distribution arc, and guides water to the deflector. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sprinklers lack flow rate adjustment, then the device structure is simple, but the precision of water distribution control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls flow rate by changing the angular position of the valve body relative to the water supply inlet. As the valve body rotates, the effective opening area for water flow changes, providing precise control over flow rate. This parameter-based control method achieves precision without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If conventional sprinklers require hand tools for adjustment, then the adjustment mechanism is simple, but the ease of operation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is designed with an externally accessible feature that allows users to directly rotate and adjust the arc setting without requiring any hand tools. The deflector can be manually positioned by the user, and this manual positioning directly actuates the valve body to the desired angle, enabling self-service adjustment.
4Productivity
If conventional sprinklers have limited arc ranges, then the device structure is simple, but the productivity of irrigation coverage is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic arc adjustment mechanism where the valve body can be rotated to different positions to change the arc of water distribution. The deflector is designed to work with the valve body at multiple angular positions, allowing the sprinkler to dynamically adapt between full circle, half circle, and quarter circle patterns without changing the physical structure of the components.
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
The design provides a highly adjustable water distribution arc and flow rate, preventing overwatering or underwatering, allowing users to set any desired arc and flow rate without tools, while ensuring concentricity and ease of assembly, and facilitates convenient debris removal.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased to urge the valve body against the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
a first valve having a first valve body and a second valve body, the first valve being adjustable for setting a length of an arcuate opening... two helical surfaces that engage one another and are moveable with respect to one another for setting the length of the arcuate opening
Implementation Method 3
The water jet or jets impinge upon this underside surface of the deflector to fill these curved channels and to rotatably drive the deflector
Data Source
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AI summary
A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler head includes an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve without the need for a hand tool. A method of irrigation is also provided involving moving the deflector between an arc adjustment position and an operational, irrigation position. The sprinkler head may also include a flow rate adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.