Variable Range Sprinkler Bypass Unit for Non-Circular Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary sprinklers lack adjustability, leading to inefficient water distribution and waste in non-circular areas, resulting in higher water bills and potential ordinance violations due to over-spraying.
Innovation Solution
A variable range sprinkler apparatus with a bypass unit housing multiple adjustable valves and a rotatable water outlet unit, allowing for customizable water flow patterns by adjusting valve positions to direct water effectively in desired areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional rotary sprinklers spray water in a fixed 360° pattern, then the sprinkler structure is simple, but water is wasted in non-circular areas
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler system is divided into multiple spray zones using adjustable valves positioned at different angular locations around the bypass unit. Each valve controls water flow to a specific sector, allowing the circular spray pattern to be segmented into customizable segments that match the shape of the irrigation area, thereby eliminating water waste in non-circular regions
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler system incorporates adjustable valves that can be dynamically positioned to different angular locations around the bypass unit. This dynamic adjustability allows the spray pattern to be reconfigured to match various area shapes (rectangular, triangular, irregular), transforming the fixed circular pattern into a adaptable configuration that eliminates water waste
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rotary sprinklers are partially adjusted to rotate a segment, then water waste is reduced, but the ability to water complex non-circular areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass unit is equipped with multiple adjustable valves positioned at different angular locations, dividing the spray pattern into multiple independent sectors. Each sector can be independently controlled to water different portions of complex non-circular areas, providing the versatility needed for irregular shapes while preventing water waste through precise control
Solution Approach 2:
Each adjustable valve in the bypass unit provides localized control over a specific angular sector of the spray pattern. This local quality adjustment allows different parts of the irrigation area to receive water according to their specific needs, enabling complex non-circular patterns to be watered efficiently without wasting water in areas that don't require irrigation
3Measurement precision
If conventional rotary sprinklers spray in a fixed pattern, then the device is easy to operate, but water distribution precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates externally accessible valve adjustment mechanisms that allow users to dynamically reposition valves to different angular locations around the bypass unit. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise control over water distribution patterns for complex non-circular areas while maintaining ease of operation through user-friendly external controls
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 precise control over water distribution, reducing water waste and allowing for efficient irrigation in non-circular areas, thereby conserving water and avoiding ordinance violations.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass unit housing a plurality of valves (2-8, preferably 6), and a water inlet portion. The sprinkler portion of the apparatus... is attached to the bypass unit, and the bypass unit is coupled to the water inlet portion. Inside the bypass unit is a plurality of valves, at least one of which is adjustable, that are designed to open a water passage in the bypass unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable range sprinkler apparatus includes a sprinkler portion, a bypass unit housing a plurality of valves, and a water inlet portion. The sprinkler portion of the apparatus, which may be a rotary sprinkler unit, is attached to the bypass unit, and the bypass unit is coupled to the water inlet portion. Inside the bypass unit is a plurality of valves, at least one of which is adjustable, that are designed to open a water passage in the bypass unit.