Variable Sprinkler Orifice Device for Precision Irrigation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems face limitations in precisely controlling water application depth due to speed adjustments requiring uniform changes across entire irrigation spans and inconsistencies in pulsing sprinklers, leading to variations in water application depths and lag times, especially under varying soil types and water pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
A variable sprinkler orifice device with rotatable disks featuring incrementally sized orifices, controlled by a computer algorithm that adjusts orifice sizes based on Variable Rate Irrigation data, monitors water pressure, and adjusts quickly to maintain precise water application depths across different field conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the speed of the irrigation span is varied to control water application depth, then water application depth control is improved, but the entire span speed must be changed uniformly causing compromises across different soil types
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation span is divided into multiple independently controllable sprinkler zones along its length. Each zone can have its speed and water application depth adjusted separately based on local soil type and crop requirements, eliminating the need for uniform speed changes across the entire span.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sprinkler zone is equipped with local sensors and actuators that enable independent control of water application parameters. This allows each segment to be optimized for its specific soil type and crop conditions rather than applying a uniform control strategy across the entire irrigation span.
2Measurement precision
If sprinkler zones are pulsed on/off to control water application depth, then water application depth variation is improved, but lag time between valve signal and actual valve action causes inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors are installed in each sprinkler zone to provide real-time feedback on water pressure and flow conditions. This feedback is used by the control system to dynamically adjust valve timing and duration, compensating for lag times and ensuring consistent water application depths despite variations in valve response characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed, pre-programmed pulse timing to dynamic, real-time control where valve operation is continuously adjusted based on actual pressure and flow measurements. This allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and compensate for valve response variations.
3Measurement precision
If long off-time is used in pulse cycle to reduce water application depth, then water application depth control is improved, but machine movement causes incorrect water application depths
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors machine position and speed along with pressure sensor data to dynamically calculate and adjust the optimal pulse timing. This ensures that water application depth is controlled accurately while accounting for variations in machine movement, eliminating the need for fixed long off-times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates optimal pulse timing based on anticipated machine position and speed changes, allowing it to prepare valve actuation commands in advance. This ensures synchronized water application even during machine acceleration or deceleration phases.
4Device complexity
If standard fixed orifice nozzles are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying water pressure conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system replaces fixed orifices with adjustable orifice plates that can dynamically change their opening size. This allows the nozzle to adapt to varying water pressure conditions by adjusting the orifice area, maintaining consistent water flow rates despite pressure fluctuations while adding minimal complexity through motorized adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a variable sprinkler orifice device that can change orifice sizes using a rotating disk with multiple orifices along the circumference of the disk. According to first preferred embodiment, the implement preferably includes a conduit in which water is directed through a series of rotatable plates which preferably include incrementally sized orifices. According to a further preferred embodiment, the variable orifices are automatically and quickly adjusted based on VRI data to change the combination of orifices used.