Remotely Vented Pressure Regulator for Irrigation Sprinkler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation sprinklers face challenges in maintaining consistent water distribution due to fluctuations in water pressure, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, as pressure regulators are often located below the turbine and internal to the riser, making precise pressure control at the nozzle difficult.
Innovation Solution
A rotor-type sprinkler design featuring a remotely vented pressure regulator mounted above the gear train reduction and closely adjacent to the nozzle, allowing for adjustable pressure regulation from the top-side, reducing water pressure at the nozzle and enabling precise control of water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the pressure regulator is located below the turbine and internal to the riser, then the sprinkler structure is more compact, but precise pressure control at the nozzle becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (below the turbine) to a horizontal arrangement (adjacent to the nozzle at the top). This dimensional change allows the regulator to be remotely vented from the top side, improving pressure control precision while maintaining structural compactness through lateral placement rather than vertical stacking.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pressure regulator is remotely vented from the top-side, then pressure regulation precision is improved, but the sprinkler height increases
Solution Approach 1:
A vent tube acts as an intermediary component, extending from the pressure regulator laterally to the top-side vent opening. This allows the regulator to be positioned adjacent to the nozzle for precise control while the venting function is achieved through the extended tube, avoiding the need for increased overall sprinkler height.
3Manufacturing precision
If external pressure regulators are used, then pressure control is improved, but additional components and installation complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is integrated into the sprinkler body as an internal component rather than being installed externally. The regulator is positioned adjacent to the nozzle and remotely vented through the sprinkler housing, combining multiple functions (pressure regulation, venting, and nozzle control) into a single integrated assembly, thereby eliminating the need for separate external regulators.
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
This design ensures consistent water distribution and significant water savings by accurately regulating pressure at the nozzle, reducing the need for external pressure regulators and minimizing height, while allowing for adjustable radius reduction to optimize watering patterns.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure regulator is mounted in the riser and is remotely vented from a top-side of the sprinkler
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation sprinkler includes a riser and a nozzle rotatably mounted at an upper end of the riser. A gear train reduction is mounted in the riser and a turbine is coupled to the gear train reduction for rotation by water entering a lower end of the riser. A gear driven coupling mechanism mounted in the riser couples the gear train reduction and the nozzle. A pressure regulator is mounted in the riser and is adjustable from a top-side of the sprinkler.