Watering Controller Microcontroller Delayed Start Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic control units for watering systems require user presence at the time of programming and do not provide information on the start or end times of watering cycles, limiting user convenience and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit with a single push-button for program selection, a display, and an electronic microcontroller that allows immediate or delayed start of watering programs, providing visualization of program duration, frequency, and remaining time, enabling user convenience without the need for a clock and allowing manual override.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary switch is used for program selection, then the device is easily programmable by non-expert users, but the user must be present at the exact programming time and cannot know the timing of watering cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a display device that provides continuous feedback to the user about the current program selection, timing information, and watering cycle status. This allows users to know when watering will occur without needing to be present at programming time, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining ease of operation through the rotary switch interface.
2Productivity
If the start instant coincides with programming instant, then the program selection is immediately executed, but the user must be physically present at that exact time even at inconvenient times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to pre-select watering programs during convenient times using the rotary switch, and the system stores this selection. The actual watering execution can then occur at the programmed times without requiring user presence. This separates the programming action from the execution timing, improving user convenience while maintaining system productivity.
3Ease of operation
If a display and microcontroller are added to provide timing information and delayed start capability, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller serves multiple functions: it stores the selected program, determines timing information, controls the electrovalve operation, and interfaces with the display. By making the microcontroller a multi-functional central component, the patent improves user convenience through intelligent control while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through functional integration.
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 easy programming and user convenience by allowing delayed starts and continuous knowledge of watering cycle times, reducing the need for user presence at specific times and providing real-time information on cycle durations and frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
an electrovalve interposed for opening and closing the communication between inlet and outlet
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic control units for programmed watering of lawns, gardens, flower boxes and similar spaces, comprise a front panel including a single push-button for selecting a watering program, at least one push-button for starting the selected program and a display. The control units comprise an electronic micro controller which in response to the operation of said push-button causes the visualization of the duration and the frequency of the selected program, and in response to a single operation of the start push-button causes the immediate start of the selected watering program, while the operation of the start push-button for a variable number of times programs the delayed start of the selected program.