Wireless Irrigation Controller with Solar Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation systems require buried control wires for solenoid valves and pumps, which is cumbersome and lacks remote control capabilities, limiting flexibility and efficiency in irrigation management.

Innovation Solution

A wireless irrigation control system with a self-contained controller, antenna, and battery power supply, allowing for remote control via RF signals and integration with existing irrigation devices like rotors, valves, and pumps, enabling scheduling and power management without external electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If control wires are buried below ground to connect controller to solenoid valves and pumps, then reliable control signal transmission is achieved, but installation complexity and labor requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal transmissionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The controller and solenoid valves/pumps communicate via radio frequency signals instead of physical control wires, eliminating the need to bury cables while maintaining reliable control signal transmission. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the installation complexity associated with buried wires while preserving the reliability of control signal delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless communication signals as an intermediary medium to transmit control commands between the controller and water flow control devices. Instead of direct physical connections through buried wires, RF signals serve as the intermediary carrier, enabling control without the infrastructure of underground wiring while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If wireless control with battery power is used, then installation complexity is reduced and remote control is enabled, but power supply reliability and operating duration become limiting factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidoperating duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary charging actions by incorporating solar panels that continuously charge the battery during daylight hours. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures that sufficient power is stored before needed, extending the operating duration of the wireless controller without requiring frequent manual battery replacements or larger initial battery capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service power generation through integrated solar panels that automatically recharge the battery. The controller monitors its own power status and manages charging/discharging cycles autonomously, eliminating the need for external power connections or manual intervention. This self-sustaining approach resolves the operating duration limitation by continuously replenishing power from renewable solar energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 remote control of irrigation devices without buried wires, improving flexibility and efficiency by allowing for centralized control of multiple devices, reducing installation complexity and energy consumption through power-saving schedules.

Implementation Method 1

a solar array for converting solar energy to electrical energy to charge the rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic Effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a rechargeable battery powered by the solar array and adapted to supply power to the controller and the solenoid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

a solenoid adapted to receive an actuation signal from the controller and convert the actuation signal to a mechanical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS9161499B2Wireless irrigation control device and related method
Publication Date: 2015.10.20 RAIN BIRD CORP
  • US9161499B2 patent drawing
  • US9161499B2 patent drawing
  • US9161499B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention provide wireless irrigation control systems and related methods. In one embodiment, the invention may be characterized as a wireless irrigation control system comprising: at least one water flow control device; a watertight housing; and a wireless receiver within the watertight housing and adapted to receive irrigation schedule related signals. The system also includes a memory within the watertight housing and adapted to store an irrigation schedule established or modified by the received irrigation schedule related signals; and a controller within the watertight housing and coupled to the memory, the controller adapted to execute the irrigation schedule to cause the water flow control device to operate according to the irrigation schedule. Additionally, a power supply is within the watertight housing and adapted to supply power to at least the controller.