Wireless Irrigation Controller Network for Large-Area Scheduling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation control systems face complexity in managing irrigation for large areas with varied plant life, soil types, and slopes, requiring sophisticated programming and infrastructure that is often costly and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A centralized irrigation control system that integrates satellite controllers, field transmitters, and radio adapters to distribute and manage irrigation schedules wirelessly across a wide geographic area, using a network of Master Radio Modules and Radio Relays to coordinate irrigation control modules, allowing for remote management and integration of diverse irrigation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional program-based irrigation controllers are used to manage irrigation for large areas with varied plant life, soil types, and slopes, then irrigation control functionality is provided, but system complexity and programming difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the irrigation control into multiple independent control modules, each managing a specific irrigation zone or station. Each control module can be independently programmed and operated, allowing the overall system to handle complex irrigation needs through simple, modular units rather than requiring a single complex centralized controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces handheld transmitters as intermediary devices that simplify user interaction with the irrigation system. These transmitters provide an intuitive interface for programming and controlling irrigation schedules without requiring users to navigate complex system programming, thus maintaining versatility while reducing operational complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional irrigation controllers are used for large geographic areas, then irrigation coverage is achieved, but installation cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. Control modules and transmitters communicate via radio frequency, eliminating the need for extensive physical wiring across large geographic areas. This substitution dramatically reduces installation complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to cover extensive irrigation zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The control modules are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can be deployed in various irrigation configurations and geographic locations. Each module can independently manage irrigation schedules and can be easily added or removed from the system, allowing flexible expansion to cover large areas without requiring custom installation for each location.
3Manufacturing precision
If sophisticated programming is implemented to manage diverse irrigation requirements, then irrigation precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Handheld transmitters serve as intermediary devices that provide an intuitive, user-friendly interface for programming irrigation schedules. The transmitters allow users to set precise irrigation parameters through simple button presses and display interfaces, translating complex programming requirements into straightforward operations without sacrificing irrigation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic scheduling and control functions that reduce the need for manual programming adjustments. Once basic parameters are set through the simplified transmitter interface, the control modules autonomously manage irrigation schedules, making precision irrigation accessible to users without requiring extensive programming knowledge.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide irrigation systems comprising: a central irrigation controller; a radio module; a control module; and a radio adaptor in communication with the control module; where the control module comprises: a processor, a first communication interface, and one or more valve drivers, where the control module is configured to implement irrigation commands in implementing at least a portion of irrigation programming such that the one or more valve drivers are each configured to control a different irrigation valve in accordance with the irrigation programming; and the radio adapter comprises: a second communication interface communicationally coupled with the first communication interface, and a wireless radio frequency transceiver configured to provide wireless communication with the radio module where the radio adapter is configured to relay information between the radio module and the control module.