Wireless Irrigation Control via Sensor Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems lack efficient and automated methods for monitoring and controlling irrigation and climate conditions in agricultural and landscape environments, relying on wired connections and manual scheduling, which can lead to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in water usage.
Innovation Solution
A wireless monitoring and control system that utilizes a network of sensor nodes and a remote server to collect data on environmental and soil conditions, allowing for real-time adjustment of irrigation schedules based on weather data, soil moisture levels, and evapotranspiration rates, enabling remote access and control through cellular or satellite networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used to connect controllers to solenoid valves, then reliable control signal transmission is achieved, but installation complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Controllers communicate with solenoid valves via wireless signals (such as radio frequency), eliminating the need for physical wiring between these components. This substitution maintains control reliability while significantly reducing installation complexity and maintenance requirements associated with wired systems.
2Device complexity
If manual scheduling is used for irrigation, then system simplicity is maintained, but water usage efficiency and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system is designed to automatically monitor soil moisture levels, weather conditions, and crop water requirements, then self-adjust irrigation schedules without manual intervention. The system uses sensors to detect soil moisture and communicates with controllers to automatically activate or deactivate irrigation zones as needed, replacing manual scheduling with autonomous decision-making that optimizes water efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor soil moisture conditions and environmental factors, transmit this data to controllers, which then adjust irrigation operations accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures water usage is optimized based on real-time conditions, significantly improving efficiency compared to fixed manual schedules.
3Ease of operation
If irrigation schedules are not adjusted for weather changes, then operational simplicity is maintained, but water waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time weather data and soil moisture conditions. Controllers receive input from weather stations and soil sensors, then automatically modify irrigation schedules, duration, and intensity to match current environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptation prevents water waste during rainy periods while ensuring adequate irrigation during dry spells, eliminating the need for manual schedule adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless system is provided for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or controlling irrigation or climate control systems at an agricultural or landscape site. The wireless system includes at least one wireless nodes for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or for controlling one or more irrigation or climate control systems at the site. The wireless system also includes a server computer system located remotely from the site. The server computer system is coupled to the node/s over a communications network for receiving data from and controlling operation of the node/s. The server computer system is also coupled to a device operated by an end-user over a communications network for transmitting the data to and receiving remote control commands or queries from the end-user.