Wireless Pressure-Sensing Irrigation Devices for Leak Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Irrigation systems face challenges in detecting and locating leaks or blockages due to difficulties in monitoring water pressure, especially in large-scale systems with underground components, leading to inefficiencies and increased water usage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a wireless pressure sensor, such as an RFID pressure sensor, into irrigation devices like end plugs, tube connectors, and rotor sprinklers to measure and transmit pressure data wirelessly using an RFID reader, allowing for remote detection and localization of pressure abnormalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional pressure measuring devices are physically connected and disconnected at each point to measure pressure, then pressure data can be obtained, but significant time is consumed and the process becomes tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurementVSAvoidtime to measure pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physically attaching pressure gauges to test ports) with a wireless electromagnetic field-based measurement system. RFID readers communicate with pressure sensors through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical connection and disconnection of measurement devices at each test point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless communication components (RFID readers and pressure sensors with RFID tags) as intermediaries between the user and the pressure measurement system. These intermediaries enable remote pressure data retrieval without requiring direct physical access to test ports or manual gauge connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If water flow is metered to detect problems, then abnormal flow can be identified, but the water flow must be outside specified limits to identify a problem

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproblem detectionVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from water flow rate to water pressure. This allows detection of problems through pressure variations that occur even when flow remains within normal limits, providing earlier and more sensitive detection of leaks, blockages, or system issues before they manifest as abnormal flow conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If individuals trace water lines to locate problems, then the source can be identified, but the process is tedious and difficult especially in large scale systems with underground components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproblem location informationVSAvoidtime to locate problem

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual physical tracing of water lines with wireless pressure measurement and data analysis. Pressure sensors distributed at strategic locations transmit pressure data wirelessly to RFID readers, which relay information to a central system that can quickly identify problem locations through pressure anomaly analysis, eliminating tedious manual line tracing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements pressure sensors at predetermined strategic locations throughout the irrigation system before problems occur. This preliminary placement of measurement devices enables rapid problem location when issues arise, eliminating the need for reactive tracing of water lines to identify problem sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates quick and efficient identification of leaks or blockages by providing real-time pressure data without the need for physical connection, reducing maintenance and time spent on troubleshooting.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor, such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) pressure sensor, that measures the pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250324931A1Pressure Sensing Irrigation Devices And Related Methods

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 RAIN BIRD CORP

AI summary

An irrigation device is provided including a body and a pressure sensor. The body is to be fluidly connected to an irrigation line of an irrigation system operable to move fluid from a water source to one or more water emitting devices to provide irrigation. The irrigation device is to be fluidly connected to the irrigation line to receive pressurized fluid from the water source during an irrigation cycle. The pressure sensor is mounted to the body to measure pressure in an interior of the irrigation line during the irrigation cycle to detect whether the body has a normal irrigation pressure condition or an abnormal irrigation pressure condition. The pressure sensor has communication circuitry to wirelessly communicate pressure data to a remote computing device to indicate whether the body has the normal irrigation pressure condition or the abnormal irrigation pressure condition.