Wireless Sensor Relay for Irrigation Flow Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems face challenges in efficiently monitoring and managing water flow across multiple zones, particularly when the water demand exceeds the capacity of the water main, leading to potential leaks and inefficient water distribution.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor relay system that connects to flow sensors in irrigation systems, allowing for the communication of flow rate data to a remote computing device, enabling real-time monitoring and management of water flow across multiple zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow sensors are installed in multiple irrigation zones to monitor water flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the flow sensor and the control system. This intermediary converts electrical signals from the flow sensor into wireless transmissions, eliminating the need for complex wired connections while preserving measurement accuracy. The wireless module acts as a bridge that simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wired signal transmission system with a wireless communication system. Instead of using physical wires to transmit flow data from sensors to controllers, the system uses wireless radio frequency communication, thereby eliminating the complexity of wiring while maintaining data transmission functionality.
2Reliability
If wired connections are used to connect flow sensors to controllers, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation and maintenance difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (wires and connectors) with a wireless communication system. This substitution maintains data transmission reliability through protocol error correction and retransmission mechanisms while dramatically improving installation ease by eliminating physical wiring requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication module includes automatic connection establishment and signal optimization capabilities. The system automatically pairs with controllers, establishes communication channels, and maintains optimal transmission without requiring manual configuration or intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
3Loss of information
If multiple zones are monitored with individual flow sensors, then loss of information is reduced, but loss of time increases due to manual monitoring and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where flow data from multiple zones is automatically collected, transmitted wirelessly to a central controller, and processed in real-time. The system provides immediate feedback on water usage patterns, leak detection, and zone performance, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while maintaining complete information from all zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual data collection and analysis processes with an automated wireless monitoring system. Sensors continuously capture flow data, wireless transmission automatically sends this data to controllers, and software algorithms automatically analyze the information, thereby reducing both information loss and the time required for monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal relay may include sensor leads configured to be communicatively coupled to sensor leads of said flow sensor, wherein the sensor leads are configured to connect to a plurality of different flow sensors. A signal relay may include memory in communication with the sensor leads, the memory configured to store measurements from said flow sensor. A signal relay may include a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the measurements to a remote computing device.