Wireless Solenoid Latch for Remote Lawn Marker Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual deployment of lawn marking flags for sprinkler heads is time-consuming and requires additional effort, increasing the risk of damage to sprinkler systems and landscaping equipment, especially on larger properties.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly deployable marker system using a spring-biased flag assembly with a solenoid latch, activated by a wireless transmitter, which allows remote deployment and manual stowage, reducing the need for manual placement and minimizing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual deployment of flags is used to mark sprinkler heads, then the location of sprinkler heads can be marked, but the process is time-consuming and requires additional labor
Solution Approach 1:
The flag marker is pre-positioned within the tubular member at the sprinkler head location before landscaping activities begin. The wireless transmitter is also pre-installed, so that when activation is needed, the flag can be deployed immediately without manual intervention to position the marker.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of surveying and planting flags is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. A wireless transmitter sends signals to activate a solenoid, which releases the spring-biased flag marker, causing it to automatically elevate and mark the sprinkler head location without human intervention.
2Reliability
If manual deployment of flags is used to mark sprinkler heads, then the location of sprinkler heads can be marked, but additional labor effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The flag marker system is self-deploying through the spring mechanism that automatically elevates the flag when released by the solenoid. The system serves itself by using the pre-stored potential energy in the spring to perform the deployment action, eliminating the need for human labor to physically plant or position the flag.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of surveying and planting flags is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. A wireless transmitter sends signals to activate a solenoid, which releases the spring-biased flag marker, causing it to automatically elevate and mark the sprinkler head location without human intervention.
3Reliability
If flags are permanently installed to mark sprinkler heads, then the location is continuously marked, but the flags may be removed or dislodged over time
Solution Approach 1:
The flag marker transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic deployable system. The spring-biased marker can be elevated to mark the location or retracted into the tubular member when not needed, allowing it to adapt to different operational states while maintaining secure positioning through the solenoid latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flag marker is pre-positioned within the tubular member at the sprinkler head location before landscaping activities begin. The wireless transmitter is also pre-installed, so that when activation is needed, the flag can be deployed immediately without manual intervention to position the marker.
4Productivity
If no flags are deployed to mark sprinkler heads, then the time and labor required is minimized, but the risk of damage to sprinkler system and landscaping equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of surveying and planting flags is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. A wireless transmitter sends signals to activate a solenoid, which releases the spring-biased flag marker, causing it to automatically elevate and mark the sprinkler head location without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The flag marker acts as an intermediary visual indicator between the hidden sprinkler head and the landscaper operating equipment. By deploying the flag automatically, it provides clear visual warning to prevent equipment damage without requiring the landscaper to manually survey and mark each location.
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 efficient and remote marking of sprinkler head locations and other obstacles, reducing the time and effort required for landscaping activities while minimizing the risk of equipment damage and improving safety by providing clear visual indicators.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid latch is provided that secures that flag in a stowed state prior to deployment
Implementation Method 2
a spring biased flag marker that is positioned within a tubular member and biased to elevate into a deployed state
Data Source
AI summary
A wirelessly deployable marker system is provided that allows a user to remotely activate one or more marker flags from individual marker flag assemblies when marking the location of landmarks and obstacles on a lawn. Each marker assembly comprises an elongated marker flag supported by a housing and spring-biased within the housing to elevate the marker into a deployed state. A solenoid latch secures the marker flag within the housing when pressed thereinto, while a wireless transmitter is used to activate the solenoid and therefore release the marker flag from the housing. The solenoid latch engages the marker flag when the flag is within the housing, and allows a spring to elevate the marker flag from the housing when the solenoid latch is withdrawn from the flag. In this way, the flag is remotely deployable, and thereafter can be inserted into the housing manually by the user.