Wireless Sprinkler Identification for Faster Program Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of smart sprinklers requires manual identification and assignment of watering programs to each sprinkler, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, as conventional methods involve activating each sprinkler and searching for its location on the grounds.
Innovation Solution
Smart sprinklers are equipped with a transmitter that wirelessly broadcasts a unique identification code, allowing a computing device to receive and display the sprinkler's location, enabling automated identification and program assignment without the need for manual roaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional identification methods are used (activating each sprinkler and manually searching for its location), then the sprinkler system can be installed, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual method of identifying sprinklers (physically roaming the grounds to locate activated sprinklers) with an electronic/wireless system. Each sprinkler contains a transmitter that wirelessly broadcasts its identification code, and a computing device receives these codes to automatically identify sprinkler locations, eliminating the need for manual searching and significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinklers automatically broadcast their own identification codes through embedded transmitters without requiring external activation or manual intervention. The computing device passively receives these broadcasts, allowing the system to self-identify each sprinkler's location and assign watering programs automatically, eliminating the need for installers to manually search for and identify each sprinkler
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart sprinklers are used to perform precise watering operations, then water management efficiency is improved, but the complexity of identifying and assigning watering programs to each sprinkler increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual procedures for matching sprinklers to watering programs with an automated wireless identification system. The transmitters in each sprinkler and the receiving computing device create a simple automated matching process that eliminates the complexity of manual identification and program assignment, making the system easier to configure and maintain
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless identification system serves multiple functions: it identifies sprinkler locations, matches sprinklers to watering programs, and enables precise water management. This universal approach simplifies the overall system by using a single wireless communication mechanism to handle multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate manual processes
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 efficient and streamlined identification of installed sprinklers, reducing installation time and improving water management efficiency by allowing precise watering operations.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter contained in the interior cavity and configured to wirelessly broadcast the sprinkler identification code
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler includes a base having an interior cavity, a fluid flow path extending through the interior cavity, a valve, a nozzle head, a motorized rotator, memory containing a sprinkler identification code that uniquely identifies the sprinkler, and a transmitter. The valve includes a valve body and a valve element configured to move relative to the valve body to various positions to control a water flow through the fluid flow path. The nozzle head is supported by the base and includes at least one nozzle configured to discharge water received through the fluid flow path. The motorized rotator is configured to rotate the nozzle head about an axis. The transmitter is contained in the interior cavity and configured to wirelessly broadcast the sprinkler identification code.