Wireless Sprinkler Valve Control With Turbine-Powered Remote Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinkler systems are time-consuming, error-prone, and costly due to manual control methods, and the installation and maintenance of electronic valve systems with electrical wiring are disruptive and expensive, especially in large areas like golf courses, where battery-powered timers and wiring can be impractical.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sprinkler valve system that includes a wireless valve switch system with integrated pressure and flow sensors, allowing for remote and central control of sprinkler valves without underground wiring, using a rechargeable battery powered by a water turbine, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and enabling automatic leak detection and remote water usage monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If battery-powered timers and electrical wiring are used for sprinkler control, then automated control is achieved, but installation and maintenance become disruptive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex electrical wiring infrastructure from the sprinkler control system by extracting the control function to a wireless device that communicates with valves through wireless signals, eliminating the need for underground electrical conduits and reducing installation disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with a wireless communication system using radio frequency signals to transmit control commands from the wireless control device to the sprinkler valves, eliminating physical connection requirements
2Device complexity
If manual control methods are used for sprinkler systems, then system complexity is reduced, but control accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless control device incorporates automated scheduling capabilities and programmable timers that enable the system to control sprinkler operations autonomously based on pre-set parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect soil moisture levels and provide feedback to the wireless control device, which automatically adjusts sprinkler operation timing and duration to optimize water application based on actual ground conditions
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless control without wiring is implemented, then installation disruption is reduced, but power supply to remote valves becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power consumption requirement from the wireless control device by incorporating an energy harvesting mechanism that captures ambient energy from the environment, eliminating the need for battery replacement or wired power connections at remote valve locations
Solution Approach 2:
The energy harvesting mechanism automatically recharges the device's power source using available environmental energy, enabling the wireless controller to operate autonomously without external power intervention or maintenance
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
The wireless system simplifies sprinkler control, reduces maintenance costs, and allows for efficient operation in areas where traditional systems would be impractical, providing reliable and centralized control of sprinkler systems with reduced disruption and increased efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The turbine is configured to rotate responsive to fluid flow through the chamber to power one or more electrical components
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, by a wireless component of a wireless valve switch system via a wireless network, wireless instructions and causing, by the wireless component based on the wireless instructions, actuation of a sprinkler valve. In some embodiments, a wireless valve switch system includes a wireless component configured to be electrically coupled to a sprinkler valve. The wireless component includes a controller to receive, via a wireless network, wireless instructions and cause, based on the wireless instructions, actuation of the sprinkler valve. In some embodiments, a wireless valve switch system includes a turbine component that includes a casing forming a chamber configured to be fluidly coupled to a sprinkler valve. The turbine component further includes a turbine disposed in the chamber and configured to rotate responsive to fluid flow through the chamber to power an electrical component configured to be electrically coupled to the sprinkler valve.