Wireless Sprinkler Valve Control With Turbine Battery Recharging
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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 without underground wiring, using a turbine component to recharge batteries and reduce the need for frequent battery replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual control methods are used for sprinkler systems, then operation simplicity is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming and error-prone manual control
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the sprinkler controller automatically controls valve actuation based on programmed schedules, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining system operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system that uses a controller to send electrical signals to solenoid valves, thereby substituting human operation with an automated control mechanism
2Manufacturing precision
If electronic valve systems with underground wiring are installed, then control precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to disruptive and expensive installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wiring requirement from the system by using wireless communication technology to transmit control signals from the controller to the valves, eliminating the need for underground electrical wiring while maintaining precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system serves multiple functions including command transmission and system configuration, replacing the dedicated wiring infrastructure while providing the same control precision through radio frequency communication
3Ease of operation
If battery-powered timers are used in large areas, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of energy worsens due to frequent battery replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by using rechargeable batteries that are periodically recharged through the turbine mechanism, ensuring uninterrupted system functionality without manual battery replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine mechanism automatically recharges the batteries using kinetic energy from water flow or wind, creating a self-sustaining power system that eliminates the need for external power sources or frequent battery changes
4Measurement precision
If wired electronic valve systems are installed, then measurement precision is improved for water flow control, but device complexity increases due to wiring infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex wired electrical communication system with wireless communication technology, maintaining precise control and measurement capabilities while eliminating the physical wiring infrastructure that increases system complexity
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 enables efficient, automated, and cost-effective control of sprinkler valves, reducing maintenance frequency and minimizing disruption to the environment, while allowing for real-time monitoring of water usage and leak detection.
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
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.