Patent Application
20250108388
The present disclosure relates to a sprinkler system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the sprinkler system which allows improved and customizable liquid distribution.
A sprinkler system (more specifically, an irrigational sprinkler) is a device which may be used to irrigate agricultural crops, lawns, landscapes, golf courses, and other areas. The sprinkler system may additionally be used for controlling airborne dust. The irrigational sprinkler system often involves a method of applying a liquid (say water) in a controlled manner in a way similar to rainfall.
However, there may be instances in which working with the sprinkling system may involve undesired overlaps, range constraints and other implementation challenges. Such challenges may be more pronounced for applications involving complex landscape shapes. This may cause excess liquid to be deposited in the areas where there is sprinkling overlap, thereby resulting in a substantial wastage of the liquid, waterlogging etc. Hence, an improved sprinkler system may be desired which may include a plurality of nozzles with different flow characteristics to overcome above mentioned deficiencies or drawbacks.
An example of a sprinkling system is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 9,662,668 (hereinafter referred to as '668 reference). The '668 reference provides an irrigation sprinkler that includes a riser and a nozzle mounted at an upper end of the riser for rotation. The sprinkler includes a high flow rate port and a low flow rate port that emits a stream of water. The sprinkler further includes a diverter valve that intermittently blocks or permits the flow of water to the high flow rate port or to the low flow rate port as the nozzle rotates. However, there is still a need for a better sprinkler system design that may overcome the problems such as undesired overlaps, range constraints, and the like without needing to block the flow of the liquid from any of the plurality of nozzles in the sprinkler system.
A further example of an irrigation sprinkler is provided in US patent application US 2006/0273192 A1 (hereinafter referred to as '192 reference). The irrigation sprinkler comprises a sprinkler nozzle having an outlet and an inlet in which a restrictor plate is mounted, wherein a chamber is delimited by the restrictor plate in front of the nozzle outlet. The nozzle outlet is a pair of spaced outlet orifices that combine to form the cross-sectional area of the outlet. The restrictor plate is a structure within the fluid flow path to control the fluid flow rate and pressure prior to the nozzle outlet. Additionally, the nozzle is configured to generate a consistent fluid stream regardless of the fluid pressure within a conduit of the irrigation sprinkler. That is the restrictor plate and the chamber allow the nozzle to have a substantially consistent fluid pressure, flow rate, and exit velocity at the nozzle outlet so that the stream throw distance is generally a consistent distance even if the fluid pressure in the conduit varies. Therefore, the '192 reference discloses the restrictor plate which equalizes the fluid flow prior to the nozzle outlet. Hence, the throw distance is equal for all of the outlet openings. However, the '192 reference does not disclose a barrier which at the same time at least partially limits the flow of liquid towards the at least one second nozzle, and does not interfere with the liquid towards the first nozzle. Hence, an improved sprinkler system may be desired which may include a plurality of nozzles with different flow characteristics to overcome above mentioned deficiency or drawback.
In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a sprinkler system. The sprinkler system includes a body defining a liquid channel. The liquid channel is defined between an inlet and an outlet of the body to allow flow of a liquid. A sprinkler head is coupled to the body and a plurality of nozzles are disposed with the sprinkler head. The plurality of nozzles defines a first nozzle and at least one second nozzle. The sprinkler system is characterized in that the body further defines at least one barrier such that the at least one barrier at least partially limits the flow of liquid from the outlet towards the at least one second nozzle, and such that the flow of the liquid flowing out of the at least one second nozzle varies in flow characteristics relative to the liquid flowing out of the first nozzle.
Thus, the sprinkler system of the present disclosure advantageously includes at least one barrier such that the at least one barrier decreases the pressure of the liquid flowing towards the at least one second nozzle. Further, the at least one barrier also reduces the flow rate of the liquid flowing towards the at least one second nozzle. The flow of the liquid flowing out of the at least second nozzle thus varies in flow characteristics (say the flow rate, flow pressure, flow range etc.) relative to the liquid flowing out of the first nozzle. Therefore, the sprinkler system of the present disclosure advantageously provides customized flow patterns, ranges etc. as per application requirements.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one barrier includes at least one first barrier and at least one second barrier. The at least one first barrier is cylindrical in shape and at least one second barrier is arc-like in shape. The at least one first barrier and at least one second barrier have different shapes and sizes to provide customized flow patterns.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid channel is defined along an axis. A lateral distance of the at least one protrusion from the axis of the liquid channel is greater than a lateral distance of the at least one second nozzle from the axis of the liquid channel. Thus, the at least one protrusion is positioned in the body of the sprinkler system in a manner such that the at least one protrusion interferes with the flow of the liquid flowing towards the at least one second nozzle.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lateral distance of the at least one protrusion from the axis of the liquid channel is less than a lateral distance of the first nozzle from the axis of the liquid channel. Thus, the at least one protrusion is positioned in the body of the sprinkler system in a manner such that the at least one protrusion does not interfere with the flow of the liquid flowing towards the first nozzle.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outlet is offset from the axis of the liquid channel by a distance equal to or more than the lateral distance of the first nozzle from the axis of the liquid channel. The outlet is advantageously defined in a manner such that the liquid from the outlet needs to travel different distances to flow out from the first nozzle and the at least one second nozzle. Thus, the flow of the liquid flowing out from the first nozzle and the at least one second nozzle varies in the flow characteristics such as the flow pressure.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an angle of the plurality of nozzles is adjustable with respect to the sprinkler head. The angle adjustment of the nozzles may improve or alter the sprinkling range, trajectory, or distances of the liquid stream on the irrigation field. Thus, more area on the irrigation field may be covered.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of nozzles may have similar cross-sections. Further, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of nozzles may have different cross-sections. The cross-section of the plurality of the nozzles may be different to provide different liquid streams having different profiles, ranges, and the like.
Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:
The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “longitudinal”, “lateral”, “transverse”, “upwards”, “downwards”, “forward”, “backward”, “sideward”, “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward”, “inner”, “outer”, “inward”, “outward”, “top”, “bottom”, “higher”, “above”, “below”, “central”, “middle”, “intermediate”, “between”, “end”, “adjacent”, “proximate”, “near”, “distal”, “remote”, “radial”, “circumferential”, or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.
The sprinkler system 100, as illustrated in
The body 110 further defines a liquid channel 112 along an axis X-X′. The axis X-X′ in the present disclosure coincides with the central axis Y-Y′. In some embodiments, the axis X-X′ may be parallel to the central axis Y-Y′ but may not coincide with the central axis Y-Y′. In some embodiments, the axis X-X′ may be at an angle with the central axis Y-Y′. The angle may preferably vary from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. However, the present disclosure may account for other angles outside the preferred range without limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any manner.
The liquid channel 112 of the present disclosure mimics the shape of the commonly known and available cylindrical hoses. The liquid channel 112 of the present disclosure has a cylindrical cross-section. However, the liquid channel 112 may have any shape or cross-section that may allow flow of the liquid without limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any manner.
The liquid channel 112 includes an inlet 112A at a bottom end 113. Further, the liquid channel 112 includes an outlet (not shown) at a top end (not shown). Furthermore, the liquid channel 112 defines a side wall 114 between the top end and the bottom end 113 of the liquid channel. The liquid channel 112 or the side is coupled to the inner wall 109A of the body 110 by means of an annular bracket 115. The coupling between the side wall 114 and the annular bracket 115 and further between the annular bracket 115 and the inner wall 109A may be implemented by any means known and understood in the art. Further, the top end of the liquid channel 112 is fluidly coupled to the channel defined between the inner wall 111A and the outer wall 111B by any means known in the art without limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any manner.
With continued reference to
Further, the outlet 110B may coincide with the outlet of the liquid channel 112. However, for the purpose of the purpose of the present disclosure, the outlet 110B is at a lateral distance “D1” from the outlet of the liquid channel 112. The outlet 110B is at a lateral distance “D1” from the axis X-X′. The outlet 110B is at a lateral distance “D1” from the axis Y-Y′. The lateral distance “D1” is between the center of the outlet 110B and any of the axis X-X′ or Y-Y′.
The outlet 110B is fluidly coupled to the outlet of the liquid channel 112 preferably via the channel defined between the inner wall 111A and the outer wall 111B. In some embodiments, the outlet 110B may be fluidly coupled to the outlet of the liquid channel 112 via a hose (not shown) by any means known in the art. However, in actual implementation of the present disclosure, the outlet 110B may be fluidly coupled to the outlet of the liquid channel 112 by any means without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
Further, the outer wall 111B that defines the outlet 110B, furthermore defines an annular recess 116 and an annular step portion 117. The annular step portion 117 may be thought of as an annular stairs like portion. The annular recess 116 and the annular step portion 117 provides an engagement portion for a sprinkler head 118.
The sprinkler head 118 is coupled to the body 110 by virtue of secure engagement between an annular leg portion 118A of the sprinkler head 118 and the annular recess 116 and further between an annular protrusion 118B of the sprinkler head 118 and the annular step portion 117 by friction-fitting or any other coupling means commonly implemented in the related art. The engagement between the sprinkler head 118 and the body 110 is housed within a housing 120. The housing 120 is threadedly coupled to the body 110. Further a portion of the housing 120 is coupled to the annular protrusion 118B of the sprinkler head 118. The housing 120 may advantageously protect the coupling between the sprinkler head 118 and the body 110. The housing 120 may prevent the disengagement between the sprinkler head 118 and the body 110 due to external factors such as an inadvertent force released by an operator, environmental factors among others. The housing 120 may further add value to aesthetics of the sprinkler head 118 or the sprinkler system 100 as a whole. The housing 120 may further provide a gripping surface for the operator such that the operator may grip the housing 120 while embedding the sprinkler system 100 in the ground surface “S”.
In some embodiments, the sprinkling system 100 may include a drive mechanism (not shown) which may drive the rotation of the sprinkler head 118 about the central axis Y-Y′ or the axis X-X′ relative to the ground surface “S”. This may allow the sprinkler system 100 to produce different sprinkling profiles such as concentric sprinkling rings as the sprinkler head 118 is rotated about the central axis Y-Y′ or the axis X-X′ along which the liquid channel 112 is defined. The drive mechanism may include a motor (not shown), such as an electric motor e.g., stepper motor, or a motor with an encoder or a hydraulic motor that drives the rotation of the sprinkler head 118 relative to the ground surface “S”.
In some embodiments, the sprinkler head 120 may be manufactured by three-dimensional printing (also known as additive manufacturing or 3D printing). Use of three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) provides versatility of using different materials along with low lead-time in manufacturing and design of the sprinkler head 118.
Further with continued reference to
Further with reference to
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
However, in actual implementation of the present disclosure, the at least one barrier 123 may be at some lateral distance from the central axis Y-Y′. The at least one barrier 123 may be coupled to the top surface 111 of the body 110 at some lateral distance from the axis X-X′ of the liquid channel 112 such that the lateral distance of the at least one barrier 123 from the axis X-X′ of the liquid channel 112 is greater than the lateral distance of the at least one second nozzle 122 from the axis X-X′ of the liquid channel 112. Thus, the at least one barrier 123 may be positioned in the body 110 of the sprinkler system 100 in the manner such that the at least one barrier 123 may interfere with the flow of the liquid flowing towards the at least one second nozzle 122. Similarly, the lateral distance of the at least one barrier 123 from the axis X-X′ of the liquid channel 112 may be less than a lateral distance “D2” of a first nozzle 121 from the axis X-X′ of the liquid channel 112 (as shown in
In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may be one barrier as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may be removably coupled with the top surface 111 of the body 110. The at least one barrier 123 may be removably coupled for easy maintenance, among other factors. In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may be fixedly coupled with the top surface 111 of the body 110. The at least one barrier 123 may be formed in one-piece with the body 110 by any known manufacturing means. In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may be pivotably coupled with the top surface 111 of the body 110.
In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may be telescopic. The height of the at least one barrier 123 may be varied as per the application requirement by any mechanical or electronic means known and understood in the related art.
In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may be a solid body. In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may be rotatable such that the liquid flowing around the at least one barrier 123 may exhibit a rotating or a swirling motion. In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may be a vibrating body.
In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may be a hollow body. The hollow body may include one or more functional elements such that in some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may manipulate the temperature of the liquid flowing around the at least one barrier 123. In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may spray fertilizer to the liquid flowing around the at least one barrier 123.
In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may be an open container such that the container may contain a plurality of swellable balls. The swellable balls may enlarge upon absorption of liquid and interfere with the flow of the liquid. The swellable balls may be formed from hydrophilic materials.
In some embodiments, the at least one barrier 123 may be a streamlined body that may reduce the frictional drag between the molecules or the particles of the liquid. In some embodiments, as illustrated in
The at least one first barrier 124 and the at least one second barrier 125 as illustrated in
Further, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the at least one first barrier 124 and the at least one second barrier 125 may be telescopic. The height of the at least one first barrier 124 and the at least one second barrier 125 may be varied as per the application requirement by any mechanical or electronic means known and understood in the related art.
Further, it should be contemplated that the at least one barrier 123 may either include only the first barrier 124, or only the second barrier 125, or a combination of the first barrier 124 and the second barrier 125 in terms of parameters such as, but not limited to, number, placement, shapes, sized etc. The present disclosure envisions to include all such combinations in any manner within the scope of the present disclosure.
The plurality of nozzles 119 of any of the
Further, the at least one second nozzle 122 as illustrated in
The outlet 110B and the plurality of nozzles 119 are thus at varying lateral distances “D1, D2, A, B, C, D, E and F” from any of the axis X-X′ or Y-Y′. The outlet 110B is offset from the axis X-X′ of the liquid channel 112 or the central axis Y-Y′ by the distance “D1” equal to or more than the lateral distance “D2” of the first nozzle 121 from the axis X-X′ of the liquid channel 112 or the central axis Y-Y′ of the body 110 of the sprinkler system 100. The outlet 110B is advantageously defined in a manner such that the liquid from the outlet 110B needs to travel different distances to flow out from the first nozzle 121 and the at least one second nozzle 122.
As seen and interpretated from
In a similar manner, the liquid particles heading from the outlet 110B towards the first nozzle 121 are required to travel significantly less distance compared to the liquid particles heading from the outlet 110B towards other nozzles from the plurality of nozzles 119. Thus, the liquid particles heading towards the first nozzle 121 may not lose any substantial energy on the way. The liquid particles heading towards the first nozzle 121 may have comparatively more energy upon reaching the first nozzle 121. Similar concept may be applied for understanding the energy levels of the liquid particles heading towards any other nozzles of the plurality of nozzles 119 too. In a simplified manner, it may be inferred that the greater the distance the liquid (or the liquid particles) need to travel, the lesser the energy they may possess for the irrigation application or any other applications. Thus, the flow of the liquid out from the first nozzle 121 and the at least one second nozzle 122 varies in the flow characteristics such as the flow pressure.
With continued reference to
The flow of the liquid between the outlet 110B and the plurality of nozzles 119 is affected by the distance between the outlet 110B and the plurality of nozzles 119. Further, the flow of the liquid between the outlet 110B and the plurality of nozzles 119 is affected by the positioning of the at least one barrier 123 between the outlet 110B and the plurality of nozzles 119.
The flow of the liquid between the outlet 110B and the first nozzle 121 is not affected by the at least one barrier 123. Further, the distance between the outlet 110B and the first nozzle 121 is comparatively less when seen in comparison to the distance between the outlet 110B and the plurality of nozzles 119. Thus, there is no substantial energy loss as well for the liquid flowing from the outlet 110B towards the first nozzle 121. The first nozzle 121 may provide liquid flow with high flow rate and the widest throw range or flow range. The throw range is the distance travelled by the sprinkled liquid with respect to the central axis Y-Y′.
The flow of the liquid between the outlet 110B and the nozzle 122A is partly affected by the at least one barrier 123. Further, the distance between the outlet 110B and the nozzle 122A is comparatively less when seen in comparison to the distance between the outlet 110B and the nozzles 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E and 122F and just slightly greater when seen in comparison to the first nozzle 121. Thus, there is no substantial energy loss as well for the liquid flowing from the outlet 110B towards the nozzle 122A. The nozzle 122A may provide liquid flow with high flow rate and the widest throw range or flow range almost similar to the first nozzle 121.
The effect of the at least one barrier 123 is more on the nozzles 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E and 122F. The flow between the outlet 110B and the nozzles 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E and 122F is substantially affected by the at least one barrier 123. The liquid reaching the nozzles 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E and 122F gets partly deviated, blocked, loses kinetic energy etc., due to the collision with the at least one barrier 123. The affect is such that the nozzle 122F which is farthest from the outlet 110B provides liquid flow with lowest flow rate and the narrow throw range or flow range due to loss of energy and pressure. The loss in pressure is due to comparatively more distance travelled in comparison to the remaining plurality of nozzles 119 and comparatively more exposure to the interference of the at least one barrier 123. Thus, the flow rate and the throw range for the nozzle 121>nozzle 122A>nozzle 122B>nozzle 122C>nozzle 122D>nozzle 122E>nozzle 122F. Hence, different flow characteristics are achieved from the plurality of nozzles 119 in the single sprinkler head 118. The liquid from the plurality of nozzles 119 is finally sprinkled or sprayed for various applications, such as, but not limited to, irrigation.
In some embodiments, an angle α of the plurality of nozzles 119 as shown in
In some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 119 may have similar cross-sections. The flow characteristics in these embodiments may be varied due to factors such as the interference of the liquid flow due to the at least one barrier 123 and distances between the outlet 110B and the plurality of nozzles 119.
Further, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in
The nozzles 121, 122A and 122B have circular or oval or any similar shaped cross-section. The nozzles 121, 122A and 122B are thus well suited for providing desired liquid distribution at long distance or wide throw distance. The distance may be of the scale of 1.5 meters or more relative to the central axis Y-Y′. Further, the nozzles 122C, 122D, 122E and 122F have drop-shaped cross-section. The drop-shape may be referred to a cone with a hemispherical base. In particular with this application, the droplet shape of the nozzle cross-section implies that the section opening is narrowing at its one end while it forms an approximate circular contour on its other end. The nozzles 122C, 122D, 122E and 122F with drop-shaped cross-section are well suited for providing desired liquid distribution at narrow or shorter throw distances. The distance may be of the scale of 1.5 meters and less relative to the central axis Y-Y′.
However, in actual implementation of the present disclosure, the plurality of nozzles 119 may have other differently shaped cross-sections. The cross-sections of each of the plurality of nozzles 119 may be different with respect to each other. The cross-section of the plurality of the nozzles 119 may be different to provide different liquid streams having different profiles, ranges, and the like.
Thus, the sprinkler system 100 of the present disclosure advantageously includes the at least one barrier 123 such that the at least one barrier 123 decreases the pressure or the energy of the liquid flowing towards the at least one second nozzle 122. Further, the at least one barrier 123 also reduces the flow rate of the liquid flowing towards and from the at least one second nozzle 122. The flow of the liquid flowing out of the at least second nozzle 122 thus varies in flow characteristics (say the flow rate, flow pressure, flow range etc.) relative to the liquid flowing out of the first nozzle 121.
In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22157791.9 | Feb 2022 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/085596 | 12/13/2022 | WO |
