CN112075331A - Track tuning pressure response irrigation emitter - Google Patents
Track tuning pressure response irrigation emitter Download PDFInfo
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- CN112075331A CN112075331A CN202010543005.4A CN202010543005A CN112075331A CN 112075331 A CN112075331 A CN 112075331A CN 202010543005 A CN202010543005 A CN 202010543005A CN 112075331 A CN112075331 A CN 112075331A
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- emitter
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
- A01G25/02—Watering arrangements located above the soil which make use of perforated pipe-lines or pipe-lines with dispensing fittings, e.g. for drip irrigation
- A01G25/023—Dispensing fittings for drip irrigation, e.g. drippers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
- A01G25/16—Control of watering
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
- Y02A40/22—Improving land use; Improving water use or availability; Controlling erosion
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)
- Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
Abstract
The present application relates to a rail tuned pressure responsive irrigation emitter. The emitter includes a pressure responsive section and at least one feature defined by a floor, a first rail, and a second rail. The at least one feature is tuned by at least one of a track-to-track distance, a track height, a track width, a track corner, a vertical track gap, a lateral track gap, an external track, a floor thickness, a floor profile, a tip height, a tip gap, a feature density, a feature profile, a feature angle, and a feature thickness.
Description
Cross Reference to Related Applications
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application serial No. 62/861,393 filed on 14.6.2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Technical Field
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to continuous in-line pressure responsive emitters for irrigation applications, such as drip irrigation applications.
Background
The benefit of an emitter with a thicker profile cross-section is that the diaphragm can move a greater range of motion, and this enables a greater range of operating pressures, but some commercially available discrete, in-line pressure compensation emitters extend substantially down into the fluid passage of an irrigation capillary (e.g., hose or tube). This creates a pressure drop throughout the tube itself. For example, if there is one emitter per 6 inches of irrigation tubing and the tubing length is 1000 feet, then there will be 2000 emitters along the length of the tubing. This can result in significant pressure loss along the capillary and can reduce the benefit of extending the length with a pressure compensated emitter.
Lower profile cross-section emitters, such as continuous emitter strips (continuous emitter strips) used in some drip irrigation strips (drip irrigation strips) or in the capillary, produce much less line loss over the length of the capillary. However, this may limit the working distance in terms of the displacement that the feature (feature) can move, especially if the design is limited in terms of the number of features that dissipate the pressure.
For some currently available continuous emitters, the ability to tune the response of the pressure response region with such a large number of features is limited. Commercially available fully compensated emitters (0 or near 0 discharge index) rely on a single regulation feature downstream of a short pressure reduction zone. Exemplary adjustment features include a slot or hole that is generally surrounded by an inverted conical portion. To accommodate the full range of operating pressures, the flow resistance of the tuning features varies greatly. When exposed to the upper portion of the pressure range, the tuning feature is moved to a position where the cross-sectional area is substantially reduced in order to create the desired resistance. This results in a tendency for debris to accumulate when the smallest cross-sectional feature, like a filter, does not allow the debris to pass through.
The outlet chamber is exposed to atmospheric pressure, while the pressure on the underside of the elastomeric strip matches the line pressure. This exposes the elastomeric strip at the outlet location to full line pressure at a certain pressure differential. This may have a tendency to distort the emitter floor (floor) upwardly into the emitter outlet. This can result in reduced cross-sectional area, reduced spray, and/or a higher tendency for clogging when exposed to debris within the irrigation supply.
SUMMARY
An embodiment emitter includes a pressure responsive section and at least one feature defined by a floor, a first rail (rail), and a second rail. The at least one feature is tuned by the at least one tuning element to deflect at a desired pressure differential local to the at least one feature. The tuning element is selected from the group consisting of: track-to-track distance, track height, track width, track radius curvature, track corners, vertical track gaps, lateral track gaps, external tracks, floor thickness, floor profile, tip (tip) height, tip clearance, feature density, feature profile, feature angle, and feature thickness.
Embodiments of combined irrigation tubing and emitters include tubing and emitters. The capillary has an inner wall, and a portion of the inner wall defines a capillary flow path. The emitter has first and second rails operatively connected to the inner wall, and a floor interconnecting distal ends of the first and second rails. The inner wall, the first and second rails, and the floor define an emitter flow path. The emitter includes a pressure responsive section and at least one feature defined by a floor, a first rail, and a second rail. The at least one feature is tuned by the at least one tuning element to deflect at a desired pressure differential local to the at least one feature. The tuning element is selected from the group consisting of: track-to-track distance, track height, track width, track radius curvature, track corners, vertical track gaps, lateral track gaps, external tracks, floor thickness, floor profile, tip height, tip clearance, feature density, feature profile, feature angle, and feature thickness. Wherein the discharge index for the emitter is 0 to 0.7, and wherein the at least one emitter feature deflects from an open position to a closed position when the desired pressure differential is localized to the at least one feature.
Drawings
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating slave PMinimum valueTo PMaximum valueA graph of flow versus pressure for a prior art turbulent fixed geometry emitter with a discharge index of 0.5.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating slave PMinimum valueTo PMaximum valueA graph of flow versus pressure for a prior art ideal pressure compensated emitter with a discharge index of 0.
FIG. 3A is an embodiment pressure-compensated emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a graph illustrating the flow of the pressure-compensated emitter shown in FIG. 3A as a function of pressure (from 5psi to 15 psi).
FIG. 3C is another embodiment pressure-compensated emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 3D is a graph of flow versus pressure (from 5psi to 25psi) for the pressure compensated emitter shown in FIG. 3C.
FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter.
FIG. 4B is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 4A taken along line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A connected to a capillary.
FIG. 4C is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 4A taken along line 4C-4C in FIG. 4A connected to a capillary.
FIG. 4D is an enlarged portion of the pressure responsive emitter shown in FIG. 4C in an open position.
Fig. 4E is an enlarged portion of the pressure responsive emitter shown in fig. 4C and 4D in the closed position.
FIG. 5A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter.
FIG. 5B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter.
FIG. 5C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter.
FIG. 5D is a cross-section of a pressure responsive section that may be used, for example, in section B-B of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C.
Fig. 5E is a cross-section of a pressure responsive section that may be used, for example, in section B-B of fig. 5A, 5B, and 5C.
FIG. 6A illustrates the pressure differential of a pressure responsive emitter of another embodiment.
FIG. 6B illustrates feature deflections for other embodiments of pressure-responsive emitters.
FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter.
FIG. 7A is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7 illustrating an embodiment of the rail-to-rail distance in the features taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 7B is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7 illustrating an embodiment of the rail-to-rail distance and floor thickness in the features taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 7C is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7 illustrating an embodiment of the track-to-track distance and track width in the features taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 7D is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7, illustrating an embodiment of the rail-to-rail distance and internal rail height in the features taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 8A is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7 illustrating an embodiment of the rail-to-rail distance in the features taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 8B is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7 illustrating an embodiment of the vertical rail gap and rail-to-rail distance in the features taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 8C is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7 illustrating an embodiment of the rail-to-rail distance and lateral rail gap in the features taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 8D is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7 illustrating embodiments of track-to-track distances and track corners in the features taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9A is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7 illustrating an embodiment of the rail-to-rail distance in the features taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9B is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7 illustrating an embodiment of the rail-to-rail distance and tip clearance in the features taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9C is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7 illustrating an embodiment of the rail-to-rail distance and floor profile in the features taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9D is a cross-section of the pressure-responsive emitter shown in FIG. 7 illustrating an embodiment of the rail-to-rail distance and feature profile in the feature taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in FIG. 7.
FIG. 10A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter.
FIG. 10B illustrates another embodiment of pressure-responsive emitters with varying rail-to-rail distances and feature densities.
FIG. 10C illustrates another embodiment of pressure-responsive emitters with varying rail-to-rail distances and feature angles.
FIG. 10D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with varying rail-to-rail distances and feature thicknesses.
FIG. 11A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure responsive emitter with a symmetrical upstream-to-downstream linear orbital progression.
FIG. 11B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure responsive emitter with an asymmetric upstream-to-downstream linear rail taper.
Fig. 12A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure responsive emitter with a stepped, symmetrical upstream-to-downstream linear rail progression.
Fig. 12B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure responsive emitter with a partially stepped, asymmetric upstream-to-downstream linear rail progression.
Fig. 12C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure responsive emitter with a stepped and sloped upstream-to-downstream linear rail progression.
Fig. 13A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure responsive emitter with a symmetrical upstream-to-downstream linear orbital progression.
FIG. 13B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure responsive emitter with an asymmetric upstream-to-downstream linear rail taper.
FIG. 14A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with symmetrical multiple linear rail transitions.
FIG. 14B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure responsive emitter with asymmetric multi-linear rail progression.
FIG. 15A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with symmetrical multi-curve rail progression.
FIG. 15B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with symmetrical multi-curve rail progression.
FIG. 16A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with an external rail.
FIG. 16B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with an external rail.
FIG. 16C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with external rails.
FIG. 16D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with external rails.
FIG. 17A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with an external rail.
FIG. 17B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with an external rail.
FIG. 17C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with external rails.
FIG. 17D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with an external rail.
FIG. 18A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with an external rail.
FIG. 18B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with external rails.
FIG. 18C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with external rails.
FIG. 18D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with external rails.
FIG. 19A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having multiple external rails.
FIG. 19B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having multiple external rails.
FIG. 19C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having multiple external rails.
FIG. 19D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having multiple external rails.
FIG. 20A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having an inner inclined rail and an outer rail.
FIG. 20B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having an inner inclined rail and an outer rail.
FIG. 20C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having an inner inclined rail and an outer rail.
FIG. 21A illustrates an example of a modified tuning track along the cross-sectional aspect ratios of lines A-A, B-B, C-C and D-D.
FIG. 21B illustrates an example of a modified tuning rail along the cross-sectional aspect ratios of lines E-E, F-F, G-G and H-H.
FIG. 22A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with a reinforced outlet chamber.
FIG. 22B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with a reinforced outlet chamber.
FIG. 22C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with a reinforced outlet chamber.
FIG. 23A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having a reinforced outlet chamber and reinforcement for a lower durometer material.
FIG. 23B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having a reinforced outlet chamber and reinforcement for a lower durometer material.
FIG. 23C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with a reinforced outlet chamber and reinforcement for a lower durometer material.
FIG. 23D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter with a reinforced outlet chamber and reinforcement for a lower durometer material.
FIG. 24A illustrates a pressure responsive emitter with another embodiment of a non-linear stiffening member.
FIG. 24B illustrates a pressure responsive emitter with another embodiment of a non-linear stiffening member.
FIG. 24C illustrates a pressure responsive emitter with another embodiment of a non-linear stiffening member.
FIG. 24D illustrates a pressure responsive emitter of another embodiment having a non-linear stiffening member.
FIG. 24E illustrates a pressure responsive emitter with another embodiment of a non-linear stiffening member.
FIG. 24F illustrates a pressure responsive emitter of another embodiment having a non-linear stiffening member.
FIG. 24G illustrates a pressure responsive emitter of another embodiment having a non-linear stiffening member.
FIG. 25A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having a multi-contoured rail portion.
FIG. 25B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having a multi-contoured rail portion.
FIG. 25C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having a multi-contoured rail portion.
FIG. 25D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having a multi-contoured rail portion.
FIG. 25E illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having a multi-contoured rail portion.
FIG. 25F illustrates another embodiment of a pressure-responsive emitter having a multi-contoured rail portion.
FIG. 26A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure responsive emitter with examples of rail tuning via rail corners, lateral rail gaps, and floor profiles at cross-sectional lines A-A, B-B and C-C.
FIG. 26B illustrates another embodiment pressure responsive emitter with examples of rail tuning via rail corners, lateral rail gaps, and floor profiles at cross-sectional lines A-A, B-B and C-C.
FIG. 26C illustrates another embodiment pressure responsive emitter with examples of track tuning via track corners, lateral track gaps, and floor profiles at cross-sectional lines D-D, E-E and F-F.
FIG. 26D illustrates a cross-section of the emitter shown in FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C taken along lines A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D, E-E and F-F in FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C.
Fig. 27 illustrates an example of performing orbit tuning to reduce flow in response to increased pressure.
Fig. 28A illustrates an example of a tuned track.
Fig. 28B illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 28B-28B in fig. 28A.
Fig. 28C illustrates an example of an untuned track.
Fig. 28D illustrates a cross-section taken along line 28D-28D in fig. 28C.
Fig. 28E is a graph comparing flow versus pressure for the rail tuning example illustrated in fig. 28A and 28B and the untuned example illustrated in fig. 28C and 28D.
Fig. 29A illustrates an exemplary tuned track.
Fig. 29B illustrates the relationship of the track-to-track distance with respect to the pressure response zone position for the track tuning example shown in fig. 29A.
Fig. 29C illustrates an exemplary untuned track.
Fig. 29D illustrates the relationship of track-to-track distance versus pressure response zone position for the track tuning example shown in fig. 29C.
Fig. 29E is a graph comparing flow versus pressure for the tuned track example illustrated in fig. 29A and the untuned track example illustrated in fig. 29C.
FIG. 30A is a graph of the comparative flow versus pressure shown in FIG. 29E, with data at 6psi and 12psi highlighted.
FIG. 30B is a graph illustrating the internal pressure as a function of pressure response zone position for the 6psi case shown in FIG. 30A.
FIG. 30C is a graph illustrating the internal pressure as a function of pressure response zone position for the 12psi case shown in FIG. 30A.
FIG. 31A is a graph illustrating flow versus pressure as shown in FIG. 29E, with data at 5psi, 6psi, 11psi, and 12psi highlighted.
Fig. 31B is a bar graph illustrating the percentage of total response section pressure drop at 5psi and 6psi for the rail tuning example of fig. 31A.
Fig. 31C is a bar graph illustrating the percentage of total response section pressure drop at 11psi and 12psi for the rail tuning example of fig. 31A.
FIG. 31D is a bar graph illustrating the percentage of total response section pressure drop at 5psi and 6psi for the untuned example of FIG. 31A.
Fig. 31E is a bar graph illustrating the percentage of total response section pressure drop at 11psi and 12psi for the untuned example of fig. 31A.
FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary emitter.
FIG. 33 is a view showing the emitter of FIG. 32 operatively connected to an irrigation tube.
Detailed Description
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific examples in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. It should be understood that the features of the various examples described herein may be combined with each other, in part or in whole, unless specifically noted otherwise.
In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to an elastomeric, continuous, in-line drip emitter comprising an inlet section, optionally followed by a pressure reduction section, followed by a pressure response section, and then followed by an outlet chamber. The pressure responsive section includes structural members or elements to allow tuning of the pressure responsive section with at least one of a number of limiting features, adjusting the behavior (behavior) of the outlet chamber, and/or enabling the use of reduced durometer elastomeric materials.
FIG. 1 shows the relationship between flow and pressure for a prior art turbulent fixed geometry emitter. Some turbulent emitters have an emission index of about 0.5, corresponding to a fully turbulent behavior in which the pressure drop is related to the square of the flow velocity. In this example, the governing equation used by the drip irrigation industry to correlate flow, pressure, and discharge index is: the flow rate is (discharge coefficient) x (pressure) discharge index. While most fixed geometry emitters have an emission index of about 0.5, some fixed geometry emitters are designed to include transitional behavior over their flow range. For emitters with higher gallon per hour (gph) discharge flow rates, these emitters have discharge indices as low as 0.45. Lower flow emitters such as 0.0675gph have emission indices of 0.52 up to 0.70. While fixed geometry emitter designs may have discharge indices down to 0.45, to achieve discharge indices below 0.45 requires that the emitter have the ability to increase flow resistance in response to increased pressure. Similarly, for an emitter of 0.0675gph, to achieve an emission index of less than 0.52, a design is required that increases flow resistance in response to increased flow.
FIG. 2 shows the relationship between flow and pressure for an ideal pressure compensated emitter, with an emission index of 0 or close to 0, over a range of pressures from minimum to maximum operation. In this example, the governing equation used by the drip irrigation industry to correlate flow, pressure, and discharge index is: the flow rate is (discharge coefficient) x (pressure) discharge index. To achieve an emission index of 0 or close to 0, emitter designs include a sufficient number of features, and the combined action of these features achieves an increase in flow resistance that is proportional to the increase in pressure. Emitters with discharge indices of 0 or close to 0 provide maximum uniformity of water delivered to plants over the length of the irrigation capillaries and in response to changes in pressure associated with changes in elevation. However, there are some situations where a user wishes to increase the flow rate while also having better uniformity than can be provided by a turbulent emitter. One example is at the moment the temperature and wind peaks, where the crop needs to be applied with a larger amount of water. Emitters with an emission index greater than 0 will allow higher flow rates in response to increased pressure, while emitters with an emission index less than 0.45 will provide greater uniformity of water application to the crop than fixed resistance emitters can provide.
Embodiments of the present invention enable emitter designs to be established to provide any desired emission index, for example from 0 to 0.5 (or greater). One example use of an emission index greater than 0.5 is to maintain an emission index of 0.7 for an emitter of 0.0675gph, while a greater number of features are added in accordance with the invention, thereby achieving a greater cross-sectional area, thereby allowing for less stringent water filtration requirements. Although FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art ideal compensated emitter with the same flow at all pressures within the operating pressure range, in practice, the flow will vary due to the emitter design's ability to enable additional resistance features to participate (correct) in response to increasing pressures. For emitters with a large number of resistance features, one technical challenge is to devise a method by which the resistance features can be tuned to respond in some manner to achieve a desired relationship between flow and pressure.
Embodiments of the emitter are schematically illustrated in the drawings. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a single line indicates various emitter components (e.g., inlet members, rails, structural members or elements within the pressure responsive section, etc.) having suitable thicknesses. For example, in fig. 3A, a single line indicates the inlet member, the rails, and the structural members between the rails, and it should be appreciated that these components have suitable thicknesses. Suitable thicknesses may range from 0.005 inches to 0.030 inches.
FIG. 3A illustrates an example of an emitter 304 operating at pressures ranging from 5psi to 15psi with a flow resistance that is tripled in order to dissipate the 15psi to have the same flow as at 5psi, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. The emitter 304 includes an inlet section 312, a pressure reduction section 314, a pressure response section 316, and an outlet section 318. FIG. 3C illustrates an example emitter 304' in which the operating pressure range is increased from 5psi to 25psi, as illustrated in FIG. 3D. Emitter 304 ' includes an inlet section 312 ', a pressure reduction section 314 ', a pressure response section 316 ', and an outlet section 318 '. For example, to maintain the same flow at 25psi as at 5psi, a five-fold increase in flow resistance is applied in response to the increased pressure. For this reason, the emitter depicted in FIG. 3C has more features than the emitter depicted in FIG. 3A. In modern commercial drop filling, operating pressures as low as 4psi and as high as 30psi are not uncommon for medium wall products (medium walled products). For example, a wide pressure range from 4psi to 30psi may require a 7.5:1 increase in flow resistance to have the same flow at 30psi as at 4 psi. In contrast, thin-walled products have a much smaller pressure range, down to 4psi to 8psi, requiring only a 2:1 increase in resistance. For reference, thick-walled products typically operate at 6psi to 45psi (if the emitter is to maintain the same flow rate over this pressure range, it may likewise be desirable to increase the flow resistance by 7.5: 1).
FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate an embodiment of an emitter and provide an initial definition of emitter tuning elements that may be used with the embodiment. As shown in fig. 4A, emitter 404 includes an inlet section 412, a pressure reduction section 414, a pressure response section 416, and an outlet section 418. FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-section of emitter 404 taken along line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A connected to tube 400, and FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-section of emitter 404 taken along line 4C-4C in FIG. 4A connected to tube 400. Fig. 4D and 4E illustrate enlarged portions of the emitter 404 shown in fig. 4C in a fully open position 408 and in a fully closed position 409, respectively. Tube 400 includes a wall 401 having an inner wall 402, and emitter 404 is connected to inner wall 402. Emitter 404 includes rails 405a and 405b connected to the inner wall, and floor 406 interconnects the distal ends of rails 405a and 405 b. A feature 407 interconnects a portion of the backplane 406 to a portion of one of the tracks 405a and 405b, shown in this example as being connected to a portion of track 405 a. When the initial desired pressure differential between the interior of the tube 400 and the interior of the emitter 404 reaches the proximity feature 407, the emitter floor 406 along with the feature 407 begins to move or deflect from the fully open position 408 through a series of intermediate positions toward the fully closed position 409, and when the final desired pressure differential between the interior of the tube 400 and the interior of the emitter 404 reaches the proximity feature 407, the emitter floor 406 reaches the fully closed position 409.
FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate embodiment emitters and provide for the definition of emitter tuning elements within a pressure response zone. Since these definitions may be applicable to many different embodiments of emitters, e.g., embodiments having different sizes or configurations, similar reference letters are used throughout the figures. Although dimensions and configurations are shown in these embodiments, these dimensions and configurations may be varied as needed to achieve the desired results. Fig. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate different emitters having pressure responsive zones. Fig. 5D and 5E illustrate enlarged portions of the emitter taken along line B-B in fig. 5A, 5B and 5C. FIG. 5E shows an emitter connected to a capillary. The reference letters and corresponding elements (which are merely examples and may be varied as needed to achieve the desired results) are shown in table 1 below:
TABLE 1
Reference letters and corresponding elements
Letters | Element(s) |
a | Distance from inner rail to rail |
b | Thickness of the base plate |
c | Width of track |
d | Height of inner rail |
e | Length of pressure response section |
f | Vertical track clearance |
g | Height of tip |
h | Transverse track clearance |
i | Feature density |
j | Characteristic angle |
k | Feature thickness |
l | Tip clearance |
m | Rail corner (chamfer or radius) |
n | Floor profile |
o | Feature profile |
As can be seen in fig. 4B, this embodiment is devoid of a body, as compared to many common emitter designs that include a body and a membrane for engaging features on the body. Instead, this embodiment has the elastomeric strip bonded directly to the inner wall of the tube or tubing. This provides the benefit of a low profile emitter with less restriction to flow within the tube itself. With this configuration, the features are molded directly onto the elastomeric strip. As can also be seen from fig. 4B, the flow restriction features within the pressure reduction section may be full height, both contacting the inner wall of the tube and integrally molded to the floor of the elastomeric strip itself. As can be seen in fig. 4C, 4D, and 4E, the flow restriction feature within the pressure responsive section may be less than full height. They are integrally molded to the floor of the elastomeric strip itself, but do not contact the inner wall of the tube unless deflected upward as shown in fig. 4E. FIG. 6A illustrates the pressure acting on a particular feature within a pressure responsive section. The differential pressure is the line pressure (line pressure) PL minus the internal pressure PI. The line pressure PL is the line pressure existing inside the capillary and acts on all external surfaces of the emitter at the location of a particular feature. The internal pressure PI is the internal pressure inside the emitter local to the feature. The internal pressure PI acts on all internal surfaces of the emitter at the location of a particular feature. As illustrated in fig. 6B, the cross-sectional stiffness of the feature local emitter configuration is responsive to pressure differentials to define the magnitude of feature deflection. In fig. 5A-5E, the cross-sectional stiffness of a given feature is defined by the various tuning elements labeled (a) through (o) and by the external track tuning elements (described later). The features in the pressure responsive region do not fully participate in creating the pressure drop until such time as the features deflect upward against the inner surface of the tube. As shown in fig. 5A-5E, a desired combination of tuning elements provides the ability to tune each particular feature within the pressure response section to deflect at a particular pressure differential local to that feature. By tuning the overall combination of features along the length of the pressure response section, the flow resistance of the emitter may be tuned to increase in response to pressure increases, producing a flow versus pressure response in which the emission index ranges, for example, from 0 to 0.5 (or greater) for a range of flow rates and operating pressure ranges. For a preliminary understanding of one tuning element, fig. 4A and 5A, 5B, 5C show four emitter configurations in which the tuning element track-to-track distance has been tuned along the length of the pressure response zone (other tuning elements are also used). Additional overall configurations, including tuning using external additional tracks, will be described later. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, to achieve a large operating pressure range with a low-flow emitter, it may be desirable to include many resistance features. Although examples of combinations of tuning elements are shown and described, it should be appreciated that one of ordinary skill in the art may use various combinations to achieve the desired tuning.
By using tuning elements to define the cross-sectional stiffness of the individual features, it becomes possible to distribute the resistance features over the long length dimension of the emitter. This provides the desired low profile emitter with low restriction to flow within the tube, while allowing for larger dimensions within the emitter due to the many features for pressure dissipation.
Embodiments include the use of a set of tuning elements to work in concert such that a particular feature can be tuned, thereby providing the ability to combine a large number of resistance features in series, which can be tuned together to produce a desired relationship between flow and pressure. Although hinged in this context with respect to the elastomeric strips, the tuning elements may also be used in various designs, such as, but not limited to, discrete elastomeric emitters bonded to the inner wall, elastomeric members with integral features as part of a discrete emitter assembly (the discrete emitter assembly combines the elastomeric members within an injection molded body), elastomeric members without integral features but mounted as part of an injection molded body with opposing features of different widths as part of the molded itself or as part of a two-part injection molded design. Furthermore, although the capillary walls herein are depicted as being continuous around the perimeter, it should be understood that the present invention may be applied to emitters in which the walls are discontinuous around the perimeter, including one or more seams to form a complete perimeter.
Fig. 7A-10D are provided to illustrate the functional use of the tuning elements defined in fig. 5A-5E and table 1. Table 2 includes additional application descriptions to provide further understanding.
TABLE 2
Relationships between the geometric tuning elements shown in FIGS. 5A-5E
FIG. 7 is an embodiment emitter with cross-sectional views A-A, B-B and C-C. Fig. 7A illustrates the use of tuning element track-to-track distance as a means of defining cross-sectional stiffness. Because dimension (3) is less than dimension (2) and dimension (1), the cross-sectional stiffness of the feature at section C-C is higher. This means that the pressure differential deflecting the features at section C-C is higher than deflecting the features at sections B-B and A-A. Similarly, the pressure differential deflecting the feature at section B-B is greater than deflecting the feature at section A-A. By selecting the rail-to-rail distance for each particular feature along the length of the pressure response zone, it is possible to tune the overall emitter response.
The above explanation of the track-to-track dimensions of fig. 7A is equally applicable to fig. 8A, 9A, and 10A. For the remaining fig. 7B-7D, 8B-8D, 9B-9D, and 10B-10D, to aid in understanding the functionality of the tuning elements, the tuning elements are shown one tuning element at a time in combination with a track-to-track distance element. In practice, these elements may be used in any combination, alone or in combination with one another, to tune the emitter response. These elements may also be used in any combination in combination with an external track for tuning. The tuning element may also be used in an asymmetric manner at a given location, or along multiple locations within the pressure response section.
Fig. 7B illustrates the effect of the floor thickness on the cross-sectional stiffness. While FIG. 7A keeps the thickness of the bottom panel constant, in FIG. 7B, the use of a thinner bottom panel at section A-A and a thicker bottom panel at section C-C further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between sections A-A, B-B and C-C of FIG. 7B. In other words, because the baseplate thickness is a component of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the track-to-track distance, the difference between the pressure differential used to deflect A-A of FIG. 7B compared to C-C of FIG. 7B is greater than in the case of A-A compared to C-C of FIG. 7A. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (rail-to-rail distance and floor thickness) together increases the design flexibility of the tuning emitter, such that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve.
Fig. 7C illustrates the effect of track width on cross-sectional stiffness. While FIG. 7A keeps track width unchanged, in FIG. 7C, the use of a narrower track width at section A-A and a wider track width at section C-C further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between sections A-A, B-B and C-C of FIG. 7C. In other words, because the track width is a component of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the track-to-track distance, the difference between the pressure differential used to deflect A-A of FIG. 7C compared to C-C of FIG. 7C is greater than in the case of A-A compared to C-C of FIG. 7A. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (track-to-track distance and track width) together increases the design flexibility of tuning the emitter such that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve.
Fig. 7D illustrates the effect of rail height on cross-sectional stiffness. While FIG. 7A keeps the rail height constant, in FIG. 7D, using a higher rail height at section A-A and a shorter rail height at section C-C further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between sections A-A, B-B and C-C of FIG. 7D. In other words, because the rail height is a component of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the rail-to-rail distance, the difference between the pressure differential used to deflect A-A of FIG. 7D compared to C-C of FIG. 7D is greater than in the case of A-A compared to C-C of FIG. 7A. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (track-to-track distance and track height) together increases the design flexibility of tuning the emitter such that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve.
Fig. 8B illustrates the effect of vertical rail gap on cross-sectional stiffness. While FIG. 8A keeps the vertical rail gap constant, in FIG. 8B, using a larger vertical rail gap at section A-A (resulting in a shorter feature and reduced stiffness) and a smaller vertical rail gap at section C-C (resulting in a higher feature and increased stiffness) further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between sections A-A, B-B and C-C of FIG. 8B. In other words, because the vertical track gap (and associated feature height) is a component of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the track-to-track distance, the difference between the pressure differential used to deflect A-A of FIG. 8B compared to C-C of FIG. 8B is greater than in the case of A-A compared to C-C in FIG. 8A. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (rail-to-rail distance and vertical rail gap) together increases the design flexibility of tuning the emitter so that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve. An alternative use of the vertical track gap is to keep the feature height constant and only change the vertical track gap, in which case the feature stiffness remains similar and the effect on tuning of the change in deflection distance experienced by the contacting inner wall becomes greater.
Fig. 8C illustrates the effect of lateral rail gap on cross-sectional stiffness. Although FIG. 8A keeps the lateral track gap constant, in FIG. 8C, the use of a smaller lateral track gap at section A-A and a larger lateral track gap at section C-C further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between sections A-A, B-B and C-C of FIG. 8C. In other words, the difference between the pressure differential used to deflect A-A of FIG. 8C compared to C-C of FIG. 8C is greater than that of A-A of FIG. 8A compared to C-C, because the lateral track gap is a component of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the track-to-track distance. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (rail-to-rail distance and lateral rail gap) together increases the design flexibility of tuning the emitter such that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve.
Fig. 8D illustrates the effect of rail corners on cross-sectional stiffness. An inside track corner m is illustrated in fig. 5D, and fig. 8D adds an outside track corner m'. Although FIG. 8A keeps track corners unchanged, in FIG. 8D, the use of a smaller track corner at section A-A and a larger track corner at section C-C further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between sections A-A, B-B and C-C of FIG. 8D. In other words, the difference between the pressure differential used to deflect A-A of FIG. 8D compared to C-C of FIG. 8D is greater than that in the case of A-A compared to C-C of FIG. 8A because the track corners are a component of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the track-to-track distance. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (rail-to-rail distance and rail corners) together increases the design flexibility of tuning the emitter so that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve. For illustrative purposes, to emphasize that the track corners can be interior and/or exterior, C-C of FIG. 8D includes both interior and exterior track corners, further increasing cross-sectional stiffness. Although shown in C-C of fig. 8D as having both interior and exterior track corners, the interior and exterior track corners may be used alone or in combination with one another. It should also be appreciated that track corners may be used on one or both sides of the feature along the pressure responsive section.
FIG. 9B illustrates the effect of tip clearance on cross-sectional stiffness. Although FIG. 9A keeps the tip gap constant, in FIG. 9B, the use of a larger tip gap (negative overlap) at section A-A and a smaller tip gap (overlap) at section C-C further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between sections A-A, B-B and C-C of FIG. 9B. In other words, because the tip gap is an integral part of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the track-to-track distance, the difference between the pressure differential used to deflect A-A of FIG. 9B compared to C-C of FIG. 9B is greater than in the case of A-A compared to C-C of FIG. 9A. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (rail-to-rail distance and tip clearance) together increases the design flexibility of the tuning emitter, such that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve.
Fig. 9C illustrates the effect of the floor profile on the cross-sectional stiffness. While FIG. 9A keeps the floor profile unchanged, in FIG. 9C, the use of a double-sided concave floor profile at section A-A and a convex floor profile at section C-C further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between sections A-A, B-B and C-C of FIG. 9C. In other words, because the floor profile is a component of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the track-to-track distance, the difference between the pressure differential used to deflect A-A of FIG. 9C compared to C-C of FIG. 9C is greater than in the case of A-A compared to C-C of FIG. 9A. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (rail-to-rail distance and floor profile) together increases the flexibility of designing a tuned emitter such that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve.
Fig. 9D illustrates the effect of feature profile on cross-sectional stiffness. While FIG. 9A keeps the feature profile unchanged, in FIG. 9D, the use of a larger radius of curvature feature profile at section A-A and a smaller radius of curvature feature profile at section C-C further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between sections A-A, B-B and C-C of FIG. 9D. In other words, because the feature profile is an integral part of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the track-to-track distance, the difference between the pressure differential used to deflect FIG. 9D A-A compared to the pressure differential used to deflect FIG. 9D C-C is greater than in the case of A-A compared to C-C in FIG. 9A. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (track-to-track distance and feature profile) together increases the design flexibility of the tuning emitter, such that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve.
Fig. 10A has the same cross-sectional views a-A, B-B and C-C as shown in fig. 7A, 8A and 9A and illustrates that the track-to-track distance can vary. Distance 1 is greater than distance 2 and distance 2 is greater than distance 3. Fig. 10B illustrates that the track-to-track distance can be varied, and the effect of feature density on cross-sectional stiffness. Distance 1 is greater than distance 2 and distance 2 is greater than distance 3. While FIG. 10A keeps the feature density constant, in FIG. 10B, using a larger dimension near cross-section A-A and a smaller dimension near cross-section C-C further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between cross-sections A-A, B-B and C-C. Dimension 31 is greater than dimension 32 and dimension 32 is greater than dimension 33. In other words, because the feature density is a component of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the track-to-track distance, the difference between the pressure differential for deflection near cross-section A-A in FIG. 10B as compared to the pressure differential for deflection near cross-section C-C is greater than in the case of cross-section A-A in FIG. 10A as compared to cross-section C-C. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (track-to-track distance and feature density) together increases the design flexibility of the tuning emitter, such that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve.
Fig. 10C illustrates that the track-to-track distance can be varied and the effect of the feature angle on the cross-sectional stiffness. Although FIG. 10A keeps the feature angle constant, in FIG. 10C, the use of a larger feature angle 36 near cross-section A-A and a smaller feature angle 34 near cross-section C-C further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between sections A-A, B-B and C-C of FIG. 10C. In this example, distance 1 is greater than distance 2, distance 2 is greater than distance 3, angle 36 is greater than angle 35, and angle 35 is greater than angle 34. In other words, because the feature angle is a component of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the track-to-track distance, the difference between the pressure differential for deflection near cross-section A-A in FIG. 10C as compared to the pressure differential for deflection near cross-section C-C is greater than in the case of cross-section A-A in FIG. 10A as compared to cross-section C-C. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (track-to-track distance and feature angle) together increases the design flexibility of the tuning emitter, such that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve.
Fig. 10D illustrates that the track-to-track distance can vary and the effect of feature thickness on cross-sectional stiffness. While FIG. 10A keeps the feature thickness constant, in FIG. 10D, the use of a smaller feature thickness near cross-section A-A and a larger feature thickness near cross-section C-C further enhances the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between cross-sections A-A, B-B and C-C. In this example, distance 1 is greater than distance 2, distance 2 is greater than distance 3, thickness 39 is greater than thickness 38, and thickness 38 is greater than thickness 37. In other words, because the feature thickness is a component of the cross-sectional stiffness as is the track-to-track distance, the difference between the pressure differential for deflection near cross-section A-A in FIG. 10D as compared to the pressure differential for deflection near cross-section C-C is greater than for the case of cross-section A-A in FIG. 10A as compared to cross-section C-C. Thus, the use of two tuning elements (track-to-track distance and feature thickness) together increases the design flexibility of the tuning emitter, such that the stiffness of each feature is set to respond to a particular local pressure differential in order to establish a desired flow versus pressure curve.
Fig. 11A and 11B illustrate embodiments in which the internal track-to-track distance is linearly varied by tilting at least one of the tracks (tracks 1105a and 1105B in fig. 11A; tracks 1105c and 1105d in fig. 11B) in the upstream-to-downstream direction, where dimension a is greater than dimension B in each embodiment. Including both symmetrical (fig. 11A) and asymmetrical (fig. 11B) configurations. In fig. 11A, both the tracks 1105a and 1105B are inclined, and in fig. 11B, the track 1105c is not inclined, and the track 1105d is inclined. By angling to taper the inner rail-to-rail distance, features within the pressure responsive section (1116 a in fig. 11A and 1116B in fig. 11B) may be tuned to respond in conjunction with each other to dissipate applied pressure. Configurations similar to those shown in fig. 11A-11B may also be useful if it is desired to effect closure of the various resistance features in an upstream-to-downstream manner in response to increased pressure. However, by modifying the fade angle and/or using other tuning elements, the emitter may also respond to increasing pressure without following the upstream-to-downstream closing sequence of the features.
Fig. 12A-12C illustrate embodiments in which the gradually decreasing track-to-track dimension is achieved in a stepped manner, rather than the continuous slope shown in fig. 11A-11B, where dimension a is greater than dimension B in each embodiment. Fig. 12A is generally symmetrical, with two rails 1205a and 1205b including multiple steps 1210a and 1210b to form a stepped pressure response section 1216 a. FIG. 12B is generally asymmetric, wherein the rail 1205c does not include any steps, while the rail 1205d includes a plurality of steps 1210d within the pressure responsive section 1216B. Fig. 12C illustrates a combined step and incline pressure responsive section 1216C. The rails 1205e and 1205f are slanted and include a plurality of step portions 1210e and 1210 f. The use of a stepwise progression has benefits related to simplifying the programming and machining aspects of the mold tool used to create the emitter. The use of step changes or a combination of steps and ramps in track-to-track dimensions rather than a complete continuous change may also be used with the embodiments shown in the other embodiments herein, which are linear or curvilinear in design.
Fig. 13A-13B illustrate embodiments in which the internal track-to-track distance varies in a linear decreasing manner in the downstream-to-upstream direction, wherein dimension a is greater than dimension B in each embodiment. Including both generally symmetrical (fig. 13A) and asymmetrical (fig. 13B) configurations. In fig. 13A, both tracks 1305a and 1305b are angled, and in addition, track 1305a includes an angled stepped portion 1310a, while track 1305b includes an angled stepped portion 1310b within the pressure responsive section 1316 a. Although the sloped step portions 1310a and 1310b are asymmetric, the remainder of the tracks 1305a and 1305b are generally symmetric. In fig. 13B, the track 1305c is not sloped, but the track 1305d is sloped and includes a sloped stepped portion 1310d within the pressure responsive section 1316B. By angling to taper the inner rail-to-rail distance, features within the pressure responsive section may be tuned to respond in conjunction with one another in order to dissipate applied pressure. Configurations similar to those shown in fig. 13A-13B may be useful if it is desired to effect closure of the individual resistance features in a downstream-to-upstream manner in response to increased pressure. However, by modifying the fade angle and/or using other tuning elements, the emitter may also respond to increasing pressure without following the downstream-to-upstream closing sequence of the features. Configurations similar to those shown in fig. 13A-13B may also be used by including the lowest cross-sectional stiffness (from the perspective of rail-to-rail distance) region closest to the outlet, to enable the use of higher durometer materials, up to 90 shore a, to provide a design that can have a higher operating pressure range while maintaining responsiveness at minimum operating pressures.
Fig. 14A-14B illustrate embodiments in which the inner track-to-track distance varies linearly from first outward sloping to inward sloping in the upstream-to-downstream direction, where dimension a is greater than dimensions B and C in each embodiment. In each embodiment, dimensions B and C may be equal, dimension B may be less than dimension C, or dimension B may be greater than dimension C. Including both generally symmetrical (fig. 14A) and asymmetrical (fig. 14B) configurations. In fig. 14A, both the rails 1405a and 1405b are inclined, and further, the rail 1405a includes an inclined stepped portion 1410a, and the rail 1405b includes an inclined stepped portion 1410 b. Although the inclined step portions 1410a and 1420b are asymmetric, the remainder of the rails 1405a and 1405b are generally symmetric within the pressure responsive section 1416 a. In fig. 14B, the rail 1405c is not inclined, and the rail 1405d is inclined and includes an inclined stepped portion 1410d within the pressure responsive section 1416B. By angling to taper the inner rail-to-rail distance, features within the pressure responsive section may be tuned to respond in conjunction with one another in order to dissipate applied pressure. This configuration helps to achieve the participation of the resistance feature in the middle of the entire length to function at lower pressures. As illustrated in fig. 14B, the tuning element track-to-track distance is used asymmetrically. It may also be useful to use any other tuning elements in an asymmetric manner. For example, although not depicted, at a given location along the length of the pressure responsive section, a rail corner may be used on only one of the rails, or may be used on both rails, but the dimensions at each of the rails are different.
In general, these examples illustrate that an asymmetric configuration of tuning elements may be used along the pressure response section. Additional examples include, but are not limited to: a track corner on one side or a track corner having a different configuration on the opposite side; includes features having different profiles; including features having different thicknesses; or any suitable combination. The use of "stiffer" features on one side may be useful, for example, for seamed devices where an asymmetric load path may exist for hoop stress of the entire assembly. Further, each tuning element in table 1, alone or in any combination, may be used asymmetrically along the pressure response section.
Fig. 15A-15B show configurations in which the inner track-to-track dimension does not follow a linear gradient characteristic, but rather a curvilinear characteristic, where dimension a is greater than dimensions B and C in each embodiment. In each embodiment, dimensions B and C may be equal, dimension B may be less than dimension C, or dimension B may be greater than dimension C. In FIG. 15A, within the pressure responsive section 1516a, the track 1505A includes an angled step portion 1510a and the track 1505b includes an angled step portion 1510 b. In fig. 15B, the rails 1505c and 1505d curve first inward toward each other and then outward away from each other within the pressure responsive section 1516B. Various configurations of curvilinear tracks may be used. Variations of the curves of the emitter shown in fig. 5C, 11A-11B, 12A-12C, 13A-13B, 14A-14B, 20A-20C, 22A-22C, 23A-23D, 24A-24F, 25A-25F and 28A-28E may also be employed. Also in fig. 15A-15B, is representative of a curvilinear configuration in which the track-to-track dimension is narrower along the middle of the overall length. This configuration is useful if tuning is done for a particular pressure range/flow rate combination to delay closure of the middle feature until the flow/pressure point of the emitter flow versus pressure performance is higher. Using the curve characteristic of the internal track-to-track dimensions may provide finer tuning of the flow versus pressure characteristic.
Each of the embodiments shown in fig. 11A-15B shows a configuration in which a track-to-track distance tuning element is used to tune emitter response. To provide additional tuning capabilities, the tuning elements (B) through (o) shown in fig. 5A-5E may also be used in any combination in conjunction with configurations such as those in fig. 11A-15B.
Fig. 16A-18D include embodiments in which tuning of the behavior of features within the pressure responsive region may be achieved, in whole or in part, by increasing the cross-sectional rigidity in the form of additional rail features outside the rail that contact the flow within the emitter itself. For example, in fig. 16A, outer rails 1620a and 1620b are positioned near the outer sides of rails 1605a and 1605b, respectively, and distal to pressure responsive section 1616A. In fig. 16B, outer rails 1620c and 1620d, which are shorter in length than outer rails 1620a and 1620B in fig. 16A, are positioned near the outer sides of rails 1605c and 1605d, respectively, and distal to pressure responsive section 1616B. In fig. 16C, outer rails 1620e and 1620f, which are thicker than outer rails 1620a and 1620b in fig. 16A, are positioned near the outer sides of rails 1605e and 1605f, respectively, and distal to pressure responsive section 1616C. In fig. 16D, outer rails 1620g and 1620h, which are further from rails 1605g and 1605 than outer rails 1620a and 1620b in fig. 16A, are positioned near the outer sides of rails 1605g and 1605h, respectively, and distal to pressure responsive section 1616D.
Fig. 17A-17D and 18A-18D include embodiments in which the outer track is in different positions and has different configurations. In fig. 17A, there are outer rails 1720a and 1720b near the outer sides of rails 1705a and 1705b, respectively, outer rails 1720a and 1720b sloping outward toward the distal end of the stress responsive section 1716a, respectively, and outer rails 1721a and 1721b near the outer sides of rails 1705a and 1705b, respectively, outer rails 1721a and 1721b sloping outward toward the proximal end of the stress responsive section. In fig. 17B, there are outer rails 1720c and 1720d extending outwardly from the outer sides of the rails 1705c and 1705d, respectively, the outer rails 1720c and 1720d sloping outwardly towards the distal end of the pressure responsive section 1716B. In FIG. 17C, there are outer rails 1722e and 1722f positioned substantially parallel to the outsides of rails 1705e and 1705f and near the outsides of rails 1705e and 1705f and the middle portion of pressure responsive section 1716C. In fig. 17D, outer rails 1722g and 1722h extend further from rails 1705g and 1705h at a middle portion of outer rails 1722g and 1722h, respectively, near a middle portion of pressure responsive section 1716D. In fig. 18A, outer rails 1820a and 1820b are proximate the outer sides of rails 1805a and 1805b, respectively, and proximate the distal end of pressure responsive section 1816a, and outer rails 1820a and 1820b are thicker near their distal ends. In FIG. 18B, the outer rails 1822c and 1822d extend outwardly from the rails 1805c and 1805d, respectively, near a middle portion of the pressure responsive section 1816B, and the outer rails 1822c and 1822d are thicker near the middle portion thereof. Looking at fig. 17B and 18B, it is apparent that the outer rail may be incorporated in conjunction with the inner rail in one or more locations along the pressure responsive section. In FIG. 18C, the outer rails 1820e and 1820f extend outwardly from the rails 1805e and 1805f, respectively, near the distal end of the pressure responsive section 1816C, and the outer rails 1820e and 1820f are thicker near their distal ends. In FIG. 18D, the outer tracks 1821g and 1821h extend outwardly from the tracks 1805g and 1805h, respectively, near the proximal end of the pressure responsive section 1816D, and the outer tracks 1821g and 1821h are thicker near the proximal end.
Using this approach, there are many options for tuning behavior, including: the length of the additional rail feature (outer rail) applied, the location of the additional rail feature applied, the distance from the other rail, the thickness of the additional rail, the angle of the additional rail, and the inclination of the additional rail. Examples of some of these options are illustrated in these figures. It should be noted that although depicted as substantially symmetrical in fig. 16A-18D, additional tracks and other features may also be applied in a non-symmetrical manner. For purposes of understanding, it should be noted that fig. 17A may achieve similar cross-sectional stiffness trends with respect to pressure responsive section location as that obtained in fig. 15A (not exactly the same, since the inner rail-to-rail distance does not change, and thus the feature stiffness is different, but illustrates how similar types of behavior may be achieved via additional outer rails). Similarly, the trends for the cross-sectional stiffness of fig. 17D and 15B are similar (although different due to dissimilar track-to-track distances, illustrating how similar types of behavior can be achieved via additional outer tracks). Further, fig. 17A illustrates that more than one set of external rails may be employed to allow tuning of different responses along the length of the pressure response section. 18A-18D indicate that additional stiffness can also be applied by varying the thickness of the outer rail connected to the rail in contact with the interior of the emitter itself. Similar to the foregoing, the location, length, and profile of the increased thickness can be adjusted to tune the behavior of the pressure responsive region.
Fig. 19A-19D illustrate an embodiment that is similar in concept to the embodiment of fig. 16A-16D, except for the ability to tune the behavior of the features by adding more than one external track feature and optionally including interruptions (interruptions) in one or more of the one or more external track features. For example, in fig. 19A, external tracks 1920a and 1920b each comprise two parallel tracks of equal length, which are also parallel to tracks 1905a and 1905b, respectively, near the distal end of pressure responsive zone 1916 a. In FIG. 19B, outer tracks 1920c and 1920d each comprise two parallel tracks of different lengths, the outermost track being shorter, which are also parallel to tracks 1905c and 1905d, respectively, near the distal end of pressure responsive section 1916B. In fig. 19C, outer tracks 1920e and 1920f each comprise two parallel tracks of different lengths, the outermost track being shorter and being dashed or including an interruption, the two parallel tracks of different lengths also being parallel to tracks 1905e and 1905f, respectively, near the distal end of pressure responsive section 1916C. In fig. 19D, outer tracks 1920g and 1920h each comprise two parallel tracks of different lengths, the outermost track being shorter, the two parallel tracks of different lengths being dashed or including an interruption, and also being parallel to tracks 1905g and 1905h, respectively, near the distal end of pressure responsive zone 1916D, and the innermost track extending into a middle portion of pressure responsive zone 1916D. From these examples, it is apparent that tuning can be further modified by a combination of: such as varying the number of external rails used, the placement of the rails along the length of the pressure responsive section, the thickness of the rails, the distance that the rails are spaced apart, and the angle of the rails relative to the rails contacting the flow within the emitter. Furthermore, because the added external rail does not act as a wall for flow within the emitter itself, the added external rail can adjust structural rigidity, whether continuous or discontinuous. Further, the use of more than one added rail feature may be used with the configurations depicted in fig. 16A-18D, 20A-20C, 22A-22C, and 23A-23D.
Fig. 20A-20C illustrate embodiments in which additional rail features may also be used in conjunction with configurations in which the internal rail-to-rail dimensions are also used as a tuning technique. Fig. 20A-20C also indicate that the additional outer tracks need not be continuous. To save material, the additional features may be discontinuous. In fig. 20A, rails 2005a and 2005b are angled and outer rails 2020A and 2020b extend outwardly from rails 2005a and 2005b, respectively, near the distal end of pressure responsive section 2016a, and outer rails 2020A and 2020b are thicker near their distal ends. In fig. 20B, rails 2005c and 2005d are angled and outer rails 2020c and 2020d are near the outside of rails 2005c and 2005d, respectively, and near the distal end of pressure responsive section 2016B, and outer rails 2020c and 2020d are thicker near their distal ends. In fig. 20C, rails 2005e and 2005f are slanted and outer rails 2020e and 2020f, which are dashed or include breaks, are near and parallel to the outer sides of rails 2005C and 2005d, respectively, and near the distal end of pressure responsive section 2016C.
Fig. 21A-21B illustrate embodiments that demonstrate that the aspect ratio of the cross-section of the rail as a means of tuning the rail can be modified to achieve a desired closing of the feature in response to increased pressure. Fig. 21A-21B illustrate exemplary configurations at various cross-sections, wherein the cross-sectional aspect ratio is generally trapezoidal and generally rectangular, with exemplary configurations wherein the distance of the interior rail to the rail narrows as the rail aspect ratio changes. Fig. 21A-21B also illustrate exemplary configurations in which the distance of the inner rail to the rail does not vary as the rail aspect ratio varies, and illustrate exemplary configurations in which the rail width varies and does not vary at the junction of the inner wall of the tube. Although not shown, it is also apparent that different aspect ratios may be used, such as trapezoidal, where the triangular portion varies across the surface not facing the inside of the pressure responsive region. Similarly, an aspect ratio may be used in which the triangular portion faces both the inside and the outside. Each of these methods of varying the aspect ratio of the cross-section of the rail provides a way by which tuning can be achieved in which deflection of the individual resistance features can be applied under desired flow/pressure conditions to meet a desired total flow versus pressure performance curve.
Fig. 22A-22C illustrate embodiments having additional features that may also be added to the exterior of the track for the exit region. For example, in fig. 22A, the external rails 2223a and 2223b extend parallel to the rails 2205a and 2205b and proximate to the outlet section 2218a, and in this example, the rails 2205a and 2205b are angled within the pressure responsive section 2216 a. In fig. 22B, external rails 2223c and 2223d, which are dotted or include interruptions, extend parallel to rails 2205c and 2205d and proximate to outlet section 2218B, and in this example, rails 2205c and 2205d are angled within pressure responsive section 2216B. In fig. 22C, the external rails 2223e and 2223f extend outward from the rails 2205e and 2205f, from near the pressure responsive section 2216C to the outlet section 2218C, and in this example, the rails 2205e and 2205f are angled within the pressure responsive section 2216C. This is particularly useful in avoiding upward deflection of the floor in the outlet area and partially sealing the outlet. The external features may be continuous or discontinuous. Fig. 22C also shows that features added to protect the outlet region may also extend upstream as part of the technique of tuning the pressure responsive region.
23A-23D illustrate embodiments having additional features that may be added along the entire length of the emitter or along a substantial length of the emitter. In fig. 23A, external rails 2324a and 2324b extend along the length of rails 2305a and 2305b, in this example rails 2305a and 2305b are angled, forming pressure reduction section 2314a, pressure responsive section 2316a and outlet section 2318 a. Fig. 23B is similar to fig. 23A, but external tracks 2324c and 2324d are dashed or include breaks along the length of tracks 2305c and 2305 d. In fig. 23C, track 2305e is not slanted, while track 2305f is slanted, and an outer track 2324f, which is dashed or includes an interruption, extends along the length of track 2305 f. In fig. 23D, track 2305g is not inclined, track 2305h is inclined, and an outer track 2324h, which is dashed or includes an interruption, extends along the length of track 2305h from near the middle of pressure responsive section 2316D to outlet section 2318D. These embodiments enable the use of elastomeric materials having reduced hardness down to 10 to 20 shore a. By creating a configuration to reinforce the cross-section, lower hardness materials may be used that were previously unsuitable for use. Fig. 23A-23D also depict that the features may be discontinuous. These features can be used in both a symmetric and asymmetric manner.
Fig. 24A-24G illustrate embodiments using non-linear elements rather than linear elements. Fig. 24A illustrates the non-linear inclination of track 2405b relative to track 2405a and an outer track 2424b extending about track 2405b along the pressure responsive section and the exit section. Fig. 24B illustrates the non-linear tilt of track 2405d relative to track 2405c, wherein outer tracks 2420c and 2420d extend outwardly from tracks 2405c and 2405d, respectively, near the distal ends of the pressure responsive sections, and outer tracks 2420c and 2420d are thicker near their distal ends. Fig. 24C illustrates non-linear tilting of track 2405f relative to track 2405e, where the proximal ends of outer tracks 2420e and 2420f contact tracks 2405e and 2405f and the distal ends of outer tracks 2420e and 2420f are spaced apart from tracks 2405e and 2405 f. Fig. 24D illustrates the non-linear tilt of the track 2405h relative to the track 2405g, where the outer tracks 2420g and 2420h are dashed or include breaks near the distal end of the pressure responsive section. Fig. 24E illustrates a non-linear tilt of track 2405j relative to track 2405i, wherein thicker walls 2420i and 2420j extend inwardly relative to tracks 2405i and 2405j, near the distal end of the pressure responsive section. Fig. 24F illustrates the non-linear tilt of track 2405l relative to track 2405k, with outer tracks 2423k and 2423l proximate the exit section. Fig. 24G illustrates a non-linear tilt of track 2405n relative to track 2405m, and outer tracks 2420m and 2420n each comprise two tracks, the outermost track being shorter in length than the innermost track. These examples are representative in that they can accommodate tuning of the pressure response section by using curve elements instead of any or all of the linear elements. The goal is to tune the geometry in such a way that the feature responds to the geometry at a desired pressure differential at a given location along the pressure response section in order to provide an overall desired relationship between pressure and flow. Combinations of linear and curvilinear, continuous and stepped, angled and curvilinear are additional examples of combinations that may be utilized.
Fig. 25A-25F include embodiments that use more than one location along the length of the pressure response section where the cross-sectional stiffness is reduced (in these examples, the track-to-track distance is wider, but other tuning elements may be used instead). This is most particularly useful when designing emitters that require a large number of features in order to dissipate line pressure. By employing multiple locations of reduced cross-sectional stiffness, a greater number of features may be activated for a given increment of the total operating pressure range (more than 150 features may be required to generate sufficient flow resistance at flow rates on the order of 0.0675gph from now on). Without the ability to use tuning to engage a greater number of features, the only option for such low-flow emitters is to use a limited number of features, each of reduced size, which is limited in resistance to debris clogging.
The tuning elements defined in fig. 5A-5E (elements (b) through (o)) may also be used in combination with tuning elements such as in fig. 16A-25F in any combination. The tuning elements defined in fig. 5A-5E (elements (b) to (o)) may also be used in any combination in combination with a configuration that keeps the track-to-track distance constant and any external features constant. Three examples of emitters are shown in fig. 26A-26C, where tuning of the pressure response zone is achieved by a combination of three tuning elements: rail corner height, lateral rail gap, and floor profile. Fig. 26A illustrates tracks 2605a and 2605B and external tracks 2624a and 2624B, fig. 26B illustrates tracks 2605C and 2605d and external tracks 2624C and 2624d, and fig. 26C illustrates tracks 2605e and 2605f and external tracks 2624e and 2624 f. FIG. 26D illustrates an example cross-section of an emitter taken along lines A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D, E-E and F-F in FIGS. 26A-26C. In cross-section A-A of FIG. 26D, rails 2605a/2605c and 2605B/2605D and external rails 2624a/2624c and 2624B/2624D are illustrated with footplates 2606A (FIG. 26A) and 2606B (FIG. 26B) and features 2607a (FIG. 26A) and 2607B (FIG. 26B). The cross-section C-C of FIG. 26D illustrates the track corners 2611a/2611C and 2611B/2611D of the corresponding tracks in FIGS. 26A and 26B. Cross section D-D of fig. 26D illustrates rails 2605e and 2605f and outer rails 2624e and 2624f as well as baseplate 2606c and feature 2607 c. The cross-section F-F of fig. 26D illustrates the track corners 2611e and 2611F. The relationship between the cross-sections for these tuning elements is shown in table 3:
TABLE 3
Relation between cross sections with respect to tuning elements
There are many possible configurations, combinations and tuning elements that make it possible to tune the pressure-dependent performance curve of emitter flow. The strength of these configurations is the ability to create a unique relationship between differential pressure and feature deflection at each feature along the length of the pressure responsive section. Differential pressure herein is the pressure in the pipe minus the pressure inside the pressure responsive section local to a given feature. For a given feature, the sum of the pressure drops produced by all features upstream of it produces the pressure differential between the given feature and the pressure within the tube. This pressure differential is the driving force to deflect a given feature. Stated somewhat differently, using embodiments such as those described herein allows emitters to incorporate many features in series, each tuned to respond uniquely to a given pressure differential, where tuning is set by the structural rigidity of the cross-section of the emitter feature local to a particular feature, and where the sum of the pressure drop behavior of all features upstream of a given feature is also customizable, such that the response of a particular feature can be set to work in conjunction with all upstream features to set the relationship between feature closure and flow. The combined result provides the ability to selectively design the emitter to provide a desired relationship between pressure and flow for a range of flow rates, a range of operating pressure ranges, and an emission index (e.g., from 0 to 0.5 (or more)).
FIG. 27 provides an illustration of how the four emitter configurations can be adjusted to tune their response. Example 1 pressure curves in fig. 27 illustrate the flow before and after curves as a function of pressure associated with tuning four emitter configurations. Example 2 pressure curves in fig. 27 illustrate performance curves that may be obtained using tuning to have an emission index that is not zero. To change the emitter behavior to reduce flow at a given pressure, a greater number of features may be required to close in response to increasing pressure in order to create more flow resistance. The four "after" configurations on the right indicate how the geometry can be modified to tune the emitter to achieve the desired increase in resistance. Generally, for each of the four configurations, the geometry has been tuned to reduce the cross-sectional stiffness for a higher percentage of the features (most particularly along the middle and further downstream of the pressure response section). Because each feature experiences a pressure differential equal to the sum of the pressure drops produced by all features upstream thereof, there is a compound effect that reduces the stiffness of the plurality of features. Looking at the top configuration on the right, removing the outer rail along the middle portion of the emitter reduces the stiffness at each of the features in that portion. This causes each of the features in the section to close at a lower pressure differential. When the most upstream feature in the section is closed at a lower pressure differential, the closed condition results in a greater pressure differential being supplied to the next feature. A compound effect exists because the next feature is less stiff and receives a larger difference after tuning, and so is the next feature and the next feature, and so on. For these embodiments, there may be a large number of features in series, and a small tuning adjustment may change the flow versus pressure curve as desired. Note that the example in fig. 27 is not depicted as taking advantage of the other geometric tuning parameters (b) through (o) in fig. 5A-5E.
Fig. 28A-31E are shared as a group to provide further insight. Fig. 28A and 28B (cross-sections taken along line 28B-28B in fig. 28A) and fig. 28C and 28D (cross-sections taken along line 28D-28D in fig. 28C) show examples of tuned and untuned emitters, respectively. Both emitters have the same number of features in the pressure reduction zone and the same number of features in the pressure response zone. The emitter is designed for operating pressures from 5psi to 12psi and has a rated flow at 10 psi. A comparative flow versus pressure curve is provided in fig. 28E. The benefits of tuned emitters are evident when comparing the consistency of flow with pressure as compared to untuned emitters. Further explanation is provided in fig. 29A-31E.
29A-29E show a comparison of track-to-track distances for tuned and untuned emitters. FIG. 29C defines "NT" as the track-to-track distance of an untuned emitter. In addition to the performance parameters of flow rate and operating pressure range, the dimension "NT" is a function of the material being used. FIG. 29D shows the variation of the rail-to-rail distance of an untuned emitter with pressure response zone position. Fig. 29A shows a track-to-track distance comparison of exemplary tuned emitters. FIG. 29B shows the track-to-track distance of an exemplary tuned emitter as a function of pressure responsive zone position. For example, at a location along 20% of the length of the pressure response section, the tuned emitter has a track-to-track distance of 1.05NT (i.e., 5% greater than the track-to-track distance of an untuned emitter of the same material).
FIG. 29E shows the resulting relationship between flow and pressure for both the emitters of FIGS. 29A (tuned emitter) and 29C (untuned emitter). At a nominal pressure of 10psi, the tuned and untuned emitters have similar flow rates (about 0.157 gph). However, it can be observed that the tuned exemplary emitter provides significantly improved flow consistency over a pressure range of 5psi to 10 psi. It is observed that the greatest benefit occurs at lower pressures (e.g., 5psi to 8 psi). This occurs because tuned emitters include the benefit of being able to have more features activated at a given pressure, and tuning has been set in this example design to increase the number of upstream features activated at lower pressures (i.e., features of tuned emitters at lower% locations along the pressure response zone activate at lower pressures when compared to untuned emitters). This is further explained in fig. 30A-31E.
Fig. 30A repeats the flow versus pressure curve from fig. 29E for the purpose of illustrating the line pressures to which the data in fig. 30B and 30C are applicable. FIG. 30B shows the pressure differential (P-line minus P-interior) locally for each feature along the length of the pressure response section with a line pressure of 6 psi. It can be seen that all features within a tuned emitter have higher pressure differentials than their counterparts on the untuned geometry, except for the feature at 100% location along the pressure response segment (both cases having the same pressure differential because it is adjacent to the outlet). It can also be seen that for the un-tuned geometry, there is an upward slope of the feature from the 70% position to the 100% position along the pressure response section. This is a characteristic of an untuned design that naturally experiences shut-down in the downstream to upstream direction. This behavior is inherent in an untuned emitter, as the downstream feature closest to the outlet (i.e., at the lower end of the pressure range) deflects first and creates most of the pressure drop, meaning that the upstream feature does not experience a large enough pressure differential to function at lower pressures. Recall that the pressure differential local to a particular feature is the sum of the pressure drops across all features upstream thereof. When the upstream feature has a lower pressure differential, the adjacent downstream feature does not become active until a higher flow occurs (because the flow must increase before additional pressure differential is provided to the next emitter downstream). This is further illustrated in fig. 31A-31E and discussed further later.
FIG. 30C shows the differential pressure (P-line minus P-inner) locally at the feature at% position along the length of the pressure response section for a condition having a line pressure of 12 psi. It can be seen that at the upper design pressure (12 psi in this design), the pressure differential is more similar to the characteristic% position for both tuned and untuned designs. This occurs because both designs are created such that with increasing pressure, most features are fully deflected when the upper pressure of 12psi has been reached.
Fig. 31A repeats the flow versus pressure curve from fig. 29E for the purpose of illustrating the line pressures to which the data in fig. 31B-31E are applicable. 31B-31E show the total pressure response section pressure drop percentages resulting from the grouping of designated features. For example, as can be seen in fig. 31B, at a line pressure of 5psi for the tuned emitter, feature positions 0% to 25%, 25% to 50%, 50% to 75%, and 75% to 100% produced on average 25% (19% to 30%) of the total pressure drop occurring within the pressure response segment. In contrast, it can be seen in fig. 31D that for the untuned design, at a line pressure of 5psi, the downstream features at positions 75% to 100% alone dissipate a 50% pressure drop, while the upstream features at positions 0% to 25% and 25% to 50% dissipate only a 15% pressure drop. Also shown in fig. 31D, at 6psi line pressure, the engagement of the 50% to 75% feature locations increased slightly, while the% decrease in total pressure drop production for the features at locations 0% to 25% and 25% to 50%. The result is an upwardly curved shape of the untuned emitter, as shown in fig. 30B, because the upstream features do not produce a pressure drop comparable to that of the downstream features. Fig. 31C and 31E show that the tuned emitter participates more at positions 0% to 25% even at pressures up to 11 psi. As shared earlier, in designs where the downstream features generate most of the pressure drop, the upstream features do not start to participate unless the flow is increased, and then the upstream pressure reduction features (primarily) create additional pressure drop to create the pressure differential that drives the feature deflection. For this reason, the flow rate slopes upward from 5psi to 10psi for the untuned emitter, while the tuned emitter has a significantly slower increase in flow rate over the pressure range of 5psi to 10psi, as shown in FIG. 31A. In essence, the tuned emitters achieve improved uniformity of flow provided over a range of pressures, despite the fact that both emitters have the same number of features. Alternatively, if the use of tuned emitters is designed to intentionally have a higher emission index behavior, as demonstrated by the untuned emitters in fig. 31A, the tuned emitters may match flow and pressure performance to that of the untuned emitters, except using fewer features than the untuned emitters. This means that shorter total emitter lengths may be achieved, which leads to the desired result of being able to have shorter emitter spacing.
With modern drip irrigation technology, there are many combinations of flow rates, emitter spacing, tube diameters, and tube wall thicknesses to accommodate customer variations related to soil type, crop type, field topography, and economic environment (such as leased versus owned lands). For example, TOROTM AQUA-TRAXXTM(turbulent, uncompensated) product line with nine main emitter flows (ranging from 0.0675 to 0.54gph),Eight main emitter spacings (ranging from 4 inches to 36 inches), four main tube diameters, and eight main wall thicknesses. The combination of tube diameter and wall thickness define The allowable operating pressure range, which for full product supply irrigation companies such as The Toro Company (The Toro Company), results in ten or more pressure ranges. The lowest commercial operating pressure range is used for products rated at 4psi to 8psi (i.e., emitters in these products mostly operate between 4psi to 8 psi). Higher commercial operating pressure ranges of 4psi to 30psi are available for medium wall tubes (i.e., the emitters in these products must operate between 4psi to 30 psi). The combination of diameter and wall results in maximum operating pressures of 10psi, 12psi, 15psi, 16psi, 18psi, 20psi and 22psi between these 8psi and 30psi limits. For a full product supply irrigation company such as the Toro company, there are nine (or more) emitter flows used with eight (or more) spacings at ten (or more) operating pressure ranges, which results in a total of 720 variables (9 times 8 times 10 equals 720).
The ability to tune the pressure response region is very valuable because the emitter configuration can be aligned with the TORO aboveTMAQUA-TRAXXTMThe same broad parameter ranges discussed provide emission indices of, for example, 0 to 0.5 (or greater). To illustrate the range of options, the characteristic number of 0.0675gph emitters with a maximum operating pressure of 30psi is significantly different than for 0.54gph emitters with a maximum operating pressure of 8 psi. For purposes of illustration, if the two emitters each feature have the same flow resistance, the feature numbers will differ by a factor of 240:1 (i.e., the pressure drop at 0.54gph for each feature will be 64 times higher than the pressure drop at 0.0675gph based on the pressure drop being proportional to the square of the flow), and dissipation of 30psi may require 3.75 times more features than dissipation of 8psi (64 times 3.75 equals 240). A 0.0675gph emitter consuming 30psi may require 240 times more features than a 0.54gph emitter consuming 8 psi. The ability to tune a very wide range of characteristic quantities in the pressure response segment is critical to the ability to provide a wide product supply of emitters required for modern agriculture.
The benefit is the ability to customize emitter designs to achieve performance for a wide range of combinations. Examples of how emitter designs may be customized are illustrated in figures, such as fig. 5A-5E, and table 2. The instructions in table 2 are expressed in terms of development trends, since the hardness of the materials used varies with the size.
To provide further understanding, tables 4, 5, and 6 share example dimensions for five different flow rates, two different pressures, and two different discharge indices. Tables 4 and 5 are provided as examples to illustrate how emitter geometry can be adjusted to provide tuning to accommodate a range of maximum pressures (both discharge indices are 0.3 for emitters comparing maximum pressures of 16psi and 30 psi). Tables 5 and 6 are provided as examples to illustrate how emitter geometry can be adjusted to provide tuning to accommodate a range of emission indices (compare indices 0.3 and 0, both having a maximum pressure of 30 psi). Other pressures, emitter spacing, flow, discharge indices, materials, or emitter configurations will result in different dimensions after tuning, but the examples shown in tables 1-6 are useful for guiding the design. For emitter configurations such as shown in fig. 16A-24G, additional tuning parameters would include the location, number, aspect ratio, angle, and thickness of any external rail, but the relationship between the pressure response zone features and the floor coupled to the rails described in table 2 is still beneficial.
TABLE 4
Exemplary tuning element size ranges for five flow variants with a maximum operating pressure of 16psi and a discharge index of 0.3
Remarking:
the definition of the tuning elements is shown in fig. 5A-5E.
An exemplary emitter with a maximum pressure of up to 16psi and an index of 0.3.
Other pressures, flows, indices, materials or configurations result in different dimensions.
TABLE 5
Exemplary tuning element size ranges for five flow variants with a maximum operating pressure of 30psi and a discharge index of 0.3
Remarking:
the definition of the tuning elements is shown in fig. 5A-5E.
An exemplary emitter with a maximum pressure of up to 30psi and an index of 0.3.
Other pressures, flows, indices, materials or configurations result in different dimensions.
TABLE 6
Exemplary tuning element size ranges for five flow variants with a maximum operating pressure of 30psi and a discharge index of 0
Remarking:
the definition of the tuning elements is shown in fig. 5A-5E.
Exemplary emitters with maximum pressures up to 30psi and indices of 0 or close to 0.
Other pressures, flows, indices, materials or configurations result in different dimensions.
An example emitter flow path is shown in fig. 32, and an example emitter flow path operatively connected to an irrigation capillary (e.g., a hose or tube) having a capillary flow path is shown in fig. 33. Although fig. 32 depicts a two-layer construction, it should be recognized that the construction may be one, two, or more than two. Fig. 33 shows the lamination of the substrate 120 (emitter) with the track 125 on the inner wall 126a of the capillary 126, forming the irrigation hose 110. The inner wall 126a forms the primary water passage through the hose 110, including the capillary flow path 126b and the emitter flow path 125 a. The substrate 120 may be applied as a continuous strip member 127 laminated to the capillary 126 in any suitable manner, such as that disclosed in U.S. patent 8,469,294. The continuous strip member 127 may be rolled up and stored for later insertion into the hose 110, or the continuous strip member 127 may travel from the die wheel directly to the extruder for the capillary 126. That is, the laminate of the track 125 from the die wheel and the substrate 120 (including the top surface 120a and fins 120b) is positioned inside a die that extrudes a capillary 126, thereby forming the irrigation hose 110. Suitable inlets (not shown) allow water to enter the emitter flow path 125a from the capillary flow path 126 b. A suitable outlet 128 is formed in the irrigation hose 110 proximate the outlet section of the substrate 120 by means well known in the art.
Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, various alternative and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
The present application provides the following:
an emitter, comprising:
a pressure responsive section; and
at least one feature defined by a base plate, a first rail, and a second rail, the at least one feature tuned to deflect at a desired pressure differential local to the at least one feature by at least one tuning element selected from the group consisting of: track-to-track distance, track height, track width, track radius curvature, track corners, vertical track gaps, lateral track gaps, external tracks, floor thickness, floor profile, tip height, tip clearance, feature density, feature profile, feature angle, and feature thickness.
The emitter of item 1, wherein the emitter is operably connected to a capillary, wherein the at least one feature is configured and arranged to deflect toward the capillary at a desired pressure differential local to the at least one feature.
The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section is made of a low durometer material.
The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section has a length that affects a desired tuning of the at least one feature.
The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the rail-to-rail distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of a slope, an angled portion, and a step portion, the at least one of a slope, an angled portion, and a step portion being linear.
The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the rail-to-rail distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of a slope, an angled portion, and a step portion, the at least one of a slope, an angled portion, and a step portion being curvilinear.
The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the rail-to-rail distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of a slope, an angled portion, and a step portion, the at least one of a slope, an angled portion, and a step portion being continuous.
The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the rail-to-rail distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of a slope, an angled portion, and a step portion, the at least one of a slope, an angled portion, and a step portion being discontinuous.
The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises at least one external rail tuned by at least one of length, location, number, distance from at least one of the first and second rails, number of times the at least one external rail merges in conjunction with at least one of the first and second rails, thickness, slope, angled portion, step, symmetry, and continuity.
The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the emission index for the emitter is from 0 to 0.7.
The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the rail corner is at least one of an inner rail corner and an outer rail corner.
The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein a first feature is operably connected to the base plate and the first rail, and a second feature is operably connected to the base plate and the second rail, wherein the first feature and the second feature are positioned along the pressure response segment, the first feature having at least one first tuning element, the second feature having at least one second tuning element, the at least one first tuning element and the at least one second tuning element being asymmetric along the pressure response segment.
The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein at least a first feature and a second feature are located along the pressure responsive section, the first feature having at least one first tuning element, the second feature having at least one second tuning element, the at least one first tuning element and the at least one second tuning element having at least one of different sizes and different configurations.
An irrigation pipe and emitter combination (combination), comprising:
a capillary having a wall with an inner wall, at least a portion of the inner wall defining a capillary flow path;
an emitter having first and second rails operatively connected to the inner wall, and a floor interconnecting distal ends of the first and second rails, the inner wall, the first and second rails, and the floor defining an emitter flow path, the emitter comprising:
a pressure responsive section; and
at least one feature defined by the base plate, the first rail, and the second rail, the at least one feature tuned to deflect at a desired pressure differential local to the at least one feature by at least one tuning element selected from the group consisting of: track-to-track distance, track height, track width, track radius curvature, track corners, vertical track gaps, lateral track gaps, external tracks, base plate thickness, base plate profile, tip height, tip clearance, feature density, feature profile, feature angle, and feature thickness;
wherein the discharge index for the emitter is 0 to 0.7, and wherein the at least one feature deflects from an open position to a closed position when the desired pressure differential is local to the at least one feature.
The irrigation tube and emitter combination of claim 14, wherein the pressure responsive section is made of a low durometer material.
The irrigation capillary and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section has a length that affects a desired tuning of the at least one feature.
The irrigation capillary and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the track-to-track distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of an inclined portion, an angled portion, and a stepped portion, the at least one of the inclined portion, angled portion, and stepped portion being linear.
The irrigation capillary and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the track-to-track distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of an inclined portion, an angled portion, and a stepped portion, the at least one of an inclined portion, an angled portion, and a stepped portion being curvilinear.
The irrigation capillary and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the track-to-track distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of an inclined portion, an angled portion, and a stepped portion, the at least one of an inclined portion, an angled portion, and a stepped portion being continuous.
The irrigation capillary and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the track-to-track distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of an inclined portion, an angled portion, and a stepped portion, the at least one of the inclined portion, angled portion, and stepped portion being discontinuous.
The irrigation capillary and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises at least one external rail tuned by at least one of length, location, number, distance from at least one of the first and second rails, number of times the at least one external rail merges with at least one of the first and second rails in combination, thickness, slope, angled portion, step, symmetry, and continuity.
The irrigation capillary and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein the rail corner is at least one of an inner rail corner and an outer rail corner.
The irrigation capillary and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein a first feature is operably connected to the base plate and the first rail and a second feature is operably connected to the base plate and the second rail, wherein the first feature and the second feature are positioned along the pressure response section, the first feature having at least one first tuning element, the second feature having at least one second tuning element, the at least one first tuning element and the at least one second tuning element being asymmetric along the pressure response section.
The irrigation tube and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein at least a first feature and a second feature are located along the pressure responsive section, the first feature having at least one first tuning element, the second feature having at least one second tuning element, the at least one first tuning element and the at least one second tuning element having at least one of different sizes and different configurations.
The irrigation tube and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein the wall of the tube comprises a perimeter selected from the group consisting of a continuous perimeter and a discontinuous perimeter formed by stitching the wall in at least one location of the perimeter.
Claims (25)
1. An emitter, comprising:
a pressure responsive section; and
at least one feature defined by a base plate, a first rail, and a second rail, the at least one feature tuned to deflect at a desired pressure differential local to the at least one feature by at least one tuning element selected from the group consisting of: track-to-track distance, track height, track width, track radius curvature, track corners, vertical track gaps, lateral track gaps, external tracks, floor thickness, floor profile, tip height, tip clearance, feature density, feature profile, feature angle, and feature thickness.
2. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the emitter is operably connected to a capillary, wherein the at least one feature is configured and arranged to deflect toward the capillary at a desired pressure differential local to the at least one feature.
3. The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section is made of a low durometer material.
4. The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section has a length that affects a desired tuning of the at least one feature.
5. The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the rail-to-rail distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of a slope, an angled portion and a step portion, the at least one of a slope, an angled portion and a step portion being linear.
6. The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the rail-to-rail distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of a slope, an angled portion and a step portion, the at least one of a slope, an angled portion and a step portion being curvilinear.
7. The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the rail-to-rail distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of a slope, an angled portion and a step portion, the at least one of a slope, an angled portion and a step portion being continuous.
8. The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises the rail-to-rail distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of a slope, an angled portion and a step portion, the at least one of a slope, an angled portion and a step portion being discontinuous.
9. The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises at least one external rail tuned by at least one of length, location, number, distance from at least one of the first and second rails, number of times the at least one external rail merges in conjunction with at least one of the first and second rails, thickness, slope, angled portion, step, symmetry, and continuity.
10. The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the emission index for the emitter is 0 to 0.7.
11. The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the rail corner is at least one of an inner rail corner and an outer rail corner.
12. The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein a first feature is operatively connected to the floor and the first rail and a second feature is operatively connected to the floor and the second rail, wherein the first feature and the second feature are located along the pressure response segment, the first feature having at least one first tuning element, the second feature having at least one second tuning element, the at least one first tuning element and the at least one second tuning element being asymmetric along the pressure response segment.
13. The emitter of any preceding claim, wherein at least a first feature and a second feature are located along the pressure responsive section, the first feature having at least one first tuning element, the second feature having at least one second tuning element, the at least one first tuning element and the at least one second tuning element having at least one of different sizes and different configurations.
14. An irrigation tube and emitter combination comprising:
a capillary having a wall with an inner wall, at least a portion of the inner wall defining a capillary flow path;
an emitter having first and second rails operatively connected to the inner wall, and a floor interconnecting distal ends of the first and second rails, the inner wall, the first and second rails, and the floor defining an emitter flow path, the emitter comprising:
a pressure responsive section; and
at least one feature defined by the base plate, the first rail, and the second rail, the at least one feature tuned to deflect at a desired pressure differential local to the at least one feature by at least one tuning element selected from the group consisting of: track-to-track distance, track height, track width, track radius curvature, track corners, vertical track gaps, lateral track gaps, external tracks, base plate thickness, base plate profile, tip height, tip clearance, feature density, feature profile, feature angle, and feature thickness;
wherein the discharge index for the emitter is 0 to 0.7, and wherein the at least one feature deflects from an open position to a closed position when the desired pressure differential is local to the at least one feature.
15. The combination irrigation tube and emitter of claim 14 in which the pressure responsive section is made of a low durometer material.
16. The combination of an irrigation capillary and an emitter of any preceding claim in which the pressure responsive section has a length that affects a desired tuning of the at least one feature.
17. The combination of an irrigation capillary and an emitter of any preceding claim in which the pressure responsive section comprises the track-to-track distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of an inclined portion, an angled portion and a stepped portion, the at least one of the inclined portion, angled portion and stepped portion being linear.
18. The combination of an irrigation capillary and an emitter of any preceding claim in which the pressure responsive section comprises the track-to-track distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of an inclined portion, an angled portion and a stepped portion, the at least one of an inclined portion, an angled portion and a stepped portion being curvilinear.
19. The combination of an irrigation capillary and an emitter of any preceding claim in which the pressure responsive section comprises the track-to-track distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of an inclined portion, an angled portion and a stepped portion, the at least one of the inclined portion, angled portion and stepped portion being continuous.
20. The combination of an irrigation capillary and an emitter of any preceding claim in which the pressure responsive section comprises the track-to-track distance, the pressure responsive section comprising at least one of an inclined portion, an angled portion and a stepped portion, the at least one of the inclined portion, angled portion and stepped portion being discontinuous.
21. The combination of an irrigation capillary and an emitter of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure responsive section comprises at least one external rail tuned by at least one of length, location, number, distance from at least one of the first and second rails, number of times the at least one external rail merges in conjunction with at least one of the first and second rails, thickness, slope, angled portion, step, symmetry, and continuity.
22. The irrigation capillary and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein the rail corner is at least one of an inner rail corner and an outer rail corner.
23. The irrigation capillary and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein a first feature is operably connected to the base plate and the first track and a second feature is operably connected to the base plate and the second track, wherein the first feature and the second feature are positioned along the pressure responsive section, the first feature having at least one first tuning element, the second feature having at least one second tuning element, the at least one first tuning element and the at least one second tuning element being asymmetric along the pressure responsive section.
24. The irrigation tube and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein at least a first feature and a second feature are located along the pressure responsive section, the first feature having at least one first tuning element, the second feature having at least one second tuning element, the at least one first tuning element and the at least one second tuning element having at least one of different sizes and different configurations.
25. The irrigation tube and emitter combination of any preceding claim, wherein the wall of the tube comprises a perimeter selected from the group consisting of a continuous perimeter and a discontinuous perimeter formed by stitching the wall in at least one location of the perimeter.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
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US201962861393P | 2019-06-14 | 2019-06-14 | |
US62/861,393 | 2019-06-14 | ||
US16/884,494 | 2020-05-27 | ||
US16/884,494 US11452269B2 (en) | 2019-06-14 | 2020-05-27 | Rail tuned pressure responsive irrigation emitter |
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CN112075331A true CN112075331A (en) | 2020-12-15 |
CN112075331B CN112075331B (en) | 2023-03-24 |
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CN202010543005.4A Active CN112075331B (en) | 2019-06-14 | 2020-06-15 | Track tuning pressure response irrigation emitter |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2023081016A1 (en) * | 2021-11-02 | 2023-05-11 | The Toro Company | Multi-transitional emitter for drip irrigation |
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