IL304484A - Fluid flow pressure compensated emitter - Google Patents

Description

FLUID FLOW PRESSURE COMPENSATED EMITTER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for fluid flow control and in particular, to a control valve in the form of a pressure compensated emitter. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Irrigation systems and controlled fluid flow systems are used to control fluids delivered to various agricultural applications from homegrown gardens to large scale agricultural crop operations. Such irrigation systems allow for controlled delivery of fluids, fertilizer, water to the growing crops. The irrigation systems need to deliver fluids, primarily water, to the crops under different conditions of water quality and/or water flow. In the operation of a drip or trickle irrigation system, continuous and consistent fluid flow is maintained in a controllable manner during the irrigation process. During operation, the irrigation system must be e readily cleaned so as to reduce susceptibility to clogging. Clogging may occur, for example with small dirt particles that are in the natural surroundings of an irrigation system. Such clogging can lead to greatly reduced fluid flow pressure and in turn to permanent damage to the irrigation system or parts thereof. The water industry has various innovations to try to overcome this problem. For example, water filtration systems, drip irrigators, in-line emitters, on-line emitters. U.S. Patent Publication. No. 4,190,206 to Atkinson et al, discloses an emitter suitable for drip irrigation which includes a flow control valve having an inlet opening that constricts in response to pressure increases to provide a uniform flow despite pressure variations in the line system to attempt to provide a constant flow rate for an irrigation system. Similar solutions are discussed in US Patent Publication Nos. US4,313,471 and US4,869,432. U.S. Patent Publication. No. 4,627,573 to Havens, discloses an emitter suitable for drip irrigation which includes two flow control orifices that work in concert so as to constrict in response to two different pressure changes. A first flow control orifice, having a teardrop configuration, is configured to function in a pressure environment of up to 8 PSI, about 0.5 bar while a second flow control orifice, having a tubular configuration, is required so as to maintain the pressure differential across the first flow control orifice to remain below 8 psi. Therein both flow control orifices are required to work in unison to achieve sufficient flow control above about 8 PSI. Similar developments are also described in the following Patent Publications EP0043255, CN107593373, WO14049220, US2003226913, US2515073, US3767124, US4382549, US4824025, CN201742791, US4113180. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention provide a fluid flow pressure compensated emitter featuring a diaphragm that is shaped so as to better control the flow through the emitter housing. State of the art pressure compensated emitters feature a housing and a flat diaphragm that functions against a shaped internal surface of the emitter housing and/or body. The interaction between the diaphragm and the internal surface forms a flow control opening that effectively controls the flow control opening and therefore the rate of fluid delivery. Accordingly in state of the art emitters the flat and/or planar diaphragm presses against the internal surface to form the flow control opening. Embodiments of the present invention provide a pressure compensated emitter featuring a non-planar and/or non-flat diaphragm the diaphragm having a three dimensional configuration. A shaped and/or non-flat and/or non-planar and/or three dimensional diaphragm provides for improving flow control through an emitter housing. In embodiments, such an emitter fit with a non-planar diaphragm further provides for improving the cost of production. In embodiments, such an emitter fit with a non-planar diaphragm further provides for flow efficiency of the emitter. In embodiments, such an emitter fit with a non-planar diaphragm further provides for increasing the lifespan of a pressure compensated emitter. Embodiments of the present invention further provide for increasing the range of fluid pressure utilized with the emitter and/or the pressure environment while maintaining constant fluid outflow along the pressure environment and/or range.

In embodiments the emitter of the present invention provides a constant fluid outflow at inlet fluid pressures that may for example be at or below about 1 bar, or bar, or 3 bar, or 4 bar, or 5 bar, or 6 bar. In embodiments the emitter of the present invention provides a constant fluid outflow at very low inlet fluid pressures that may for example be of about: 1 bar, 0.95 bar, 0.9 bar, 0.85 bar, 0.8 bar, 0.75 bar, 0.7 bar, 0.65 bar, 0.6 bar, 0.55 bar, 0.5 bar, 0.45 bar, 0.4 bar, 0.35 bar, 0.3 bar, 0.25 bar, 0.20 bar, 0.15 bar, 0.10 bar, 0.05 bar, .0.045 bar, 0.04 bar, 0.035 bar. 0.03 bar, 0.025 bar, 0.02 bar, 0.015 bar, 0.01 bar, or 0.005 bar. Embodiments of the present invention provides a pressure compensated emitter that readily functions and maintains substantially constant and/or predictable fluid outflow rates at fluid inflow pressures of below about 6 bar, optionally below about 1 bar, optionally and more preferably at inflow fluid pressure of about 0.0bar, optionally and still more preferably at inflow fluid pressures lower than about 0.25 bar. In embodiments, the emitter may be configured to provide substantially constant and/or configurable outflow rate at low inflow fluid pressure selected from at least one of the following inflow fluid pressure levels: 1 bar, 0.95 bar, 0.9 bar, 0.85 bar, 0.8 bar, 0.75 bar, 0.7 bar, 0.65 bar, 0.6 bar, 0.55 bar, 0.5 bar, 0.45 bar, 0.bar, 0.35 bar, 0.3 bar, 0.25 bar, 0.20 bar, 0.15 bar, 0.10 bar, 0.05 bar, .0.045 bar, 0.04 bar, 0.035 bar. 0.03 bar, 0.025 bar, 0.02 bar, 0.015 bar, 0.01 bar, or 0.005 bar. In embodiments of the present invention the emitter allows controlled flow of any flowing fluid. Furthermore, the low pressure flow valve according to embodiments of the present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art in that the valve of the present invention allows for maintaining a substantially constant fluid outflow even during periods of abrupt pressure changes, for example when an inlet flow pipe is opened and/or closed, generally experienced when a flow starts or ends. In embodiments the pressure compensated emitter maybe integrated with a pipe and/or a flow pipe. In embodiments the non-planar diaphragm may be configured to have a non-uniform level of pliability and/or flexibility. In embodiment the non-planar diaphragm may feature at least two or more zones of different pliability and/or flexibility and/or hardness.

In embodiments the non-planar diaphragm may feature a non-uniform level of pliability. In embodiments the non-planar diaphragm may feature a non-uniform level of pliability along at least one dimension thereof. In embodiments, the non-planar diaphragm may be configured to have at least two levels of pliability along at least one or more dimension thereof. Embodiments of the present invention provide a kit comprising a pressure compensated housing and at least two or more non-planar diaphragms. Optionally the kit comprising at least two or more non-planar diaphragms wherein each diaphragm comprises different and/or individual three dimensional configuration and/or shape. Within the context of this application the term fluid and/or flowing fluid may interchangeably refer to any fluid, liquid, gas, air, or a mixture thereof. Within the context of this application the terms pliable and/or flexible and/or elastic materials may be used interchangeably to refer to materials that are responsive to changes in pressure. As used herein the term "about" refers to +/-10 %. Within the context of this application the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to". The term "consisting of" means "including and limited to". The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments. The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of "optional" features unless such features conflict.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof. Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween. In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." As used herein the term "method" refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings: FIG. 1A-D are illustration of prior art pressure compensated emitter ; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pressure compensated emitter according to the present invention featuring a non-planar diaphragm; FIG. 3 is a sectional view along the long axis of the emitter shown in FIG. showing the non-planar configuration of the diaphragm according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 4A-B show two sectional views across the short axis of the non-planar diaphragm according to embodiments of the present invention; and FIG. 5A-B show two perspective views of the non-planar diaphragm according to an optional embodiment of the present invention; .DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

The following figure reference labels are used throughout the description to refer to similarly functioning components are used throughout the specification hereinbelow. in line conduit flow pipe; flow compensation emitter housing; upper housing portion; 23 filter member; planar diaphragm; internal lower surface; fluid flow labyrinth; lower housing portion; 28 exit holes; 100 pressure compensated emitter; 105 housing internal surface ; 106 housing lower portion; 110 non-planar diaphragm; 112 diaphragm non-planar axis; ; 112S short axis; 112L long axis; FIG. 1A-D show a prior art flow control pressure compensated emitter 20. FIG. 1A shows a perspective top view of emitter housing 20, as is known in the prior art, showing an upper housing portion 22 featuring a filter portion 23. FIG. 1B shows emitter 20 as used within a segment of pipe 10. FIG. 1C shows a bottom perspective view of a state of the art emitter 20 revealing at least one exit port 28, while some emitters 20 may feature two exit ports 28 as shown. FIG. 1D shows an exploded view of an emitter 20 revealing the upper housing portion 22 that features a filter 143, the state of the art planar diaphragm 24, a lower housing 26 featuring an internal surface 25 that is further fit with a fluid flow labyrinth 27 to control the flow through emitter 20. Flow though emitter 20 is controlled when planar diaphragm 24 presses against inner surface 25 so as to control the flow through to the at least one exit pore 28. The planar diaphragm responds to pressure changes and depresses against inner surface 25 so as to determine the flow through the emitter 20. Accordingly, the flow is controlled by the interaction of the inner surface 25 and planar diaphragm 24, however the shape of the flow control opening is solely determined by the shape of the inner surface 25. Embodiments of the present invention provide a non-planar diaphragm member 110, FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A-B, so that the shape and/or configuration of the flow control through the emitter is determined by both the shape and/or configuration of the internal surface 105 and the shape of diaphragm 110, under pressure. Now collectively referring to FIG. 2-5 that show embodiments of the present invention for a non-planar diaphragm 110 as used with a pressure compensated emitter 100. While the figures show a partial depiction of the emitter housing 100 particularly including the lower housing 106 and diaphragm 110, it is understood that such is shown for the purpose of brevity and conciseness, while the emitter assembly comprises an upper housing, lower housing and optional a filter, labyrinth, for example as shown in FIG. 1A-D. Embodiments of the present invention provide an emitter assembly 100 that features a non-planar diaphragm 110 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A-B. Diaphragm 110 features a three dimensional configuration such that it is not planar. Such a non-planar configuration provides for additional control of the flow control opening that ultimately determines and controls the flow rate through the emitter. Additionally, a non-planar diaphragm 110 according to embodiments of the present invention allows to increase the different parameters and flow parameters and/or behavior of the emitter flow control orifice and/or opening while maintaining and/or using a single emitter body and/or housing 100. An optional embodiment of the present invention provides a kit featuring a plurality of non-planar diaphragms 110 each having an individual configuration that may be utilized with a common and/or single emitter body 100. FIG. 2 shows a partial exploded view of emitter 100 featuring non-planar diaphragm 110. As shown, diaphragm 110 is configured to fit within the lower housing 106 of emitter 100. Diaphragm 110 has a three dimensional configuration that renders it non-planar, particularly, diaphragm 110 features at least one non- planar axis 112 wherein the diaphragm is shaped so as to assume its three dimensional configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 diaphragm 1features an axis 112 along which the diaphragm features a raised portion and/or crease along a short axis thereof, therein providing its non-planar configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of emitter 100 along the long axis of emitter 100 so as to reveal non-planar diaphragm 110 seated within lower housing 1above lower surface 105. The flow parameters of emitter 100 are preferably determined by the interaction of non-planar diaphragm 110 with inner surface 105. Accordingly, when pressure is exerted on non-planar diaphragm 110 it is pressed toward inner surface 105, this interaction forms a fluid flow orifice and/or opening that determines the flow through emitter 100. In embodiments the non-planar diaphragm 110, can be configured to provide fine control of the flow parameters by way controlling the three dimensional shape and/or configuration. For example, as the non-planar diaphragm 110 is pressed against surface 105 the orifice shape changes along the diaphragms non-planar axis 112. Prior art emitter assemblies utilizing a planar diaphragm 24 could only control the fluid flow orifice configuration, and in turn the emitter's flow parameters, by controlling the shape of the lower surface 25. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide additional control by further controlling the surface configuration of the non-planar diaphragm 110, according to the present invention. FIG. 4A-B show sectional views of emitter 100 and non-planar diaphragm 110 as shown from the short axis of emitter 100, and along the non-planar axis 1of non-planar diaphragm 110, as used with emitters 100 featuring different configurations of the internal surface 105. FIG. 4A shows a curved inner surface 105 while FIG. 4B shows a flat inner surface 105 configuration, each may be fit with a non-planar diaphragm 110 where the interaction between the two surfaces 105 and non-planar diaphragm 110 would be individual to each. FIG. 4A-B show the curvatures along a first elevated and curved portion 112a along axis 112 of non-planar diaphragm 110. As shown the curvature along axis 112 between first portion 112a and second portion 112b shows an optional configuration of the curvature and slope of axis 112. In embodiments non-planar axis 112 may be progress in any manner linearly and/or non-linear, along a short axis 112S or a long axis 112L. In embodiments axis 112 may be disposed along a short axis 112S of non-planar diaphragm 110.

In embodiments axis 112 may be disposed along a long axis 112L of non-planar diaphragm 110. In embodiments axis 112 may be disposed along both or a combination of long axis 112L and short axis 112S of non-planar diaphragm 110. In embodiments axis 112 may be disposed along a diagonal combination of both long axis 112L and short axis 112S of non-planar diaphragm 110. FIG. 5A-B show different perspective view of non-planar diaphragm 1featuring a diaphragm axis 112. As shown, non-planar diaphragm 110 features a three dimensional configuration that allows the diaphragm to respond to applied pressure in a unique manner along its non-planar axis 112. In embodiments non- planar diaphragm 110 is configured to be pliable and/or elastic such that it may be responsive to applied pressure but reassume the non-pressure three dimensional shape. FIG. 5B shows the long axis 112L and short axis 112S of non-planar diaphragm 112. In embodiments non-planar diaphragm 110 may be provided from different materials, for example including silicon and/or rubber. In embodiments non-planar diaphragm 110 may be provided from at least one or more flexible and/or pliable and/or elastic and/or plastic materials. In embodiments non-planar diaphragm 110 may be provided from at least two or more materials having different degrees of pliability and/or elasticity and/or hardness. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not described to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. It should be noted that where reference numerals appear in the claims, such numerals are included solely or the purpose of improving the intelligibility of the claims and are in no way limiting on the scope of the claims. Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention defined by the appended claims. Further modifications of the invention will also occur to persons skilled in the art and all such are deemed to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not described to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the invention.

Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS What is currently claimed is: 1) A pressure compensated emitter having a body portion featuring an upper housing and a lower housing portion and a non-planar diaphragm (110) disposed therebetween.

2. The emitter of claim 1 further comprising a filter portion disposed about an upper portion thereof.

3. The emitter of claim 1 further comprising a labyrinth disposed about a lower housing portion.

4. The emitter of claim 1 wherein said non-planar diaphragm comprises a three dimensional configuration along an axis (112).

5. The emitter of any one of claim 1-4 wherein said emitter (100) is integrated with a pipe segment (10).