WO2024018391A1

WO2024018391A1 - Fixed discharged-rate, anti-clogging drip irrigation device

Info

Publication number: WO2024018391A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/057349
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mahdi Moharrampour
Original assignee: Mahdi Moharrampour
Priority date: 2022-07-20
Filing date: 2023-07-19
Publication date: 2024-01-25

Abstract

An anti-clogging drip irrigation device may comprise a chamber, an inlet configure to entry water, a valve comprising at least two levers and at least one float configure to regulate a water level inside the chamber, an output regulator flow rate configure to regulate a constant output flow rate, and an outlet configure to exit water. The chamber is connected to an irrigation pipe utilizing the inlet and configured to guide the water to a guiding water connector utilizing the outlet so that a portion of running water in the irrigation pipe distribute to a plant with a constant flow rate.

Description

Fixed Discharged-Rate, Anti-Clogging Drip Irrigation Device

The present disclosure application claims priority from IR Patent Application, Application No 140150140003003130, filed on 20 July, 2022, entitled “FIXED DISCHARGE-RATE, ANTI-CLOGGING DRIP IRRIGATION DEVICE”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present disclosure is related to an anti-clogging drip irrigation device to distribute a portion of running water in an irrigation pipe to a plant or a plurality of plants.

Irrigation systems that deliver water, often containing plant nutrients, pesticides, and herbicides, to plants through irrigation pipe networks are well known. Drip emitters are typically used in irrigation systems to convert high-flow water from the supply pipe to low-flow at each emitter outlet. Each emitter is responsible for regulating the flow rate so that water enters under high pressure and exits at a constant pressure and flow rate. Drip emitters can make plant and tree irrigation more efficient and reduce water consumption. Although some advantages of drip emitters have been described, it is desirable to provide a drip emitter design that can be used in both subsurface and above-ground applications. For both applications, there is a need to provide a relatively constant flow rate from each drip emitter in the irrigation system. Specifically, it is desirable to provide a drip emitter that ensures the flow rate at the first emitter in the system is substantially the same as the last emitter in the system, while still able to deliver a constant flow rate in a low-pressure and gravity-fed system. Additionally, in the irrigation industry, there is a need to prevent clogging of drip emitters for subsurface and above-ground applications, which can result in insufficient water distribution and potential plant death. Clogging of a drip emitter can be caused by physical factors such as sand, etc. Therefore, having an input and/or other structures designed to allow particles that may block flow paths in the input, interior, and outlet of the drip emitter to pass easily is desirable. The flow through the input and outlet areas should be large enough to allow proper operation of the drip emitter. Additionally, there is a need for better drip emitter designs that prevent entanglement in smaller flow passages, which can cause a backward/forward punch state to open the path and maintain proper drip emitter function to achieve the desired flow rate. Furthermore, providing a drip emitter that minimizes dimensions and assembly is desirable, as this not only makes the component less complex during manufacturing, but also potentially saves material costs.

This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this disclosure, and is not intended to identify essential elements or key elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed implementations. The proper scope of this patent may be ascertained from the claims set forth below in view of the detailed description below and the drawings.

In a general aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an exemplary anti-clogging drip irrigation device to distribute a portion of running water in an irrigation pipe to a plant with a constant flow rate. The exemplary anti-clogging drip irrigation may comprise a chamber, an inlet that may configure to entry water, a valve that may configure to regulate a water level inside the chamber, an output regulator flow rate the may configure to regulate a constant output flow rate, and an outlet that may configure to exit the water. The valve may comprise at least two levers and at least one float. Furthermore, the chamber may be connected to the irrigation pipe utilizing the inlet and may configured to guide the water to a guiding water connector utilizing the outlet.

The above general aspect may have one or more of the following features. In one or more exemplary implementation, the output flow rate regulator may comprise a floater and a nozzle. In an exemplary implementation, at least two levers may be configured to regulate the input water by connecting to a hinged support and maximizing a pressure resulting from a float rising. In one or more exemplary implementation, rising the float caused by entering the water may be resulted in an applying pressure to a first lever and transferring a maximum pressure to a second lever to regulate the water at a specific level. In one or more exemplary implementation, the floater may be mounted on a bottom surface of the float. In one or more exemplary implementation, a shape of the nozzle is a conical shape and connected to the outlet. In some exemplary implementation, the float-connected punch may be positioned inside the nozzle. In some exemplary implementation, an upward and downward movement of the float-connected punch inside the nozzle may cause a possible clogging to open. In some exemplary implementation, the floater may be positioned at a thickened of the floater’s diameter inside the nozzle and create a constant flow rate at the outlet. In an exemplary implementation, the anti-clogging drip irrigation device may further comprise a nipple with a hard pointed cap, wherein the nipple may be configured to fix the anti-clogging drip irrigation device into the irrigation pipe.

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accordance with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

Fig.1

illustrates an exemplary schematic view of a subsurface and a surface irrigation system with an anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant flow, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.2

illustrates an exemplary schematic view of a subsurface anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant flow, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.3

illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a subsurface anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant flow, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.4

illustrates an exemplary schematic view of a lid, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.5

illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view (left) and an exemplary external view (right) of an outer shell, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.6

illustrates an exemplary side view of an upper lever component, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.7

illustrates an exemplary side view of a lower lever component, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.8

illustrates an exemplary side view of a float component with a punch, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.9

illustrates an exemplary side view of a subsurface nozzle component, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.10

illustrates an exemplary schematic view of a surface anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant flow, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.11

illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a surface anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant flow, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.12

illustrates an exemplary side view of a four-outlet surface nozzle component, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig.13

illustrates an exemplary view a connection way of a surface anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant flow onto a pipe, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

The description of the embodiments of the present disclosure is now presented with reference to the figures. It is expected that the present disclosure will be embodied in various specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The described embodiments are not just considered as illustrative and limiting in any way. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the preceding description. Any changes which result in an equivalent meaning and range of claims are intended to be included within its scope.

The present disclosure generally relates to a device for irrigating trees, plants, and vegetables, and is capable of being installed in place of surface or subsurface drip irrigation systems.

An anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant flow rate is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an anti-clogging drip irrigation device may comprise a solenoid water level control valve with at least two levers and a float. The solenoid valve is configured to control an input water flow to an anti-clogging drip irrigation device at a low and high pressure based on the constant flow rate output from a device nozzle. In exemplary embodiment, a punch may be connected to the float at the bottom. In exemplary embodiment, a conical outlet nozzle on the bottom of a device chamber is included. In exemplary embodiment, an inlet nozzle is provided for connecting an anti-clogging irrigation device to an irrigation pipe.

illustrates an exemplary schematic view of a subsurface and a surface irrigation system 100 with an anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant flow, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in , the subsurface and surface irrigation system 100 may comprise at least one anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant subsurface flow rate 101 and at least one anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant surface flow rate102. In an exemplary embodiment, the subsurface and a surface irrigation system 100 may configure to irrigate trees, shrubs, and plants. In an exemplary embodiment, the subsurface and surface irrigation system 100 may further comprise an irrigation pipe 103. In an exemplary embodiment, a diameter of the irrigation pipe 103 may be in a range of 10 mm to 25 mm, more particularly 16 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant subsurface flow rate 101 may be mounted inside the soil and adjacent to the roots. In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with constant surface flow rate 102 may be mounted inside the soil and adjacent to the roots.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the subsurface and surface irrigation system 100 may comprise a plurality of the anti-clogging drip irrigation devices with constant subsurface flow rate 101 that may configure to irrigate plants and trees underground and adjacent to the roots, which supplies a required amount of water based on the root range and water requirements. In an exemplary embodiment, the irrigation pipe 103 transfers water from the main pipes to each of the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with constant subsurface flow rate 101.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the subsurface and surface irrigation system 100 may comprise a plurality of the anti-clogging drip irrigation devices with constant surface flow rate 102 that may configure to irrigate plants and trees on the ground, which supplies a required amount of water based on water requirements. In an exemplary embodiment, the irrigation pipe 103 transfers water from the main pipes to each of the anti-clogging drip irrigation devices with constant surface flow rate 102.

illustrates an exemplary schematic view of the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with constant subsurface flow rate 101, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can select a plurality of anti-clogging drip irrigation devices with constant subsurface flow rate 1 01 based on a root range of the trees, shrubs, and plants, and connect the plurality of anti-clogging drip irrigation devices with constant subsurface flow rate 101 to the irrigation pipe 103 (as illustrated in ). In one or more exemplary embodiments, the water flows from a main water source and is distributed within the irrigation pipe 103 and then injected into the soil adjacent to the roots utilizing the each anti-clogging drip irrigation device with constant subsurface flow rate 101 that is connected to the irrigation pipe 10 3.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in , the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with constant subsurface flow rate 101 may comprise a chamber 104 and a sharp perforated tube 105 as an outlet. In an exemplary embodiment, the chamber may comprise a lid 106, at least two levers 10 8, 109, at least one float 110 ( ), and a shell of chamber 107 (shown in ). the water enters the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant subsurface flow 101 from a nozzle connected to the irrigation pipe 103 (shown in ) and, if a device's tank is full and the input water volume exceeds the constant output flow rate capacity, it prevents water from entering and allows a certain amount of water to enter as the water level inside the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with constant subsurface flow rate 101 decreases. This action automatically regulates the output flow rate and the input water to the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with constant subsurface flow rate 101.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the sharp perforated tube 105 is connected to the chamber 104 through a fitting 115. The exiting water of chamber 104 is directed into the soil through the sharp perforated tube 105 and enters the soil by passing through the holes 126.

To control the water, after the water enters the device, the floater 124 (shown in ) moves upward and applies a force to a first lever 109 (shown in ), which then transfers the force to a second lever 108 (shown in ) and raises the rubber or silicone washer 118 upwards, blocking an inlet 112 of the water (shown in ).

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the first lever 10 9 and the second lever 10 8 are connected to the device's lid body 106 using at least two pins 119,123; this connection occurs by inserting pins 119,123 into a support groove 113, and as water enters the anti-clogging drip irrigation device 101 and the floater 124 rises, the first and second levers 109,108 rotate around an axis of the pins 119,123.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the floater 124 applies force to the second lever 10 8 and transfers the maximum force to the first lever 10 9 through a first protrusion 122, which then transfers the force from a second protrusion 121 to a third protrusion 120 of the first lever 109, causing the water to flow out at a constant rate.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the shell of chamber 107 has an outlet 116 (shown in ).

In one or more exemplary embodiments, a rod 125 is connected to the underside of the floater 124 ( ). The rod 125 is located inside the outlet 116, and as water enters the chamber 104 from the inlet 11 2, the floater 124 rises, blocking further water entry and causing the rod 125 to move in the outlet 116, creating a constant flow rate from the outlet due to the pressure created by the water level inside the chamber 104.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the rod 125 moves up and down inside the outlet 116 as the floater 124 rises and falls, which helps prevent clogging.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the shell 107 has at least four support bases 117, when the irrigation is complete and the floater 124 descends, create a distance between the floater 124 and the outlet 116, allowing all the water to exit the device.

illustrates an exemplary schematic view of the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant surface flow 10 2, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in , the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant surface flow 102 may also comprise the chamber 104 and a multi-outlet connector tube 127 that is connected to a fitting 115 of the chamber 104 via a nipple 130. Exiting water of the chamber 104 is transferred to different points around the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant surface flow 102 through macaroni tubes 128 connected to an outlet nozzle 129.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the inlet nozzle 111 of the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with a constant surface flow 102 is connected to the irrigation pipe 103 by creating a hole using a punch.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the anti-clogging drip irrigation device either with the constant subsurface 101 ( ) and/or surface flow rate 102 a constant subsurface 101 ( ) and/or surface flow rate 102 ( ) may further comprise a nipple 13 2 with a hard pointed cap (not illustrated). The nipple may mounted on a top surface of the lid 106 that may be configured to fix the anti-clogging drip irrigation device with the constant subsurface 101 and/or surface flow rate 102 into the irrigation pipe 103. In an exemplary embodiment, the nipple 13 2 may be inserted into the pipe 103 and sealed.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first, second, and third, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, apparatus, or device that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, apparatus, or device. An element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device that comprises the element. Moreover, “may”, “can”, and other permissive terms are used herein for describing optional features of various embodiments. These terms likewise describe selectable or configurable features generally, unless the context dictates otherwise.

Claims

An anti-clogging drip irrigation device to distribute a portion of running water in an irrigation pipe to a plant with a constant flow rate comprising:
a chamber;
an inlet configure to entry water;
a valve comprising at least two levers and at least one float configure to regulate a water level inside the chamber;
an output regulator flow rate configure to regulate a constant output flow rate; and
an outlet configure to exit water,
wherein the chamber is connected to the irrigation pipe utilizing the inlet and configured to guide the water to a guiding water connector utilizing the outlet.
The anti-clogging drip irrigation device of claim 1, wherein the output flow rate regulator comprising a floater and a nozzle.
The anti-clogging drip irrigation device of claim 1, wherein at least two levers are configured to regulate the input water by connecting to a hinged support and maximizing a pressure resulting from a float rising.
The anti-clogging drip irrigation device of claim 1 or 3, wherein rising the float caused by entering the water resulted in an applying pressure to a first lever and transferring a maximum pressure to a second lever to regulate the water at a specific level.
The anti-clogging drip irrigation device of claim 2, wherein the rod is mounted on a bottom surface of the floater.
The anti-clogging drip irrigation device of claim 2, wherein a shape of the nozzle is a conical shape and connected to the outlet.
The anti-clogging drip irrigation device of claims 5 and 6, wherein the rod is positioned inside the nozzle.
The anti-clogging drip irrigation device of claim 7, wherein an upward and downward movement of the rod inside the nozzle causes a possible clogging to open.
The anti-clogging drip irrigation device of claim 7, wherein the rod is positioned at a thickened of the rod’s diameter inside the nozzle and creating a constant flow rate at the outlet.
The anti-clogging drip irrigation device of claim 1, further comprising a nipple with a hard pointed cap, wherein the nipple is configured to fix the anti-clogging drip irrigation device into the irrigation pipe.