Pressure sensitive irrigation emitter fitted to a lane (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not

专利摘要:
Pressure sensitive irrigation emitter fitted to a lane. An emitter comprising a pressure sensitive section and at least one boss defined by a floor, a first rail and a second rail. The at least one projection being adjusted by means of at least one of rail spacing, rail height, rail width, rail corner, vertical rail gap, cross rail spacing, outer rail, floor thickness, floor profile, tip height, tip distance, boss density, boss contour, boss angle, and boss thickness. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
公开号:ES2803698A2
申请号:ES202030554
申请日:2020-06-09
公开日:2021-01-29
发明作者:William C Taylor Jr；Charles G Schmid；Daniel Trinidad；David S Martin；Michael R Knighton
申请人:Toro Co；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

[0002] Pressure sensitive irrigation emitter fitted to a lane
[0004] Cross reference to related requests
[0006] This application claims the benefit of the United States Provisional Application, serial number 62 / 861,393, filed June 14, 2019, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference into this document.
[0008] Field of the invention
[0010] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a continuous, in-line, pressure sensitive emitter for irrigation applications such as drip irrigation.
[0012] Background of the invention
[0014] An advantage of having thicker profile cross-sectional emitters is a greater range of active motion over which a diaphragm can move, allowing a greater range of operating pressure, but some commercially available in-line pressure compensating emitters will they extend downward substantially into the fluid passage of the irrigation side member (eg, hose or pipe). This creates a pressure drop inside the pipe itself. If, for example, a sprinkler side member had emitters every 6 inches and the side member had a length of 1000 feet, there would be 2000 emitters along the side member. This can lead to a substantial pressure loss along the side member and can reduce the benefit of having pressure equalizing emitters to extend the length.
[0016] Lower profile cross section emitters, such as the continuous emitter strips used on some drip irrigation tapes or side members, create much lower line losses along the length of the side member. However, this can limit the working distance in terms of travel that a boss, especially if the design is limited in the number of bosses to dissipate pressure.
[0018] With some continuous emitters currently available, the ability to adjust the response of the pressure sensitive region with such a large number of protrusions is limited. The fully offset emitters available on the market (discharge exponent of 0 or close to 0) depend on a single regulating boss downstream of a short pressure reducing section. Examples of regulating projections include slots or holes, often surrounded by an inverted conical section. In order to accommodate a full range of operating pressure, the flow resistance of the regulating boss varies greatly. When exposed to the upper parts of the pressure range, to generate a desired resistance, the regulating projection is moved to a position with greatly reduced cross-sectional areas. This leads to the tendency for debris to accumulate when the minimum cross-sectional overhang acts as a filter, not allowing debris to pass through.
[0020] The outlet chamber is exposed to atmospheric pressure, while the pressure at the bottom of the elastomeric strip matches the pressure in the line. This exposes the elastomer strip, at the outlet location, to full line pressure as a differential. This may have the tendency to warp the floor of the emitter upward at the outlet itself. This can lead to reduced cross-sectional area, squirting, and / or a greater tendency to clog when exposed to debris within the irrigation water supply.
[0022] Summary
[0024] An embodiment of an emitter comprises a pressure sensitive section and at least one boss defined by a floor, a first rail and a second rail. The at least one projection is adjusted, by means of the at least one adjusting element, to bias at local desired differential pressures for the at least one projection. The adjusting item is selected from the group consisting of the rail spacing, rail height, rail width, rail radius curvature, rail corner, vertical rail spacing, cross rail spacing, outer rail, floor thickness, floor profile, height tip, tip distance, boss density, boss contour, boss angle, and boss thickness.
[0026] One embodiment of a combination irrigation side member and emitter comprises a side member and an emitter. The side member has an internal wall, and a portion of the internal wall defines a side flow path. The emitter has a first rail and a second rail operatively connected to the interior wall and a floor that interconnects the distal ends of the first and second rail. The interior wall, the first and second lanes, and the floor define a flow path of the emitter. The emitter comprises a pressure sensitive section and at least one boss defined by the ground, the first rail and the second rail. At least one projection is adjusted, by means of at least one adjusting element, to deflect at local desired differential pressures for the at least one projection. The adjusting item is selected from the group consisting of rail spacing, rail height, rail width, rail radius curvature, rail corner, vertical rail spacing, cross rail spacing, outer rail, floor thickness, floor profile, point height, point distance, boss density, boss contour, boss angle, and boss thickness. Wherein a discharge exponent for the emitter is from 0 to 0.7, and wherein the boss of at least one emitter deviates from an open to a closed position when the desired differential pressure is local for the at least one boss.
[0028] Brief description of the drawings
[0030] Figure 1 is a graph illustrating flow versus pressure for a prior art turbulent flow fixed geometry emitter with a discharge exponent of 0.5 from Pmin to Pmax.
[0032] Figure 2 is a graph illustrating flow versus pressure for a prior art nominal pressure equalizing emitter with a discharge exponent of 0 from Pmin to Pmax.
[0034] Figure 3A is an embodiment of a pressure compensating emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 3B is a graph illustrating flow versus pressure for the pressure compensating emitter shown in Figure 3A from 5 psi to 15 psi.
[0037] Figure 3C is another embodiment of a pressure compensating emitter d constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0039] Figure 3D is a graph illustrating flow versus pressure for the pressure compensating emitter shown in Figure 3C from 5 psi to 25 psi.
[0041] Figure 4A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter.
[0043] Figure 4B is a cross section of the pressure sensitive emitter shown in Figure 4A, taken along lines 4B-4B of Figure 4A connected to a side member.
[0045] Figure 4C is a cross section of the pressure sensitive emitter shown in Figure 4A, taken along lines 4C-4C of Figure 4A connected to a side member.
[0047] Figure 4D is an enlarged portion of the pressure sensitive emitter shown in Figure 4C, in an open position.
[0049] Figure 4E is an enlarged portion of the pressure sensitive emitter shown in Figures 4C and 4D, in a closed position.
[0051] Figure 5A illustrates another embodiment of
[0053] Figure 5B illustrates another embodiment of
[0055] Figure 5C illustrates another embodiment of
[0056] Figure 5D is a cross section of a pressure sensitive section, which could be used, for example, in sections B-B of Figures 5A, 5B and 5C.
[0058] Figure 5E is a cross section of a pressure sensitive section, which could be used, for example, in sections B-B of Figures 5A, 5B and 5C.
[0060] Figure 6A illustrates the differential pressure of another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter.
[0062] Figure 6B illustrates the offset of the projections of other embodiments of pressure sensitive emitters.
[0064] Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter.
[0066] Figure 7A are cross-sections of the pressure sensitive emitter shown in Figure 7, illustrating the realization of rail spacings at the protrusions taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C of Figure 7.
[0068] Figure 7B are cross-sections of the pressure-sensitive emitter shown in Figure 7, illustrating the realization of rail spacings and floor thicknesses at projections taken along lines AA, BB, and CC of figure 7.
[0070] Figure 7C are cross-sections of the pressure-sensitive emitter shown in Figure 7, illustrating embodiments of rail spacings and rail widths at overhangs taken along lines AA, BB, and CC from figure 7.
[0072] Figure 7D are cross-sections of the pressure sensitive emitter shown in Figure 7, illustrating the realization of rail spacings and internal rail heights at the overhangs taken along lines AA, BB, and CC of figure 7.
[0074] Figure 8A are cross sections of the pressure sensitive emitter shown in Figure 8, illustrating the realization of rail spacings at the protrusions taken along lines AA, BB and CC of Figure 8.
[0075] Figure 8B are cross-sections of the pressure-sensitive emitter shown in Figure 8, illustrating the realization of rail spacings and vertical rail spacings at projections taken along lines AA, BB, and CC of figure 8.
[0077] Figure 8C are cross-sections of the pressure-sensitive emitter shown in Figure 8, illustrating the realization of rail spacings and transverse rail spacings at the bosses taken along lines AA, BB, and CC of figure 8.
[0079] Figure 8D are cross-sections of the pressure-sensitive emitter shown in Figure 8, illustrating the realization of rail spacings and rail corners on the overhangs taken along lines AA, BB, and CC of figure 8.
[0081] Figure 9A are cross-sections of the pressure sensitive emitter shown in Figure 9, illustrating the realization of rail-to-rail distances at the projections taken along lines AA, BB, and CC of Figure 9 .
[0083] Figure 9B are cross-sections of the pressure-sensitive emitter shown in Figure 9, illustrating the realization of the rail spacings and the spacings between the tips on the projections taken along lines AA, BB, and CC of figure 9.
[0085] Figure 9C are cross-sections of the pressure-sensitive emitter shown in Figure 9, illustrating the realization of rail spacings and floor profiles at projections taken along lines AA, BB, and CC of figure 9.
[0087] Figure 9D shows cross sections of the pressure sensitive emitter, illustrating the realization of rail-to-rail distances and the contours of the projections taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C of Figure 9.
[0089] Figure 10A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter.
[0090] Figure 10B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with variable rail-to-rail distances and density of protrusions.
[0092] Figure 10C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with varying rail-to-rail distances and ledge angles.
[0094] Figure 10D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with varying rail-to-rail distances and boss thicknesses.
[0096] Figure 11A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a symmetrical linear rail taper from top to bottom.
[0098] Figure 11B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a taper of asymmetric linear rails from top to bottom.
[0100] Figure 12A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a symmetrical stepped linear rail taper from top to bottom.
[0102] Figure 12B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a partially stepped and non-symmetrical linear rail taper from top to bottom.
[0104] Figure 12C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with stepping and tapering upstream to downstream linear rails.
[0106] Figure 13A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a symmetrical linear rail taper from top to bottom.
[0108] Figure 13B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a taper of asymmetric linear rails from top to bottom.
[0110] Figure 14A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a symmetrical multiple linear rail taper, including the indicated variants (1), (2) and (3).
[0111] Figure 14B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a non-symmetrical multiple linear rail taper, including the indicated variants (1), (2) and (3).
[0112] Figure 15A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a symmetrical multiple curvilinear rails taper, including the indicated variants (1), (2) and (3).
[0113] Figure 15B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a symmetrical multiple curvilinear rail taper, including the indicated variants (1), (2) and (3).
[0114] Figure 16A illustrates another embodiment
[0115] Figure 16B illustrates another embodiment
[0116] Figure 16C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with outer rails.
[0117] Figure 16D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with outer rails.
[0118] Figure 17A illustrates another embodiment
[0119] Figure 17B illustrates another embodiment
[0120] Figure 17C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with outer rails.
[0121] Figure 17D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with outer rails.
[0122] Figure 18A illustrates another embodiment
[0123] Figure 18B illustrates another embodiment
[0124] Figure 18C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter with outer rails.
[0125] Figure 18D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with outer rails.
[0126] Figure 19A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter with multiple outer rails.
[0128] Figure 19B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter with multiple outer rails.
[0130] Figure 19C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter with multiple outer rails.
[0132] Figure 19D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter with multiple outer rails.
[0134] Figure 20A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with inner tapered rails and outer rails.
[0136] Figure 20B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with inner tapered rails and outer rails.
[0138] Figure 20C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with inner tapered rails and outer rails.
[0140] Examples of rail adjustment by cross-sectional aspect ratio modifications along lines A-A, B-B, C-C, and D-D are illustrated in Figure 21A.
[0142] Examples of rail adjustment by cross-sectional aspect ratio modifications along lines E-E, F-F, G-G, and H-H are illustrated in Figure 21B.
[0144] Figure 22A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a reinforced outlet chamber.
[0146] Figure 22B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a reinforced outlet chamber.
[0147] Figure 22C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a reinforced outlet chamber.
[0149] Figure 23A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a reinforced outlet chamber and a reinforcement for lower hardness materials.
[0151] Figure 23B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a reinforced outlet chamber and a reinforcement for lower hardness materials.
[0153] Figure 23C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a reinforced outlet chamber and a reinforcement for lower hardness materials.
[0155] Figure 23D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with a reinforced outlet chamber and a reinforcement for lower hardness materials.
[0157] Figure 24A illustrates another embodiment pressure sensitive emitter with non-linear reinforcing members.
[0159] Figure 24B illustrates another embodiment pressure sensitive emitter with non-linear reinforcing members.
[0161] Figure 24C illustrates another embodiment pressure sensitive emitter with non-linear reinforcing members.
[0163] Figure 24D illustrates another embodiment pressure sensitive emitter with non-linear reinforcing members.
[0165] Figure 24E illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with non-linear stiffening members.
[0167] Figure 24F illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with non-linear stiffening members.
[0168] Figure 24G illustrates another embodiment pressure sensitive emitter with non-linear reinforcing members.
[0170] Figure 25A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with multiple profile rail portions.
[0172] Figure 25B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with multiple profile rail portions.
[0174] Figure 25C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with multiple profile rail portions.
[0176] Figure 25D illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with multiple profile rail portions.
[0178] Figure 25E illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with multiple profile rail portions.
[0180] Figure 25F illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with multiple profile rail portions.
[0182] Figure 26A illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with examples of rail fitting by rail corners, cross rail gaps and floor profiles on cross section lines A-A, B-B, and C-C.
[0184] Figure 26B illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with examples of rail fitting by rail corners, cross rail gaps, and floor profiles on cross section lines A-A, B-B, and C-C.
[0186] Figure 26C illustrates another embodiment of a pressure sensitive emitter, with examples of rail fitting by rail corners, rail cross gaps and floor profiles on cross section lines DD, EE and FF.
[0187] Figure 26D illustrates the cross sections of the emitters shown in Figures 26A, 26B and 26C taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C in Figures 26A, 26B and 26C.
[0189] Examples of adjusting rails to decrease flow in response to increased pressure are illustrated in Figure 27.
[0191] Figure 28A illustrates an example of tight rails.
[0193] A cross section taken along lines 28B-28B of Figure 28A is illustrated in Figure 28B.
[0195] An example of unadjusted rails is illustrated in Figure 28C.
[0197] A cross section taken along lines 28D-28D of FIG. 28C is illustrated in Figure 28D.
[0199] Figure 28E is a graph comparing flow versus pressure for the fitted example with the rail illustrated in Figures 28A and 28B and the unadjusted example illustrated in Figures 28C and 28D.
[0201] Figure 29A illustrates an example of tight rails.
[0203] Figure 29B illustrates the distance between rails compared to the position of the pressure sensitive section for the example of tight rails shown in Figure 29A.
[0205] Figure 29C illustrates an example of unadjusted rails.
[0207] Figure 29D illustrates rail-to-rail distance versus position of a pressure sensitive section for the rail adjustment example shown in Figure 29C.
[0209] Figure 29E is a graph comparing flow versus pressure for the tight lane example illustrated in Figure 29A and the unadjusted track example illustrated in Figure 29C.
[0210] Figure 30A is the graph comparing flow versus pressure shown in Figure 29C with the data at 6 psi and 12 psi highlighted.
[0212] Figure 30B is a graph illustrating internal pressure versus pressure sensitive section position for 6 psi shown in Figure 30A.
[0214] Figure 30C is a graph illustrating internal pressure versus pressure sensitive section position for 12 psi shown in Figure 30A.
[0216] Figure 31A is a graph illustrating flow versus pressure shown in Figure 29C with the data at 5 psi, 6 psi, 11 psi and 12 psi highlighted.
[0218] Figure 31B is a bar graph illustrating the percentage of total response section pressure drop at 5 psi and 6 psi for the example of Figure 31A.
[0219] Figure 31C is a bar graph illustrating the percentage of total response section pressure drop at 11 psi and 12 psi for the example of Figure 31A fitted to the rail.
[0221] Figure 31D is a bar graph illustrating the percentage of total response section pressure drop at 5 psi and 6 psi for the unadjusted example of Figure 31A.
[0223] Figure 31E is a bar graph illustrating the percentage of total response section pressure drop at 11 psi and 12 psi for the unadjusted example of Figure 31A.
[0225] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of an example emitter.
[0227] Fig. 33 is a view showing the emitter of Fig. 32 operatively connected to a side irrigation member.
[0229] Detailed description
[0231] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and in which concrete examples are shown by way of illustration in which it is possible to make the disclosure. It should be understood that other examples can be used and that structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description is 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 overhangs of the various examples described herein may be combined, in part or in whole, with each other, unless specifically stated otherwise.
[0233] Generally, embodiments of the invention relate to an in-line, continuous elastomeric drip irrigation emitter, which is comprised of an inlet section, optionally followed by a pressure reducing section, followed by a pressure sensitive section. pressure, and then followed by an outlet chamber. The pressure sensitive section includes members or structural elements to allow for the tuning of the pressure sensitive section with at least one of many restrictive projections, adjust the behavior of the outlet chamber, and / or allow the use of elastomeric materials with reduced durometer hardness.
[0235] Figure 1 shows the relationship between flow and pressure for a prior art fixed geometry and turbulent flow emitter. Some turbulent flow emitters have discharge exponents of approximately 0.5, which correspond to totally turbulent behavior where the pressure drop is related to the square of the flow rate. The governing equation in this example that the drip irrigation industry uses to relate flow, pressure, and discharge exponent is Flow = (Discharge Coefficient) x (Pressure) A Discharge Exponent. While most fixed geometry emitters have discharge exponents of approximately 0.5, some fixed geometry emitters are designed to include transition behavior in their flow ranges. These emitters have discharge exponents as low as 0.45 for emitters with higher gallon per hour (gph) discharge flow rates. Lower flow emitters such as 0.0675 gph have discharge exponents from 0.52 to as high as 0.70. While fixed geometry emitter designs can have discharge exponents as low as 0.45, achieving discharge exponents less than 0.45 requires the ability of the emitter to increase resistance to flow in response to increased pressure. . By way of Similarly, to achieve discharge exponents less than 0.52 to 0.0675 gph, emitters require a design that increases resistance to flow in response to increased flows.
[0237] Figure 2 shows the relationship between flow and pressure for a nominal pressure compensating emitter, with a discharge exponent of 0 or near 0 in the pressure range from minimum operation to maximum operation. The governing equation in this example that the drip irrigation industry uses to relate flow, pressure, and discharge exponent is Flow = (Discharge Coefficient) x (Pressure) A Discharge Exponent. To achieve a discharge exponent of 0 or near 0, the emitter designs include a sufficient number of projections and the combined action of these projections achieves an increase in flow resistance in direct proportion to the increase in pressure. An emitter with a discharge exponent of 0 or close to 0 provides the greatest uniformity of water delivered to plants along the length of the lateral irrigation element and in response to pressure changes related to elevation changes. However, there are circumstances in which a user wishes to increase the flow rate, while at the same time having better uniformity than a turbulent flow emitter can provide. An example would be during times of peak temperature and wind when the crop requires a greater amount of water. An emitter with a discharge exponent greater than 0 will allow higher flow rates in response to increased pressure, while an emitter with a discharge exponent less than 0.45 will provide greater uniformity of applied water to a crop than can be provided. a fixed resistance emitter.
[0239] Embodiments of the invention allow emitter designs to be established to provide any desired discharge exponent, for example 0 to 0.5 (or more). An example of use for a discharge exponent greater than 0.5 would be to maintain a discharge exponent of 0.7 for a 0.0675 gph emitter, adding a greater number of protrusions in accordance with the present invention, thus enabling areas of larger cross section, so less stringent water filtration requirements are allowed. Although Figure 2 illustrates a nominal prior art compensating the emitter with the same flow at all pressures within the operating pressure range, in reality, the flow varies as a result of the ability of an emitter design to allow additional resistance protrusions to participate in response to increasing pressure. For emitters with a large number of resistance overhangs, a technical challenge is to devise a procedure by which the resistance overhangs can be adjusted to respond so that the desired relationships between flow and pressure are achieved.
[0241] The embodiments of the emitters are schematically illustrated in the drawings. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the simple lines indicate various components of the emitters (eg, gate members, rails, structural members, or elements within pressure sensitive sections, etc.) that have thicknesses suitable. For example, in FIG. 3A, single lines indicate entrance members, rails, and structural members between rails, and these components are recognized as having adequate thicknesses. Suitable thicknesses can range from 0.005 to 0.030 inches.
[0243] Figure 3A illustrates an example of an emitter 304 with an operating pressure range of 5 to 15 psi that triples its resistance to flow to dissipate 15 psi at the same flow as 5 psi, as illustrated in Figure 3B. The emitter 304 includes an inlet section 312, a pressure reducing section 314, a pressure sensitive section 316, and an outlet section 318. Figure 3C illustrates an example emitter 304 'in which the pressure range of operation is increased to be 5 to 25 psi, as illustrated in Figure 3D. Emitter 304 'includes an inlet section 312', a pressure reducing section 314 ', a pressure sensitive section 316', and an outlet section 318 '. To maintain the same flow at 25 psi as at 5 psi, for example, a five-fold increase in flow resistance is applied in response to increased pressure. For this reason, the emitter depicted in Figure 3C has more protrusions than those depicted in Figure 3A. In modern commercial drip irrigation installations, operating pressures as low as 4 psi and as high as 30 psi are not uncommon for medium-wall products. A wide range of pressures from 4 to 30 psi, for example, may require a 7.5: 1 increase in flow resistance to have the same flow at 30 psi as at 4 psi. By comparison, thin-walled products have smaller pressure ranges, as low as 4 to 8 psi, requiring only a 2: 1 increase in resistance. For reference, thick-walled products generally operate at 6 to 45 psi (a 7.5: 1 increase in flow resistance may also be required if the emitter is to maintain the same flow over the pressure range).
[0244] Emitter embodiments are illustrated in Figures 4A-4E and initial definitions of emitter adjustment elements that may be used with the embodiments are given. As shown in Figure 4A, emitter 404 includes an inlet section 412, a pressure reducing section 414, a pressure sensitive section 416, and an outlet section 418. Figure 4B illustrates a cross section of the emitter 404 taken along lines 4B-4B of Figure 4A connected to tube 400, and Figure 4C illustrates a cross section of emitter 404 taken along lines 4C-4C of Figure 4A connected to tube 400. Figures 4D and 4E illustrate an enlarged portion of emitter 404 shown in Figure 4C in a fully open position 408 and in a fully closed position 409, respectively. Tube 400 includes a wall 401 with an inner wall 402 to which emitter 404 is connected. Emitter 404 includes rails 405a and 405b connected to the inner wall, and a floor 406 interconnects the distal ends of rails 405a and 405b. . An element 407 interconnects a portion of the floor 406 with a portion of one of the rails 405a and 405b, which is shown connected to a portion of the rail 405a in this example. The emitter floor 406 along with the boss 407 begin to move or deviate from the fully open position 408 through a series of intermediate positions toward the direction of the fully closed position 409 when a desired initial differential pressure between the interior of the tube 400 and the interior of the emitter 404 is reached near the boss 407 and reaches the fully closed position 409 when a desired final differential pressure between the inside of the tube 400 and the inside of the emitter 404 is reached near the boss 407.
[0246] Figures 5A-5E illustrate the embodiment emitters and provide definitions of the emitter adjustment elements within the pressure sensitive sections. Since these definitions may be applicable to many different embodiments of emitters, for example with different dimensions or configurations, the same reference letters are used in all views. Although the dimensions and configurations are shown in these embodiments, they are variable as desired to achieve the desired results. Figures 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate different emitters having pressure sensitive sections. Figures 5D and 5E illustrate enlarged portions of the emitters taken along lines BB in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C. Figure 5E shows the emitter connected to a side element. Reference letters and corresponding elements, which are examples only and vary as desired to achieve the desired results, are as follows in Table 1: Table 1
[0247] Reference letters and corresponding elements
[0252] As can be seen from Figure 4B, unlike many common emitter designs that include a body and a diaphragm for engaging projections on the body, this embodiment is bodyless. Rather, this embodiment has the elastomer strip directly attached to the inner tube or side wall. This provides the benefit of a low profile emitter, being less restrictive to the flow within the tube itself. With this construction, the protrusions are molded directly onto the elastomeric strip. As can also be seen in Figure 4B, the flow restrictive projections within the pressure reducing section can be at full height, touching both the inner wall of the tube and integrally molded to the floor of the elastomeric strip itself. As can be seen in Figures 4C, 4D and 4E, the flow restriction projections within the pressure sensitive section may be less than full height. They are molded into the floor of the elastomeric strip itself, but do not touch the inner wall of the tube unless deflected upward as shown in the Figure 4E. Figure 6A shows the pressures acting on a specific boss within the pressure sensitive section. Differential pressure is the line pressure PL minus the internal pressure PI. Line pressure PL is the line pressure present inside the side member and acts on all external surfaces of the emitter at the location of the specific boss. The internal pressure PI is the internal pressure within the local emitter for the boss. The internal pressure PI acts on all internal surfaces of the emitter at the location of the specific boss. As illustrated in Figure 6B, the stiffness of the local emitter construction cross-section for the boss responds to differential pressure to define the magnitude of the boss deflection. The cross-sectional stiffness of a given boss is defined by various adjustment elements labeled (a) through (o), within Figures 5A-5E, and by external rail adjustment elements (described below). The protrusions within the pressure sensitive region do not participate fully in creating the pressure drop until conditions are met where the protrusion deflects upward against the inner surface of the tube. It is the desired combination of adjusting elements shown in Figures 5A-5E that provides the ability to adjust each specific boss within the pressure sensitive section to deviate at local specific differential pressures for the boss. By fine-tuning the overall combination of bosses along the length of the pressure sensitive section, the flow resistance for the emitter can be fine-tuned to increase in response to pressure increases to create flow versus pressure responses with exponents of discharge ranging from, for example, 0 to 0.5 (or more) for a range of flows and ranges of operating pressure. For initial understanding of an adjustment element, Figure 4A and Figures 5A, 5B, 5C show four emitter configurations in which the rail distance adjustment element has been adjusted along the length of the section. pressure sensitive (other adjusting elements are also used). Other general configurations will be described later, including the use of additional outer rails for adjustment. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, to achieve a wide operating pressure range with a low flow emitter, it may be necessary to include many resistance bosses. Although examples of fitting item combinations are shown and described, it is recognized that one of ordinary skill in the art could use a variety of combinations to achieve the desired fit.
[0253] By using the adjusting elements to define the transverse stiffness of the individual protrusions, it becomes possible to distribute the resistance protrusions over a long length dimension of the emitter. This allows for the desired low profile emitter with low flow restriction within the tube, while allowing for larger dimensions within the emitter because many protrusions are used for pressure dissipation.
[0255] The embodiments include the use of a set of adjustment elements to work together so that specific protrusions can be adjusted, providing the ability to incorporate a large number of resistance protrusions in series which, together, can be adjusted to create the desired relationships between flow and pressure. Although articulated here for an elastomeric strip, the adjusting elements could also be employed in various designs such as, but not limited to, discrete elastomer emitters attached to the internal walls, elastomeric members with integral protrusions as part of a set of discrete emitters that combine the elastomeric member into an injection molded body, an elastomeric member without integral protrusions but installed as part of an injection molded body with opposite protrusions of varying width as part of the molding itself, or as part of a two-part injection molded design parts. Furthermore, although the side walls are shown continuous around the perimeter, it is understood that this invention could be applied to emitters in which the walls are discontinuous around the perimeter which includes one or more seams to form a complete perimeter.
[0257] Figures 7A through 10D are presented to illustrate the functional use of the adjustment elements defined in Figures 5A-5E and Table 1. Additional application notes are included in Table 2 for ease of understanding.
[0259] Table 2
[0260] Relationships between the geometric adjustment elements shown in Figures 5A-5E
[0262]
[0263]
[0264]
[0265]
[0268] Figure 7 is the embodiment of an emitter with sectional views AA, BB and CC. Figure 7A illustrates the use of the rail distance adjusting element as a means of defining cross-section stiffness. Since dimension (3) is less than dimension (2) and dimension (1), the stiffness of the cross section is higher for the projections of section CC. This means that the differential pressure to deflect the bosses in section CC is greater than the differential pressure to deflect the bosses in sections BB and AA. Also, the differential pressure to deflect the projections in section BB is higher than in section AA. By selecting the rail spacings for each specific boss along the length of the pressure sensitive section, it is possible to adjust the overall response of the emitter.
[0269] The same explanation of the rail-to-rail dimension of Figure 7A is applicable to Figures 8A, 9A and 10A. For the remaining Figures 7B-7D, 8B-8D, 9B-9D, and 10B-10D, the adjustment elements are shown one by one in conjunction with the rail-to-rail element to aid in an understanding of their functions. In practice, the elements can be used in any combination, alone or in conjunction with one another to fine-tune the response of the emitter. The elements can also be used in any combination in conjunction with external rails for adjustment. The adjustment elements can also be used non-symmetrically at a given location, or across multiple locations within the pressure sensitive section.
[0271] Figure 7B illustrates the influence of soil thickness on cross-section stiffness. While Figure 7A kept the soil thickness constant, in Figure 7B the use of thinner soil in section AA and thicker in section CC further increases the difference in cross-section stiffness between sections AA , BB and CC of Figure 7B. In other words, because the thickness of the soil is an integral part of the stiffness of the cross section, as is the distance between rails, the difference between the differential pressure to bias Figure 7B AA compared to the differential pressure to deflecting Figure 7B CC is a greater difference than AA vs. CC in Figure 7A. As a result, the use of both adjustment elements (distance between rails and floor thickness) together increases the design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual protrusions move in specific portions of the flow versus pressure curve. .
[0273] Figure 7C illustrates the influence of rail width on cross section stiffness. While in figure 7A the width of the lane remained constant, in figure 7C the use of a narrower lane width in section AA and a wider lane width in section CC further increases the difference in stiffness. of the cross section between sections AA, BB and CC of Figure 7C. In other words, because the width of the rail is an integral part of the stiffness of the cross-section, as is the distance between rails, the difference between the differential pressure to bias Figure 7C AA compared to the differential pressure to deflecting Figure 7C CC is a larger difference than AA vs. CC in Figure 7A. As a result, the use of both adjustment items (distance between lanes and lane width) together increases the design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual bosses move in specific portions of the flow vs. pressure curve.
[0275] Figure 7D illustrates the influence of rail height on cross section stiffness. While in figure 7A the rail height was kept constant, in figure 7D the use of a higher rail height in section AA and a shorter rail height in section C C further increases the difference in the stiffness of the cross section between sections AA, BB and CC of Figure 7D. In other words, because the height of the rail is an integral part of the stiffness of the cross section, as is the distance between rails, the difference between the differential pressure to deflect Figure 7D AA compared to the differential pressure to deflecting Figure 7D CC is a greater difference than AA vs. CC in Figure 7A. As a result, using both adjusting elements (rail spacing and rail height) together increases the design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual bosses move in specific portions of the flow curve versus the curve. pressure.
[0277] Figure 8B illustrates the influence of vertical rail spacing on cross section stiffness. While in figure 8A the vertical rail spacing was kept constant, in figure 8B the use of a greater vertical rail spacing (the result is a shorter overhang and less stiffness) in section AA and a smaller spacing of the vertical rail. Vertical rail (the result is a higher overhang and greater stiffness) in section CC further increases the difference in cross-section stiffness between sections AA, BB, and CC of Figure 8B. In other words, because the vertical separation of the rail (and the height of the associated overhang) is an integral part of the stiffness of the cross section, as is the distance between rails, the difference between the differential pressure to deflect the figure 8B AA compared to differential pressure to bias Figure 8B CC is a larger difference than AA vs CC of Figure 8A. As a result, the use of both adjusting elements (rail spacing and vertical rail spacing) together increases the design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual bosses move in specific portions of the flow versus pressure curve. . An alternative use of vertical rail spacing is to keep the height of the studs constant and change only the vertical spacing of the rail, in which case the stiffness of the studs remains similar, and the change in the deflection distance in contact with the inner wall becomes a greater influence on the fit.
[0279] Figure 8C illustrates the influence of cross rail spacing on cross section stiffness. While in Figure 8A the transverse rail spacing was kept constant, in Fig. 8C the use of a smaller transverse rail spacing in section AA and a larger transverse rail spacing in section CC further increases. plus the difference in cross-section stiffness between sections AA, BB, and CC of Figure 8C. Put another way, because the cross-sectional space of the rails is an integral part of the stiffness of the cross-section, as is the distance between the rails, the difference between the differential pressure to bias Figure 8C AA compared to the differential pressure to bias Figure 8C CC is a greater difference than in the case of AA vs. CC in Figure 8A. As a result, the use of both adjusting elements (rail spacing and cross rail spacing) together increases the design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual bosses move in specific portions of the flow versus pressure curve. .
[0281] Figure 8D illustrates the influence of rail corners on cross section stiffness. The inner corner of rail m is illustrated in Figure 5D, and Figure 8D adds an outer corner of rail m '. While Figure 8A kept the rail corner constant, in Figure 8D the use of a smaller rail corner in section AA and a larger rail corner in section CC further increases the difference in rig stiffness. cross section between sections AA, BB and CC of Figure 8D. In other words, because the rail corner is an integral part of the cross-section stiffness, as is the distance between rails, the difference between the differential pressure to bias Figure 8D AA compared to the differential pressure to offset Figure 8D CC is a larger difference than AA vs. CC in Figure 8A. As a result, the use of both adjusting elements (rail distance and rail corner) together increases the design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual protrusions move in specific portions of the flow versus pressure curve. . By way of illustration, to emphasize that the corners of the rails can be both internal and external, Figure 8D CC includes both the internal and external corners of the rails, further increasing the stiffness of the cross section. Although Figure 8D CC shows show both inner and outer rail corners, either of which can be used alone or together. It is also recognized that the corners of the rail can be used on one or both sides of the protrusions along the pressure sensitive section.
[0283] Figure 9B illustrates the influence of tip distance on cross section stiffness. While Figure 9A kept the distance between the tips constant, in Figure 9B the use of a greater distance between the tips (sub-overlap) in section AA and a smaller distance between the tips (overlap) in section CC increases even more. the difference in cross-sectional stiffness between sections AA, BB, and CC of Figure 9B. In other words, since the tip distance is an integral part of the stiffness of the cross section, as is the distance between rails, the difference between the differential pressure to offset Figure 9B AA compared to the differential pressure to offset Figure 9B CC is a larger difference than AA vs. CC in Figure 9A. As a result, the use of both adjusting elements (distance between rails and distance between tips) together increases the design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual bosses move in specific portions of the flow versus pressure curve.
[0285] Figure 9C illustrates the influence of the soil profile on the stiffness of the cross section. While Figure 9A kept the soil profile constant, in Figure 9C the use of the double-sided concave soil profile in section AA and the convex soil profile in section CC further increases the difference in stiffness of the cross section between sections AA, BB and CC of Figure 9C. In other words, because the soil profile is an integral part of the stiffness of the cross section, as is the distance between rails, the difference between the differential pressure to offset Figure 9C AA compared to the differential pressure to offset Figure 9C CC is a larger difference than AA vs. CC in Figure 9A. As a result, using both adjusting elements (rail spacing and floor profile) together increases design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual bosses move in specific portions of the flow versus pressure curve.
[0287] Figure 9D illustrates the influence of the contour of the projections on the stiffness of the cross section. While in Figure 9A the contour of the projection was kept constant, in Figure 9A Figure 9D Using a larger boss contour radius of curvature in section AA and a smaller boss contour radius of curvature in section CC further increases the difference in cross-section stiffness between sections AA, BB and CC of Figure 9D. In other words, because the contour of the boss is an integral part of the stiffness of the cross section, as is the distance between rails, the difference between the differential pressure to deflect Figure 9D AA compared to the differential pressure to offset Figure 9D CC is a larger difference than AA vs. CC in Figure 9A. As a result, the use of both adjusting elements (rail spacing and protrusion contour) together increases design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual protrusions move in specific portions of the flow vs. pressure curve. .
[0289] Figure 10A has the same sectional views AA, BB and CC as shown in Figures 7A, 8A and 9A and illustrates that the distances between rails can vary. Distance 1 is greater than distance 2, and distance 2 is greater than distance 3. Figure 10B illustrates that the distances between rails can vary and the influence of the density of the projections on the stiffness of the cross section . Distance 1 is greater than distance 2, and distance 2 is greater than distance 3. While in Figure 10A the density of overhangs remained constant, in Figure 10B, using the density of the largest dimension overhangs in proximal cross section AA and the density of smaller dimension projections in proximal cross section CC further increases the difference in cross section stiffness between cross sections AA, BB and CC. Dimension 31 is greater than dimension 32, and dimension 32 is greater than dimension 33. In other words, because the density of projections is an integral part of the stiffness of the cross section, as is the distance between rails, the difference between the differential pressure to deflect the proximal cross section AA compared to the differential pressure to deflect the proximal cross section CC of Figure 10B is a greater difference than in the case of the cross section AA versus the cross section CC of Figure 10A. As a result, using both adjusting elements (rail spacing and boss density) together increases the design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual bosses move in specific portions of the flow vs. pressure curve.
[0290] Figure 10C illustrates that the distances between rails can vary and the influence of the shoulder angle on the stiffness of the cross section. While in Figure 10A the boss angle was kept constant, in Figure 10C the use of a larger boss angle 36 proximal cross section AA and a smaller boss angle 34 proximal cross section CC further increases the difference in stiffness. of the cross section between sections AA, BB and CC of Figure 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 overhang angle is an integral part of cross section stiffness, as is rail-to-rail distance, the difference between differential pressure to deflect proximal cross section AA compared to differential pressure to deflect cross section Proximate CC in Figure 10C is a larger difference than in cross section AA versus cross section CC in Figure 10A. As a result, the use of both adjusting elements (rail spacing and boss angle) together increases the design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual bosses move in specific portions of the flow vs. pressure curve. .
[0292] Figure 10D illustrates that the distance between rails can vary and the influence of the thickness of the projections on the stiffness of the cross section. While in Figure 10A the thickness of the boss was kept constant, in Figure 10D the use of a smaller thickness of the boss in the proximal cross section AA and a greater thickness of the boss in the proximal cross section CC further increases the difference in the stiffness of the cross section between cross sections AA, BB and CC. 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 thickness of the boss is an integral part of the stiffness of the cross section, as is the distance between rails, the difference between the differential pressure to deflect the proximal cross section AA compared to the differential pressure to deflect the cross section The next CC of Figure 10D is a greater difference than in the case of cross section AA versus cross section CC of Figure 10A. As a result, using both adjusting elements (rail spacing and boss thickness) together increases design flexibility to adjust an emitter so that individual bosses move in specific portions of the flow versus pressure curve. .
[0293] Figures 11A and 11B show embodiments in which the internal distance between lanes is changed linearly by narrowing at least one of the lanes (lanes 1105a and 1105b in Figure 11A; lanes 1105c and 1105d in Figure 11B) in the direction up to bottom, dimension A being greater than dimension B in each embodiment. Both symmetric (Figure 11A) and non-symmetric (Figure 11B) configurations are included. In Figure 11A, both rails 1105a and 1105b are tapered, and in Figure 11B, rail 1105c is non-tapered while rail 1105d is tapered. By adjusting the angle of the internal conical distance of the rail to that of the rail, the protrusions within the pressure sensitive sections (1116a in Figure 11A and 1116b in Figure 11B) can be adjusted to co-respond to each other to dissipate pressure. applied. Configurations similar to those shown in Figures 11A-11B could also be useful if it is desired to achieve closure of individual resistor bosses in an upstream to downstream manner in response to increased pressures. However, by modifying the angle of the taper and / or using other adjusting elements, the emitter can also be made not to follow the closing of the upstream to downstream projections in response to the increase in pressure.
[0295] Figures 12A-12C show embodiments in which the rail-to-rail tapered dimensions are applied in a staggered fashion, rather than the continuous tapers shown in Figures 11A-11B, with dimension A being greater than dimension B in each realization. Figure 12A is generally symmetrical, with both rails 1205a and 1205b including a plurality of passages 1210a and 1210b to form a pressure sensitive stepped section 1216a. Figure 12B is generally asymmetric with rail 1205c not including any steps while rail 1205d includes a plurality of steps 1210d within pressure sensitive section 1216b. Figure 12C illustrates a combination of stepped and tapered pressure sensitive section 1216c. The rails 1205e and 1205f are conical and include a plurality of passages 1210e and 1210f. The use of tapering has a benefit in terms of simplifying the programming and machining of the molding tools used to create the emitters. The use of stepped changes, or combination of steps and cones, in the dimension from rail to rail rather than completely continuous can also be used with the embodiments shown in other embodiments herein that are linear or curvilinear in design.
[0296] Figures 13A-13B show embodiments in which the internal distance between rails is changed linearly decreasing in a downward to upward direction, with dimension A being greater than dimension B in each embodiment. Both generally symmetric (Figure 13A) and non-symmetric (Figure 13B) configurations are included. In Figure 13A, rails 1305a and 1305b are both tapered, and furthermore, rail 1305a includes a tapered step portion 1310a and rail 1305b includes a tapered step portion 1310b within pressure sensitive section 1316a. Although the tapered step portions 1310a and 1320b are not symmetrical, the remaining portions of the rails 1305a and 1305b are generally symmetrical. In FIG. 13B, rail 1305c is non-tapered and rail 1305d is tapered and includes a tapered step portion 1310d within pressure sensitive section 1316b. By adjusting the angle of the internal tapered distance of the rail to that of the rail, the protrusions within the pressure sensitive sections can be adjusted to respond in conjunction with each other to dissipate the applied pressure. Configurations similar to those shown in Figures 13A-13B may be useful if it is desired to achieve closure of the individual resistance bosses in a downward to upward fashion in response to increased pressures. However, by modifying the angle of the taper and / or using other adjusting elements, the emitter can also be prevented from following a closure of the downstream to upstream projections in response to increased pressure. By including the region of least stiffness of the cross section (from the perspective of the distance between rails) closest to the exit, configurations similar to those shown in Figures 13A-13B can also be used to allow the use of Higher hardness materials, up to 90 Shore A, to provide a design capable of higher operating pressure ranges, while maintaining responsive capacity at minimum operating pressure.
[0298] Figures 14A-14B show embodiments in which the internal distance between rails is linearly modified decreasing outward and then inward in an upward and downward direction, with dimension A being greater than dimensions B and C in each embodiment. Dimensions B and C could be the same, dimension B could be less than dimension C, or dimension B could be greater than dimension C in each embodiment. Both generally symmetric (Figure 14A) and non-symmetric (Figure 14B) configurations are included. In Figure 14A, rails 1405a and 1405b are both tapered, and furthermore, rail 1405a includes a tapered step portion 1410a and rail 1405b includes a step portion. conical 1410b. Although the tapered step portions 1410a and 1420b are not symmetrical, the remaining portions of the rails 1405a and 1405b are generally symmetrical within the pressure sensitive section 1416a. In FIG. 14B, rail 1405c is not tapered and rail 1405d is tapered and includes a tapered step portion 1410d within pressure sensitive section 1416b. By adjusting the angles from the internal tapered distance of the rail to that of the rail, the protrusions within the pressure sensitive sections can be adjusted to respond in conjunction with each other to dissipate the applied pressure. This configuration helps to obtain the participation of the resistance bosses within the middle of the total length to be active at lower pressures. As illustrated in Figure 14B, the distance between rails of the adjuster is being used asymmetrically. It may be equally useful to use any of the other adjustment elements asymmetrically. For example, although not shown, at a given position along the length of the pressure sensitive section, a rail corner could be used on only one of the rails, or it could be used on both rails but with different dimensions in each one of them.
[0300] In general, these examples illustrate that asymmetric configurations of adjusting elements can be used along the pressure sensitive section. Other examples are, but are not limited to, a rail corner on one side or rail corners on opposite sides having different configurations, including protrusions with different profiles, including protrusions with different thickness, or any suitable combination. The use of "stiffer" protrusions on one side can be useful, for example, for enclosed installations where there may be a non-symmetrical load path for assembly ring tension. In addition, each of the adjustment elements in Table 1, alone or in any combination, may be used asymmetrically along the pressure sensitive section.
[0302] Figures 15A-15B show configurations in which the inner rail-to-rail dimensions do not follow the linear taper protrusion, but rather the curcilinear protrusions, with dimension A being greater than dimensions B and C in each embodiment. Dimensions B and C could be the same, dimension B could be less than dimension C, or dimension B could be greater than dimension C in each embodiment. In FIG. 15A, rail 1505a includes a conical step portion 1510a and rail 1505b includes a conical step portion 1510b within pressure sensitive section 1516a. In Figure 15B, rails 1505c and 1505d curve inward, toward each other, and then outward, moving away one from the other within the pressure sensitive section 1516b. Various configurations of curvilinear rails can be used. Curvilinear versions of the emitters shown in Figures 5C, 11A-11B, 12A-12C, 13A-13B, 14A-14B, 20A-20C, 22A-22C, 23A-23D, 24A-24F, 25A can also be used. 25F and 28. Also within Figures 15A-15B, there is an embodiment of a curvilinear configuration in which the rail-to-rail dimension is narrower along half the total length. This setting is useful if adjusting for a specific pressure / flow range combination by delaying the closing of the middle bosses until the emitter flow / pressure points are higher compared to the pressure performance. The use of the curvilinear boss of the internal rail-to-rail dimension can provide a finer adjustment of the flow versus pressure bosses.
[0304] Each of the embodiments shown in Figures 11A-15B show configurations in which the rail gap adjusting element is used to adjust the response of the emitter. To provide additional adjustment capabilities, the adjustment elements (b) through (o) shown in Figures 5A-5E can also be used in conjunction, in any combination, with configurations such as those in Figures 11A-15B.
[0306] Figures 16A-18D include embodiments in which adjusting the behavior of the projections within the pressure sensitive region can be achieved, in whole, or in part, by adding transverse stiffness in the form of additional rail projections. external to the lanes that come into contact with the flow within the emitter itself. For example, in Figure 16A, outer rails 1620a and 1620b are located on the proximal outer sides of rails 1605a and 1605b, respectively, and at a distal end of pressure sensitive section 1616a. In Figure 16B, the outer rails 1620c and 1620d, which are shorter in length than the outer rails 1620a and 1620b of Figure 16A, are positioned on the proximal outer sides of the rails 1605c and 1605d, respectively, and a distal end of pressure sensitive section 1616b. In Figure 16C, the outer rails 1620e and 1620f, which are thicker than the outer rails 1620a and 1620b of Figure 16A, are positioned on the proximal outer sides of the rails 1605e and 1605f, respectively, and a distal end of the pressure sensitive section 1616c. In Figure 16D, the outer rails 1620g and 1620h, which are further from the rails 1605g and 1605h than the outer rails 1620a and 1620b of Figure 16A, are positioned on the proximal outer sides of the rails 1605g and 1605h, respectively, and at a distal end of pressure sensitive section 1616d.
[0308] Figures 17A-17D and 18A-18D include embodiments with outer rails in different positions and with different configurations. In Figure 17A, there are outer rails 1720a and 1720b proximal outer sides of rails 1705a and 1705b, respectively, tapering toward a distal end of the pressure sensitive section 1716a and outer rails 1721a and 1721b near outer sides of the rails. 1705a and 1705b, respectively, tapering toward a proximal end of the pressure-sensitive section. In Fig. 17B, there are outer rails 1720c and 1720d extending outward from the outer sides of rails 1705c and 1705d, respectively, tapering outward toward a distal end of pressure sensitive section 1716b. In Figure 17C, there are outer rails 1722e and 1722f positioned generally parallel to and close to the outer sides of the rails 1705e and 1705f and a middle portion of the pressure sensitive section 1716c. In Figure 17D, the outer rails 1722g and 1722h extend farther from the rails 1705g and 1705h, respectively, in the middle portions of the outer rails 1722g and 1722h near a mid portion of the pressure sensitive section 1716d. In Figure 18A, the outer rails 1820a and 1820b are proximal outer sides of the rails 1805a and 1805b, respectively, and a distal end of the pressure sensitive section 1816a, and the outer rails 1820a and 1820b are thicker near their distal ends. In Figure 18B, the outer rails 1822c and 1822d extend outward from the rails 1805c and 1805d, respectively, approximate a middle portion of the pressure-sensitive section 1816b, and the outer rails 1822c and 1822d are thicker to approximate a portion. half of it. Looking at Figures 17B and 18B, it is apparent that the outer rails can co-fuse with the inner rails at one or more locations along the pressure sensitive section. In FIG. 18C, outer rails 1820e and 1820f extend outward from rails 1805e and 1805f, respectively, approaching a distal end of pressure-sensitive section 1816c, and outer rails 1820e and 1820f are thicker proximal to their distal ends. In Figure 18D, the outer rails 1821 g and 1821 h extend outward from the rails 1805g and 1805h, respectively, approaching a proximal end of the pressure-sensitive section 1816d, and the outer rails 1821g and 1821h are thicker to approximate their proximal ends.
[0309] With this approach, there are many options for fine-tuning the behavior, including: the length over which the extra lane bosses (outer lanes) are applied, the position at which the extra lane bosses are applied, the distance from other lanes , the thickness of the additional rails, the angle of the additional rails, and the taper of the additional rails. Examples of some of these options are illustrated in these figures. It should be noted that although it is shown as generally symmetrical in Figures 16A-18D, additional rails and other protrusions may also be applied unsystematically. For the sake of understanding, it must be stated that Figure 17A can achieve a similar trend of stiffness of the cross section versus the position of the pressure sensitive section, as achieved in Figure 15A (it is not identical because the distance between the inner rails does not change and therefore the stiffness of the projections differs, but is illustrative of how a similar type of behavior can be achieved by additional outer rails). Similarly, the trend in cross-section stiffness of Figure 17D and Figure 15B are similar (though not identical because the distance between rails is different, but illustrative of how a similar type of behavior can be achieved using additional outside lanes). In addition, Figure 17A illustrates that more than one set of outer rails can be employed to allow adjustment of different responses along the length of the pressure sensitive section. Figures 18A-18D indicate that additional stiffness can also be applied by changing the thickness of the outer rails connected to the rails that are in contact with the interior of the emitter itself. Similarly to the above, the location, length, and profile of the added thickness can be adjusted to adjust the behavior of the pressure sensitive region.
[0311] Figures 19A-19D show embodiments that are conceptually similar to those of Figures 16A-16D, except for the implementation of an ability to adjust the behavior of the protrusions by adding more than one outer rail protrusion and, optionally, including breaks in one. or more of the outer protrusions of the lane. For example, in Figure 19A, outer rails 1920a and 1920b each include two parallel rails of equal length that are also parallel to rails 1905a and 1905b, respectively, near a distal end of pressure sensitive section 1916a. In Figure 19B, outer rails 1920c and 1920d each include two parallel rails of different lengths, the outermost rail being shorter, which are also parallel to rails 1905c and 1905d, respectively, near a distal end of the section. sensitive at pressure 1916b. In Figure 19C, outer lanes 1920e and 1920f each include two parallel lanes of different lengths, the outermost lane being shorter and discontinuous or including breaks, which are also parallel to lanes 1905e and 1905f, respectively, close to a distal end of pressure sensitive section 1916c. In Figure 19D, outer lanes 1920g and 1920h each include two parallel lanes of different lengths, the outermost lane being shorter, which are discontinued or include breaks and are also parallel to lanes 1905g and 1905h, respectively, close to a distal end of pressure sensitive section 1916d and the innermost rail extending into a middle portion of pressure sensitive section 1916d. From these examples, it is clear that the setting can be modified later through combinations such as varying the number of outer rails used, the placement of the rails along the length of the pressure sensitive section, the lane thicknesses, the distances the lanes are spaced apart, and the lane angles relative to the lanes contacting the flow within the emitter. Also, as the added outer rails do not serve as walls for flow within the emitter itself, the added outer rails can adjust structural stiffness while being continuous or discontinuous. In addition, the use of more than one added rail boss can be used with the configurations shown in Figures 16A-18D, 20A-20C, 22A-22C and 23A-23D.
[0313] In Figures 20A-20C are shown embodiments in which additional rail protrusions may be used in conjunction with configurations in which the internal rail-to-rail dimensions are also used as adjustment techniques. Figures 20A-20C also indicate that additional outer rails do not have to be continuous. To save material, the additional protrusions can be discontinuous. In Figure 20A, the rails 2005a and 2005b are tapered and the outer rails 2020a and 2020b extend outward from the rails 2005a and 2005b, respectively, near a distal end of the pressure-sensitive section 2016a, and the outer rails 2020a and 2020b are thickest near their distal ends. In Figure 20B, the rails 2005c and 2005d are tapered and the outer rails 2020c and 2020d are the proximal outer sides of the rails 2005c and 2005d, respectively, and a distal end of the pressure sensitive section 2016b, and the outer rails 2020c and 2020d are thickest near their distal ends. In Figure 20C, lanes 2005e and 2005f are tapered and outer lanes 2020e and 2020f, which are discontinuous or include breaks, are close to and parallel to the outer sides of the lanes 2005c and 2005d, respectively, and a distal end of the pressure-sensitive section 2016c.
[0315] Figures 21A-21B show embodiments demonstrating that the cross-sectional aspect ratio of the rails can be modified as a means of thinning the rails to achieve the desired closure of the projections in response to increased pressure. Examples of configurations in various cross sections are shown in Figures 21A-21B in which the aspect ratio of the cross section is generally trapezoidal and generally rectangular, with example configurations in which the internal distance between rails narrows with changes. in the aspect ratios of the rails. Figures 21A-21B also show example configurations in which the internal distance between the lane and the lane does not change with changes in the aspect ratios of the lane and example configurations that do change and do not change the width. of the rail at the junction with the inner wall of the tube. Although not shown, it is also apparent that different aspect ratios can be used such as trapezoids in which the triangular portion changes on the surface that is not facing inward of the pressure sensitive region. Similarly, aspect ratios can be used in which the triangular portions are oriented both inward and outward. Each of these rails cross-sectional aspect ratio change procedures provides a way to achieve the fit in which deflection of individual resistance bosses can be applied at the desired flow / pressure condition to meet with the curve of performance of total flow versus pressure.
[0317] Figures 22A-22C show embodiments with additional projections that can also be added externally to the rails for the exit region. For example, in Figure 22A, outer rails 2223a and 2223b extend parallel to rails 2205a and 2205b and approach outlet section 2218a, and rails 2205a and 2205b taper into pressure sensitive section 2216a. in this example. In Fig. 22B, outer lanes 2223c and 2223d, which are discontinuous or include breaks, extend parallel to lanes 2205c and 2205d and approach exit section 2218b, and lanes 2205c and 2205d taper within section pressure sensitive 2216b in this example. In Figure 22C, the outer rails 2223e and 2223f extend outward from the rails 2205e and 2205f from the pressure sensitive section 2216c to the outlet section 2218c, and lanes 2205e and 2205f taper within pressure sensitive section 2216c in this example. This can be particularly useful to prevent the soil in the outlet region from drifting upward and partially sealing the outlet. The external projections can be continuous or discontinuous. Figure 22C also shows that projections added to protect the outlet region can also be extended upward as part of the technique to adjust the pressure sensitive region.
[0319] Figures 23A-23D show embodiments with additional projections that can be added along the entire length of the emitter, or along a substantial length of the emitter. In Figure 23A, the outer rails 2324a and 2324b extend along a length of rails 2305a and 2305b, which in this example are tapered, forming pressure reducing section 2314a, pressure sensitive section 2316a, and outlet section 2318a. Figure 23B is similar to Figure 23A but the outer rails 2324c and 2324d are discontinued or include breaks along a length of rails 2305b and 2305c. In FIG. 23C, rail 2305e is not tapered while rail 2305f is tapered, and an outer rail 2324f, which is discontinuous or includes breaks, extends along a length of rail 2305f. In Figure 23D, rail 2305g is non-conical while rail 2305h is conical, and an outer rail 2324h, which is discontinuous or includes breaks, extends along a length of rail 2305h from the approximate middle of the pressure sensitive section 2316d to outlet section 2318d. These embodiments allow the use of elastomeric materials with reduced durometer hardness, as low as 10 to 20 Shore A durometer hardness. When creating an architecture to stiffen the cross section, low durometer materials can be used that were previously unsuitable for use. Figures 23A-23D also show that the projections may be discontinuous. These projections can be used both symmetrically and non-symmetrically.
[0321] Figures 24A-24G show embodiments using non-linear elements, instead of straight linear elements. Figure 24A illustrates a nonlinear taper of rail 2405b relative to rail 2405a and an outer rail 2424b extending near rail 2405 along the pressure sensitive section and the outlet section. Figure 24B illustrates a nonlinear taper of rail 2405d relative to rail 2405c with outer rails 2420c and 2420d extending outward from rails 2405c and 2405d, respectively, near a distal end of the pressure-sensitive section, and outer rails 2420c and 2420d are thickest near their distal ends. Figure 24C illustrates a nonlinear taper of rail 2405f relative to rail 2405e with the proximal ends of outer rails 2420e and 2420f in contact with rails 2405e and 2405f and the distal ends of outer rails 2420e and 2420f spaced apart from each other. lanes 2405e and 2405f. Figure 24D illustrates a nonlinear taper of rail 2405h relative to rail 2405g with outer rails 2420g and 2420h, which are discontinued or include breaks, near the distal end of the pressure sensitive section. Figure 24E illustrates a non-linear taper of rail 2405j relative to rail 2405i with thicker walls 2420i and 2420j extending inward relative to rails 2405i and 2405j near the distal end of the pressure sensitive section. Figure 24F illustrates a non-linear taper of rail 2405l relative to rail 2405k with outer rails 2423k and 2423l proximate the exit section. Figure 24G illustrates a nonlinear taper of lane 2405n relative to lane 2405m and outer lanes 2420m and 2420n, each of which includes two lanes, the outer lanes being shorter than the inner lanes. These examples are representative because they can accommodate the adjustment of the pressure sensitive section by using curvilinear elements in place of any or all of the linear elements. The goal is to fine-tune the geometry so that the protrusions at a given position along the pressure sensitive section respond to the desired differential pressure, in order to provide the desired overall pressure-flow relationship. Combinations of linear and curvilinear, continuous and stepped, angular and curvilinear elements are other examples of combinations that can be used.
[0323] Figures 25A-25F include embodiments that use more than one location of lower cross-section stiffness (greater distance between rails in these examples, but could be achieved by using other adjusting elements instead) along the length. pressure sensitive section. This is especially useful when designing an emitter where large amounts of protrusions are desired to dissipate line pressure. By employing multiple locations of reduced cross-sectional stiffness, a greater number of projections can be activated for a given increase in the overall operating pressure range (for perspective, at flows on the order of 0.0675 gph, more than 150 protrusions to create sufficient flow resistance. Without the ability to use the setting to activate a greater number of protrusions, the only option for those emitters of low flow is to use a limited number of projections, each with reduced dimensions that are limited in resistance to blockage by debris).
[0325] The adjustment elements defined in Figures 5A-5E, items b) to o), can also be used together, in any combination, with configurations such as those of Figures 16A-25F. The adjustment elements defined in Figures 5A-5E, elements b) to o), can also be used together, in any combination, with configurations that keep the distance between rails and any external projections constant. Figures 26A-26C show three examples of emitters in which the adjustment of pressure sensitive sections is achieved by combining three adjustment elements: rail corner heights, transverse rail spacings, and rail profiles. ground. Figure 26A illustrates lanes 2605a and 2605b and outer lanes 2624a and 2624b, Figure 26B illustrates lanes 2605c and 2605d and outer lanes 2624c and 2624d, and Figure 26C illustrates lanes 2605e and 2605f and outer lanes 2624e and 2624f. Examples of emitter cross-sections taken along lines A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D, E-E and F-F are illustrated in Figure 26D in Figures 26A-26C. In Figure 26D cross section AA, the rails 2605a / 2605c and 2605b / 2605d and the outer rails 2624a / 2624c and 2624b / 2624d are illustrated along with the floors 2606a (Figure 26A) and 2606b (Figure 26B) and the projections 2607a ( Figure 26A) and 2607b (Figure 26B). Cross section C-C of Figure 26D illustrates the corners of rails 2611a / 2611c and 2611b / 2611d of the corresponding rails of Figures 26A and 26B. Figure 26D, cross section D-D, illustrates rails 2605e and 2605f and outer rails 2624e and 2624f along with floor 2606c and ledge 2607c. Figure 26D cross section F-F illustrates the corners of rails 2611e and 2611f. The relationships between the cross sections with respect to these adjustment elements are shown in Table 3:
[0327] Table 3
[0328] Relationships between cross sections with respect to fittings
[0333] There are a number of possible settings, combinations, and adjustment items that allow for the adjustment of the emitter flow versus pressure performance curves. The strength of these configurations lies in the ability to create at each boss along the length of the pressure sensitive section a unique relationship between differential pressure and boss deflection. The differential pressure in this context is the pressure in the tube minus the pressure within the local pressure sensitive section for the given boss. For a given boss, the sum of the pressure drop created by all the upstream bosses creates the differential pressure between the given boss and the pressure inside the tube. This differential pressure is the driving force to deflect the given boss. Stated slightly differently, the use of embodiments such as those described here allow an emitter to incorporate many protrusions in series, each protrusion adjusted to uniquely respond to a given differential pressure, where the adjustment is established by the structural stiffness of the section. transverse of the projections of the local emitter to a specific projection, and where the sum of the behavior of the pressure drop of all the projections upstream of a given projection is also adaptive so that the response of a specific projection can be set to work in set with all the upstream projections to establish the relationship between the closure of the projection and the flow. The combined result provides the ability to selectively design an emitter to provide desired pressure-flow relationships, for a range of flow velocities, a range of operating pressure ranges, and discharge exponents (e.g., 0 to 0 , 5 (or more)).
[0335] Figure 27 illustrates how four emitter configurations could be adjusted to fine-tune your responses. The pressure curves of Example 1 of Figure 27 illustrate the flow curves before and after the flow versus the pressure curves associated with adjusting the four emitter configurations. The pressure curves in Example 2 of Figure 27 illustrate that tuning can be used to achieve performance curves with non-zero discharge exponents. Changing the behavior of emitters to reduce flows at certain pressures may require a greater number of nearby projections in response to increased pressure, in order to create more resistance to flow. The four "after" settings on the right indicate how the geometry could be modified to fit the emitters to achieve the necessary increase in resistance. In general, for each of the four configurations, the geometry has been adjusted to reduce cross-section stiffness for a higher percentage of the overhangs, most especially the overhangs midway and lower along the sensitive section. to pressure. Because each projection experiences a differential pressure that is equal to the sum of the pressure drops created by all the projections upstream of it, there is a compound stiffening effect of a series of projections. Looking at the top configuration on the right, eliminating the outer rails along the mid-section of the emitter reduces the stiffness at each of the bosses in that section. This causes each of the projections in that section to close at a lower differential pressure. When the most upstream projection of that section closes at a lower differential pressure, the closed state causes a higher differential pressure to be fed to the next projection. Because the next boss is less stiff after adjustment and receives a higher differential, and so is the next boss, and the next boss, etc., there is a compound effect. With the embodiments, there can be a large number of protrusions in series and small adjustment adjustments can change the flow versus pressure curves as needed. Note that the examples in Figure 27 are not represented as taking advantage of other geometric fit parameters (b) through (o) of Figures 5A-5E.
[0337] Figures 28A-31E as a group are shared to provide greater understanding. Figures 28A and 28B (cross section taken along lines 28B-28B in Figure 28A) and Figures 28C and 28D (cross section taken along lines 28D-28D in Figure 28C), respectively, show examples of adjusted and unadjusted emitters. Both emitters have the same number of bosses in the pressure reducing section and the same number of bosses in the pressure sensitive section. The emitters are designed for an operating pressure of 5 to 12 psi, and to have a nominal flow at 10 psi. The comparative flow versus pressure curve is shown in Figure 28E. The benefit of the adjusted emitter is evident when the consistency of flow versus pressure is compared to the unadjusted emitter. A more detailed explanation is given in Figures 29A-31E.
[0339] Figures 29A-29E show the comparison of the track spacings of the fitted and unadjusted emitters. Figure 29C defines "NT" as the lane-to-lane distance for the emitter not adjusted. The "NT" dimension is a function of the material being used, in addition to the performance parameters of flow rate and operating pressure range. Figure 29D shows the distance between rails compared to the position of the pressure sensitive section for the unadjusted emitter. Figure 29A shows the comparative distance between lanes for an example of a fitted emitter. Figure 29B shows the distance between rails compared to the position of the pressure sensitive section for the example of a fitted emitter. For example, at a position of 20% along the length of the pressure sensitive section, the adjusted emitter has a rail-to-rail distance of 1.05 NT (i.e. 5% greater than the distance of rail to rail for the emitter not fitted with the same material).
[0341] Figure 29E shows the resulting relationship between flow and pressure for the two emitters of Figures 29A (emitter adjusted) and 29C (emitter not adjusted). Adjusted and unadjusted emitters have similar flows (approximately 0.157 gph) at a nominal pressure condition of 10 psi. However, it can be seen that the example fitted emitter provides remarkably improved flow consistency in the 5 to 10 psi pressure range. It can be seen that the greatest benefit occurs at lower pressures (5 to 8 psi, for example). This occurs because the adjusted emitter includes the benefit of being able to have more active projections at a given pressure, and the adjustment has been established in this example design to increase the number of active upstream projections at lower pressures (i.e. the projections of the adjusted emitter at lower% positions along the pressure sensitive section are active at lower pressures, when compared to the unadjusted emitter). This is explained in more detail in Figures 30A-31E.
[0343] Figure 30A repeats the flow versus pressure curve of Figure 29C in order to show the line pressures to which the data of Figures 30B and 30C are applicable. Figure 30B shows the local differential pressure (Line P minus P-Internal) for each boss along the length of the pressure-sensitive section under a condition having a line pressure of 6 psi. It can be seen that, with the exception of the protrusions at the 100% position along the pressure sensitive section (which have the same differential pressure for both because it is adjacent to the outlet), all the protrusions within the set emitter they have a higher differential pressure than their corresponding protrusions in the unadjusted geometry. It can also be seen that for the untuned geometry, there is an upward slope from the protrusions at the 70% to 100% position along the pressure sensitive section. This is characteristic of non-tight designs which, by nature, experience a closure from the down direction to the up direction. This behavior is inherent in an unadjusted emitter because the downstream projections closest to the outlet deviate first (that is, at the lower end of the pressure range) and generate most of the pressure drop, which means that the upstream projections do not experience a large enough differential pressure to be active at lower pressures. Recall that the local differential pressure of a specific projection is the sum of the pressure drop of all the projections upstream of it. When upstream projections have lower differential pressures, adjacent downstream projections are not activated until higher flow occurs (because flow must increase before additional differential pressure is provided to the next downstream emitter). This is illustrated in more detail in Figures 31A-31E and discussed below.
[0345] Figure 30C shows the local differential pressure (Line P minus P-Internal) for projections at% position along the length of the pressure sensitive section in a condition having a line pressure of 12 psi. It can be seen that at the higher design pressure (12 psi in this design) the differential pressures versus the% position of the protrusions are more similar for the fitted and unadjusted design. This is because these two designs were created in such a way that with increasing pressure, by the time the top pressure of 12 psi has been reached, most of the protrusions are fully deflected.
[0347] Figure 31A repeats the flow versus pressure curve of Figure 29C to show the line pressures to which the data of Figures 31B to 31E are applicable. Figures 31B to 31E show the percentage of the total pressure drop of the pressure sensitive section that is generated for the groups of declared bosses. You can see, for example, in Figure 31B, that for the adjusted emitter, at a line pressure of 5 psi, the positions of the projections 0% to 25%, 25% to 50%, 50% to 75% and 75% to 100% generate an average of 25% (19% to 30%) of the total pressure drop that occurs within the pressure sensitive section. In contrast, it can be seen from Figure 31D that for the design not adjusted at 5 psi line pressure, the downstream bosses at the 75% to 100% positions alone dissipate 50% of the pressure drop, while the upstream projections at the 0% to 25% and 25% to 50% positions dissipate only 15% of the pressure drop. Also in Figure 31D is shows that at a line pressure of 6 psi, the share of the projections at the 50% to 75% positions increases slightly, while the projections at the 0% to 25% and 25% to 50% positions decrease the % of creation of total pressure drop. Because upstream bosses do not create a comparable pressure drop to downstream bosses, the result is the upward curved shape of the unadjusted emitter as shown in Figure 30B. Figures 31C and 31E show that even at pressures as high as 11 psi, the adjusted emitter has a larger share of the overhangs at the 0% to 25% positions. As previously shared, with a design in which the downstream overhangs generate most of the pressure drop, the upstream overhangs do not start to participate unless the flow rises and then the upstream pressure reducing overhangs ( primarily) create additional pressure drop to create offset of differential projections for actuation. It is for this reason that the upward slope of the flow from 5 psi to 10 psi occurs for the unadjusted emitter while the adjusted emitter has a noticeably less increase in flow in the 5 to 10 psi pressure range, as shown in Figure 31A. Essentially, although both emitters have the same number of protrusions, the adjusted emitter achieves better uniformity of flow provided throughout the pressure range. Alternatively, if an emitter using the fit was designed to intentionally have the highest discharge exponent behavior as shown in the unadjusted emitter in Figure 31A, then the adjusted emitter could match the flow versus pressure performance to that of the emitter. unadjusted, except by using fewer overhangs than the unadjusted emitter. This means that shorter overall emitter lengths can be achieved, leading to a desirable result of being able to have shorter emitter gaps.
[0349] With modern drip irrigation technology, there are many combinations of flow rates, emitter spacings, tube diameters and tube wall thicknesses to accommodate custom variations related to soil type, type of cultivation, the topography of the field and economic circumstances (such as leased land versus owned land). For example, the TORO ™ AQUA-TRAXX ™ product line (turbulent flow, uncompensated) has nine flow rate primary emitter streams (ranging from 0.0675 gph to 0.54 gph), eight primary emitter spacings (ranging from 4 to 36 inches), four primary tube diameters and eight primary wall thicknesses. The combination of tube diameters and wall thicknesses define the allowable operating pressure ranges, which for an irrigation company offering a complete product like The Toro Company results in ten or more pressure ranges. The lower commercial operating pressure ranges are for products rated at 4 to 8 psi (ie, emitters for those products largely operate at 4 to 8 psi). Higher commercial operating pressure ranges, 4 psi to 30 psi, are available for medium wall pipe (i.e. emitters in those products must operate at 4 to 30 psi). Diameter and wall combinations lead to maximum operating pressures of 10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, and 22 psi between these extremes of 8 and 30 psi. For an irrigation company offering a complete product like The Toro Company, there are nine (or more) emitter flow rates used with eight (or more) spaced at ten (or more) operating pressure ranges, making for a total combination. of 720 variants (9 times 8 times 10 equals 720).
[0351] The ability to adjust the pressure sensitive section is useful as an emitter architecture capable of providing discharge exponents of, for example, 0 to 0.5 (or more) in the same wide parameter range as discussed above for TORO ™ AQUA-TRAXX ™. To illustrate the range of options, the boss count for a 0.0675 gph emitter with a maximum operating pressure of 30 psi is markedly different than for a 0.54 gph emitter with a maximum operating pressure of 8 psi. If, for illustrative purposes, both emitters had the same resistance to flow per overhang, the overhang count would differ by a factor of 240: 1 (i.e., the pressure drop per overhang would be 64 times greater at 0.54 gph than at 0.0675 gph based on pressure drop proportional to the square of the flow), and 30 psi dissipation may require 3.75 times more protrusions than 8 psi dissipation (64 times 3.75 equals 240). The 0.0675 gph emitter dissipating 30 psi may require 240 times more protrusions than the 0.54 gph emitter dissipating 8 psi. The ability to adjust a very wide range of boss numbers in the pressure sensitive section is critical to being able to offer a broad offering of emitter products necessary for modern agriculture.
[0353] One advantage is the ability to tailor emitter designs to achieve performance for a wide range of combinations. Examples of how to adapt emitter designs are illustrated in figures, such as Figures 5A-5E and Table 2. Frame orientation 2 is expressed in terms of trends because the hardness of the material used changes with dimensions.
[0355] For ease of understanding, Tables 4, 5, and 6 share example dimensions for five different flow rates, two different pressures, and two different discharge exponents. Tables 4 and 5 are presented as examples to illustrate how the emitter geometry can be adjusted to suit a range of maximum pressures (compare the maximum pressures of 16 psi with those of 30 psi of the emitters, both with an exponent 0.3 discharge). Tables 5 and 6 are provided as examples to illustrate how the emitter geometry can be adjusted to provide a fit that accommodates a range of discharge exponents (compare exponents 0.3 and 0, both with maximum pressures of 30 psi) . Other pressures, emitter spacings, flows, discharge exponents, materials, or emitter configurations, when adjusted, will result in different dimensions, but the examples shown in Tables 1 through 6 are useful to guide the design. For emitter configurations such as those shown in Figures 16A through 24G, additional tuning parameters would include the location, quantity, aspect ratio, angle, and thickness of any outer rails, but Table 2 describes the relationships between the overhang of the pressure sensitive section and the engagement of the ground with the rails is still informative.
[0357] Table 4
[0358] Example of adjusting element dimensional ranges for five flow variants with maximum operating pressures of 16 psi and discharge exponents of 0.3
[0360]
[0361]
[0364] Notes:
[0365] See Figures 5A-5E for definitions of adjustment items.
[0366] Example of emitters with a maximum pressure of up to 16 psi and an exponent of 0.3.
[0367] Other pressures, flows, exponents, materials, or configurations result in different dimensions.
[0368] Table 5
[0369] Example of adjusting element dimensional ranges for five flow variants with 30 psi maximum operating pressures and 0.3 discharge exponents
[0370]
[0371] Notes:
[0372] See Figures 5A-5E for definitions of adjustment items.
[0373] Example of emitters with a maximum pressure of up to 30 psi and an exponent of 0.3.
[0374] Other pressures, flows, exponents, materials, or configurations result in different dimensions.
[0376] Table 6
[0377] Example of adjusting element dimensional ranges for five flow variants with 30 psi maximum operating pressures and 0 discharge exponents
[0379]
[0380]
[0383] Notes:
[0384] See Figures 5A-5E for definitions of adjustment items.
[0385] Example of emitters with a maximum pressure of up to 30 psi and an exponent of 0 or close to 0.
[0386] Other pressures, flows, exponents, materials, or configurations result in different dimensions.
[0388] An example emitter flow path is shown in Figure 32 and an example emitter flow path is shown in Figure 33 operatively connected to a side irrigation element (eg, a hose or tube) with a path lateral flow. Although Figure 32 shows a two-layer construction, it is recognized that the construction could be one, two, or more layers. Figure 33 shows the lamination of a substrate 120 (emitter) with rails 125 on an inner wall 126a of the side member 126, thus forming the irrigation hose 110. The inner wall 126a forms the main passage of water through the hose 110 , including the lateral flow path 126b and the emitter flow path 125a. The substrate 120 may be applied as a member of the web 127 laminated to the side 126 in any suitable way, such as that disclosed in US Patent 8,469,294. Continuous strip member 127 can be rolled up and stored for later insertion into hose 110, or continuous strip member 127 can go directly from a mold wheel to the extruder for side member 126. That is, the The laminate of the rails 125 and the substrate 120 (including the upper surface 120a and the fins 120b) of the mold wheel is placed inside the die head by extruding the side element 126, thus forming the irrigation hose 110. The suitable inlets (not shown) allow passage of water from lateral flow path 126b to emitter flow path 125a. Suitable outlets 128 are formed in the irrigation hose 110 proximate the substrate outlet section 120, by means well known in the art.
[0389] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, the specific examples shown and described may be substituted for various alternative and / or equivalent implementations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptation or variation of the specific examples presented here. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

权利要求:
Claims (25)
[1]
1. An issuer, comprising:
a pressure sensitive section; Y
at least one protrusion defined by a floor, a first rail and a second rail, the at least one protrusion being adjusted, by means of at least one adjusting element, to deviate at local desired differential pressures for the at least one protrusion, selecting the group setting item consisting of rail spacing, rail height, rail width, rail radius bend, rail corner, vertical rail spacing, cross rail spacing, outer rail, floor thickness, rail profile ground, tip height, tip distance, boss density, boss contour, boss angle, and boss thickness.
[2]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein the emitter is operatively connected to a side member, wherein at least one projection is configured and arranged to deflect toward the side member at local desired differential pressures for the at least one projection.
[3]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensitive section is made of a low durometer material.
[4]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensitive section has a length, the length affecting a desired setting of the at least one boss.
[5]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensitive section includes the rail-to-rail distance that includes at least one of taper, pitch, and pitch, the at least one of taper, pitch, and pitch being linear.
[6]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensitive section includes the rail-to-rail distance that includes at least one of taper, pitch, and pitch, the at least one of taper, pitch, and pitch being curvilinear.
[7]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensitive section includes the rail-to-rail distance that includes at least one of taper, pitch, and pitch, the at least one of taper, pitch, and pitch being continuous.
[8]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensitive section includes the rail-to-rail distance that includes at least one of taper, pitch, and pitch, the at least one of taper, pitch, and pitch being discontinuous.
[9]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensitive section includes at least one outer rail, the at least one outer rail being adjusted by means of at least one of length, position, number, distance from at least one from the first lane and the second lane, number of times the at least one outer lane joins at least one from the first lane and the second lane, thickness, taper, slope, taper, symmetry and continuity.
[10]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein the emitter discharge exponent is 0 to 0.7.
[11]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein the rail corner is at least one of an inner rail corner and an outer rail corner.
[12]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein a first protrusion is operatively connected to the ground and the first rail and a second protrusion is operatively connected to the ground and the second rail, wherein the first and second protrusions are located alongside length of the pressure sensitive section, the first projection having at least one first adjustment element, the second projection having at least one second adjustment element, the at least one first adjustment element and the at least one second adjustment element being non-symmetrical fit along pressure sensitive section.
[13]
The emitter of claim 1, wherein at least a first protrusion and a second protrusion are located along the pressure sensitive section, the first protrusion having at least one first adjustment element, the second having projecting at least one second adjusting element, the first adjusting element and the second adjusting element having at least one of different dimensions and different configurations.
[14]
14. A combination of lateral irrigation element and emitter, comprising:
a side member having a wall with an inner wall, at least a portion of the inner wall defining a side flow path;
an emitter having a first rail and a second rail operatively connected to the interior wall and a floor that interconnects the distal ends of the first and second lanes, the interior wall, the first and second lanes, and the floor defining a path of issuer flow, the issuer comprising:
a pressure sensitive section; Y
at least one protrusion defined by the ground, the first rail and the second rail, the at least one protrusion being adjusted, by means of at least one adjusting element, to deviate to the desired local differential pressures for the at least one protrusion, the adjustment item being selected from the group consisting of rail spacing, rail height, rail width, rail radius curvature, rail corner, vertical rail spacing, cross rail spacing, outer rail, floor thickness, profile from the ground, tip height, tip distance, boss density, boss contour, boss angle and boss thickness;
wherein a discharge exponent for the emitter is 0 to 0.7, and wherein at least one projection deviates from an open to a closed position when the desired differential pressure is local for the at least one projection.
[15]
The irrigation side member and emitter combination of claim 14, wherein the pressure sensitive section is made of a low durometer material.
[16]
16. The irrigation side member and emitter combination of claim 14, wherein the pressure sensitive section has a length, the length affecting a desired setting of the at least one boss.
[17]
The irrigation side member and emitter combination of claim 14, wherein the pressure sensitive section includes the rail-to-rail distance that includes at least one of taper, slope, and pitch, the at least one being linear. taper, pitch and pitch.
[18]
The irrigation side member and emitter combination of claim 14, wherein the pressure sensitive section includes the rail-to-rail distance that includes at least one of taper, slope, and pitch, the at least one being curvilinear taper, pitch and pitch.
[19]
The irrigation side member and emitter combination of claim 14, wherein the pressure-sensitive section includes the rail-to-rail distance that includes at least one of taper, slope, and pitch, the at least one being continuous. taper, pitch and pitch.
[20]
The irrigation side member and emitter combination of claim 14, wherein the pressure sensitive section includes the rail-to-rail distance that includes at least one of taper, slope, and pitch, the at least one being discontinuous taper, pitch and pitch.
[21]
21. The irrigation side member and emitter combination of claim 14, wherein the pressure sensitive section includes at least one outer rail, the at least one outer rail being adjusted by at least one of length, position , number, distance from at least one of the first lane and the second lane, number of times the at least one outer lane joins at least one of the first lane and the second lane, thickness, tapered, inclination, tapered, symmetry and continuity.
[22]
The irrigation side member and emitter combination of claim 14, wherein the rail corner is at least one of an inner rail corner and an outer rail corner.
[23]
23. The emitter of claim 14, wherein a first protrusion is operatively connected to the floor and the first rail and a second protrusion is operatively connected to the floor and the second rail, wherein the first and second protrusions are located along of the pressure sensitive section, the first projection having at least one first adjustment element, the second projection having at least one second adjustment element, the first adjustment element and the second adjustment element being non-symmetrical along pressure sensitive section.
[24]
24. The irrigation side member and emitter combination of claim 14, wherein at least a first boss and a second boss are located along the pressure sensitive section, the first boss having at least one first boss. adjusting element, having the second projection has at least one second adjusting element, the at least one first adjusting element and the at least one second adjusting element having at least one of different dimensions and different configurations.
[25]
25. The irrigation side member and emitter combination of claim 14, wherein the side member wall includes a perimeter selected from the group consisting of a continuous perimeter and a discontinuous perimeter, formed by the wall seam at at least a place on the perimeter.

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US20200240526A1|2020-07-30|Shut-off element of a hydrant, hydrant and main valve seat

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RU2723041C2|2020-06-08|Drip irrigation hose with band

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JP6837377B2|2021-03-03|Emitter and drip irrigation tubes

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WO1990004464A1|1990-05-03|Drip irrigation hose

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US20200390043A1|2020-12-17|Drip irrigation emitter with optimized clog resistance

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GB2530094A|2016-03-16|Valve assembly

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KR20090031423A|2009-03-25|Fluid flow labyrinth

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CN112075323A|2020-12-15|Drip irrigation emitter with optimized resistance to clogging

同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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ES2803698B2|2021-11-08|

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US20200390042A1|2020-12-17|

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MA50108B1|2021-09-30|

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MA50108A1|2021-06-30|

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ES2803698R1|2021-04-19|

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AU2020203577A1|2021-01-07|

引用文献:

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公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

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WO2018140772A1|2017-01-27|2018-08-02|Rain Bird Corporation|Pressure compensation members, emitters, drip line and methods relating to same|

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法律状态:
2021-01-29| BA2A| Patent application published|Ref document number: 2803698 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: A2 Effective date: 20210129 |

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2021-04-19| EC2A| Search report published|Ref document number: 2803698 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: R1 Effective date: 20210412 |

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优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US201962861393P| true| 2019-06-14|2019-06-14|

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US16/884,494|US20200390042A1|2019-06-14|2020-05-27|Rail tuned pressure responsive irrigation emitter|

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