Modern
2-Wire irrigation systems use a single wire pair to create a remotely
controlled network. A PVC pipe network topology is installed separately.
I propose to embed the wire pair into the PVC pipe.
My system allows for each PVC connection to simultaneously connect the water
path AND the two wires to the next segment of PVC.
A system using this invention should install more quickly and at lower cost. System maintenance should be simpler.
Click HERE to view a PowerPoint presentation of the invention.
Fig 1 shows a segment of PVC pipe with an extra extrusion on its top that
contains a wire pair. When the PVC pipe is cut,
the extrusion containing the
wires must be cut back from the edge of the pipe cut.
The distance for the cut is not critical and can be done with a simple on-site
fixture.
In Fig 1,
an End Clip has metal pins that are forced into the strands of the wire pairs
in order to make electrical contact.
The metal pins connect to spring loaded
metal buttons on the End Clip.
These metal buttons are designed to make
electrical connection
to connector buttons that are located in a chamber inside
the adapter shown in the Fig 2.
Another segment of PVC Pipe-with-Wires is then connected to the opposite end of the adapter so that the system can be extended.
To add lightning protection, a shielded twisted wire pair can be embedded in the pipe. The End Clip will then require 3 pins to make contact: two for the wire pair,
and one for the shield.
Fig 3 shows more detail of adapter in Fig 2. The left end of Fig 3 shows a mirror image chamber containing a pair of buttons.
These buttons are connected
to wires that pass through the body of the adapter, and which attach to the
buttons in the right side chamber.
These wires connect the corresponding pins on each end of the adapter, and the
electric circuit is thereby continued through the adapter.
A monitor
port on the adapter allows for user connection to the internal wire pair for
diagnostic purposes. The monitor port can also be used for the connection of
surge
protectors.
The electrical network can be used to selectively "trickle charge" batteries that are located at the valve locations.
Click HERE to see an existing product that attaches a tracer wire to a pipe via co-extrusion.
Click HERE to see prototypes that were made at the University of Dayton.
Click HERE to see PVC experiments that I performed.
This invention is patent pending.
Contact me at steve.shoap@alum.mit.edu
