Irrigation nozzle assembly and method
View Patent ↗A long throw Pop-Up Irrigation Nozzle assembly has no oscillating or rotating parts and includes a cylindrical body having a fluid inlet and a sidewall defining at least one fluidic circuit configured to generate a selected spray pattern when irrigation fluid flows through the body. In order to throw long distance, droplet velocity, droplet size and droplet initial aim angle determine the throw to provide a low precipitation rate (“PR”) for fluidic sprays. The nozzle assembly and method of the present invention achieve a PR of 1 in/hr or less and good spray distribution with a scheduling coefficient (“SC”) of about 1.5 without utilizing any moving components to provide a significantly more cost effective nozzle assembly, as compared to prior art rotator nozzles.
1. A sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly, comprising:
(a) a sprinkler housing including an interior lumen and an exterior sidewall, with at least one fluidic-circuit-receiving port defining a fluid passage between said lumen and said sidewall;
(b) a first fluidic oscillator circuit insert configured to receive irrigation fluid passing into said housing lumen and, in cooperation with said port, pass irrigation fluid in the form of an oscillating jet of irrigation fluid beyond said sidewall, projecting said irrigation fluid in a desired spray pattern of droplets;
(c) wherein said fluidic oscillator circuit insert has an intake that is in fluid communication with said housing's interior lumen and an outlet that is positioned and configured to project said desired spray pattern outwardly and away from said housing's exterior sidewall;
(d) said sprinkler assembly further including a retention ring adapted for insertion into said housing's interior lumen to provide a snap or friction fit with said first fluidic oscillator circuit insert;
(e) wherein said retention ring fits entirely within said housing lumen and does not change said spray pattern.
2. The sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly of claim 1 , wherein said sprinkler housing includes a second fluidic-circuit-receiving port defining a second fluid passage between said lumen and said sidewall;
wherein said sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly also includes a second fluidic oscillator circuit insert configured to receive irrigation fluid passing into said housing lumen and, in cooperation with said second port, pass irrigation fluid beyond said sidewall, projecting said irrigation fluid in a second desired spray pattern;
wherein said second fluidic circuit insert also has an intake that is in fluid communication with said housing's interior lumen and an outlet that is positioned and configured to project said second desired spray pattern outwardly and away from said housing's exterior sidewall; and
wherein said retention ring also provides a snap or friction fit with said second fluidic oscillator circuit insert.
3. The sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly of claim 1 , wherein said retention ring comprises a spring steel ring.
4. The sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly of claim 3 , wherein said first fluidic circuit insert has a tail or latch interface defined therein, and wherein said retention ring includes a first tab feature configured to engage said tail or latch interface defined in said first fluidic circuit insert.
5. The sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly of claim 4 , wherein said tail or latch interface defined in said first fluidic circuit insert has a web or gusset for additional strength.
6. The sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly of claim 4 , wherein said housing's interior lumen carries the retention ring inserted into said lumen so that said retention ring's first tab feature mates to the tail or latch interface on said first fluidic circuit insert once the first fluidic circuit insert has been installed in said at least one port.
7. The sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly of claim 6 , wherein said sprinkler housing includes a second fluidic-circuit-receiving port defining a second fluid passage between said lumen and said sidewall;
wherein said sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly also includes a second fluidic circuit insert configured to receive irrigation fluid passing into said housing lumen and, in cooperation with said second port, pass irrigation fluid beyond said sidewall, projecting said irrigation fluid in a second desired spray pattern;
wherein said second fluidic circuit insert also has an intake that is in fluid communication with said housing's interior lumen and an outlet that is positioned and configured to project said second desired spray pattern outwardly and away from said housing's exterior sidewall;
wherein said retention ring has a second tab feature and also provides a snap or friction fit with said second fluidic circuit insert and wherein said housing's interior lumen carries the retention ring inserted into said lumen so that said second tab feature mates to a tail or latch interface on said second fluidic circuit insert once the second fluidic insert has been installed in said second port.
8. The sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly of claim 7 , wherein a slot is cut in each latch point on the retention ring, and each latch point on the retention ring is widened to ensure that the proper level of shear area is retained for stresses and strains on parts subjected to a hydraulic surge mechanical load; and wherein said tab features and a central square opening are configured in the retention ring to avoid disruption of flow conditioning prior to irrigation fluid entry into the inlet of said first fluidic circuit insert.
9. The sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly of claim 8 , wherein said retention ring is retained in said housing by a snap undercut or groove cut into an interior wall of the housing.
10. The sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly of claim 9 , wherein said retention ring has a circumferential raised boss or ridge dimensioned to snap-fit into the housing snap undercut or groove, thereby securing the retention ring in place and latching said fluidic circuit inserts in place.
11. The sprinkler or irrigation nozzle assembly of claim 9 , wherein said retention ring abuts a filter insert retained within said housing lumen to serve as a backup support to stop the retention ring from flexing or moving under the forces of the hydraulic surge.