AC Drain Line Chemical Strand for Passive Algae Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioning drain lines are prone to bacterial and algae growth, leading to clogging and potential flooding in HVAC areas, and existing solutions require electrical connections and complex installations.
Innovation Solution
A chemical delivery system that uses a removable and replaceable strand of material with embedded tablets, which can be inserted into the drain line without electrical power, ensuring continuous delivery of anti-growth chemicals to prevent clogging, featuring a retention disc and a closure mechanism that allows for easy replacement without disassembling the drain pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump system is used to deliver chemical into the drain line, then the chemical delivery can be controlled, but electrical connections and separate installation professions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a passive chemical delivery mechanism using a dissolvable tablet system. The tablet is positioned in the drain line and releases chemical gradually as water flows over it, eliminating the need for electrical connections, motors, and complex control systems while maintaining reliable chemical delivery for algae and bacteria prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain line system serves itself by using the natural flow of condensate water to activate and distribute the chemical from the tablet. The system requires no external power source or active components - the water flow automatically carries the chemical throughout the drain line, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for separate installation professions.
2Reliability
If a mechanical chemical delivery system is used, then chemical can be delivered into the drain line, but electrical power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electrical pump-based chemical delivery system with a passive dissolvable tablet mechanism. The tablet contains concentrated chemical that gradually dissolves and disperses into the water flow, providing reliable chemical delivery without any electrical power consumption. This approach maintains effectiveness while eliminating all electrical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the hydraulic flow of condensate water through the drain line to naturally distribute the chemical from the tablet. The water flow acts as the delivery mechanism, carrying the dissolved chemical throughout the system without requiring electrical pumps or powered mechanical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drain line system includes corners or turns, then the drain line can be redirected, but the chemical delivery strand may snag or be prevented from further insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chemical delivery system into a modular tablet format rather than a continuous strand. The tablet can be easily inserted into the drain line at any location, including after corners or turns, without risk of snagging. This segmented approach allows flexible installation in complex routing configurations while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable tablet instead of a reusable strand. The tablet is inserted once and dissolves over time, eliminating concerns about strand integrity during insertion through corners and turns. This approach simplifies installation by removing the need for long, flexible strands that must navigate complex geometries without snagging.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively inhibits the growth of algae and bacteria within the drain lines, ensuring a smooth flow of condensate and reducing the risk of flooding, while being easy to maintain and install, as the chemical delivery is continuous and non-mechanical.
Implementation Method 1
As the moisture travels through the drainage pipes which contain the chemical delivery system disclosed. As the moisture travels through the drainage system and passes over the at least one table or other delivery module, chemicals may be released into the stream of condensate which prevents or inhibits the growth of algae, bacteria or other biological growth
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning drain line system is disclosed where the drain line includes an access connector pipe for inserting a chemical delivery strand of material into the drain pipes. The connector pipe may be a Y-shaped connector pipe and retain the strand. The strand may extend into the drain pipes and around an elbow in the pipes. The elbow may be designed to receive standard drain pipes into receiving inlets and create a smooth flow channel through the pipe without any elevational differences between the inner diameter of the elbow at the junction point of the elbow and the received pipes and the inner diameter of the received pipes.