Accumulator Venting and Overflow Control for Odor Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current accumulator systems for vacuum drainage in medical facilities require multiple pipes in the adjacent wall, increasing complexity and construction costs due to the need for separate evacuation and odor mitigation lines.
Innovation Solution
An accumulator assembly with an integrated overflow prevention device and odor mitigation subassembly, including a float trap seal, air displacement port, and charcoal filter, which prevents wastewater overflow and odor transmission without additional wall-mounted pipes by using a vent stack and float mechanism to manage fluid levels and odors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate pipes (evacuation line and vent pipe) are installed in the adjacent wall, then the accumulator can perform both wastewater evacuation and odor mitigation functions, but the construction complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the evacuation line and vent pipe into a single integrated pipe structure. The evacuation line includes both a liquid passage for wastewater evacuation and a gas passage for odor mitigation, eliminating the need for separate wall penetrations and reducing construction complexity while maintaining both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated evacuation line serves multiple functions: it acts as both the liquid evacuation pathway and the venting pathway for odor mitigation. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components and simplifies installation without compromising system reliability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a vent pipe extends through the wall for odor mitigation, then unpleasant odors are reduced, but the system requires additional wall installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is merged into the evacuation line by providing a gas passage within the same pipe structure that contains the liquid passage. This eliminates the need for a separate vent pipe extending through the wall, reducing installation complexity while maintaining odor mitigation capability
3Reliability
If separate evacuation and venting systems are installed, then both functions are performed effectively, but the overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the evacuation and venting systems into a single integrated pipe structure with separate internal passages for liquid and gas flow. This reduces material costs, installation labor, and maintenance requirements while maintaining the reliability of both wastewater evacuation and odor mitigation functions
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
Reduces construction complexity and costs by integrating odor mitigation and overflow prevention within the accumulator assembly, ensuring efficient wastewater evacuation and minimizing odor transmission without additional wall-mounted pipes, while alerting users to potential faults.
Implementation Method 1
the overflow prevention device includes a float and a float trap seal
Implementation Method 2
an odor filter and an overflow prevention device
Data Source
AI summary
An accumulator assembly having a wastewater retention tank defining an interior chamber. A fluid level sensor is coupled to the waste retention tank and configured to sense a level of liquid in the chamber. An extraction pipe extends into the chamber and is coupled to an extraction valve. Coupled to the fluid sensor is a controller that is also coupled to the fluid level sensor and to the extraction valve. The controller is configured to open the extraction valve upon receipt of a signal from the sensor. The accumulator assembly also includes an odor mitigation subassembly in fluid communication with the chamber. The odor mitigation subassembly further includes an air displacement port, an odor filter and an overflow prevention device, the overflow prevention device being in fluid communication with the chamber and located downstream of the air displacement port and upstream of the filter.