Aeration Diffuser Angled Manifold for Universal Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for aerating suspensions in treatment tanks require the production of two different pressurized-air manifolds to accommodate different orientations, making them time-consuming and costly to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A pressurized-air manifold with a second connecting socket axis angled between 30 to 60 degrees, allowing a single angled tube connecting piece to enable both parallel and perpendicular connections, combined with a modular housing design simplifying assembly and eliminating the need for specialized tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two different pressurized-air manifold variants are produced to accommodate different orientations, then both connection variants (parallel and perpendicular) are supported, but manufacturing time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection orientation compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressurized-air manifold is designed with a universal second connecting socket that can accommodate both parallel and perpendicular air feed line connections through a single standardized interface design, eliminating the need for separate manifold variants for different orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The second connecting socket is positioned at a specific angle (30-60 degrees relative to the longitudinal spars plane) to enable flexible connection orientations, allowing the same manifold structure to serve multiple connection configurations through geometric parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If connecting pieces are fastened from the interior of the housing through apertures using special tools, then gas-tight connections are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas-tight connectionVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a first housing section and a second housing section that can be separately assembled and then joined together, allowing connecting pieces to be attached to the first section from the exterior without requiring interior access or specialized fastening tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gas-tight connection is achieved through the joint between the two housing sections rather than through complex interior fastening of all connecting pieces, using the housing segmentation itself to provide the sealing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8944421B2Device for aerating a suspension held in a treatment tank

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 INVENT UMWELT & VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for aerating a suspension held in a treatment tank, in particular wastewater, activated sludge and the like, with a frame having longitudinal spars (1) and a compressed-air diffuser (3), the housing (G) of which has a multiplicity of first connecting pieces (4) for the connection of air diffuser lines (5) and a second connecting piece (6) for the connection of an air feed line, wherein the housing (G) is fastened to the frame such that first axes of the first connecting pieces (4) run approximately parallel to a plane containing the longitudinal spars (1). To simplify assembly, it is proposed that a second axis of the second connecting piece (6) forms an angle of 30 to 60° with the plane.