Anti-Rat Sewer Flap With Angled Projections for Backflow Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewer check valves are ineffective in preventing rat entry and backflow of sewage water, as they can be damaged by rodents and complicate camera inspections, and dedicated anti-rat valves are complex and costly to install.
Innovation Solution
A new anti-rat check valve design featuring a metallized sheet or band with angled sharp projections attached to the flap member, which prevents rodents from gnawing and biting, combined with a design that allows easy installation and retrofitting, and does not damage camera wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a regular sewer check valve with a plastic flap is used, then it prevents backflow of sewage water, but it can be destroyed by rats gnawing through the plastic material
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a plastic flap member with a metal anti-rat barrier element. The plastic provides sealing functionality while the metal mesh or barrier provides gnawing resistance, creating a composite solution that addresses both backflow prevention and rodent protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a metal mesh or barrier as an intermediary element between the plastic flap and the rats. This intermediary layer specifically addresses the gnawing problem while allowing the plastic flap to maintain its sealing function, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements.
2Reliability
If dedicated anti-rat valves with complex installation requirements are used, then they prevent rat entry, but they require removal of concrete floor and complicate installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal anti-rat valve assembly that can be adapted to existing sewer check valve installations without requiring specialized installation procedures. The design allows integration with standard valve bodies and maintains compatibility with existing piping systems, eliminating the need for concrete floor removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the anti-rat protection function into a separate, modular assembly that can be independently installed or replaced. This segmentation allows the anti-rat barrier to be fitted into existing valve bodies without requiring complete system replacement or complex construction work.
3Reliability
If check valve flaps with sharp lower edges are used, then they may prevent rat entry, but they jam camera wires during pipe inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the anti-rat barrier function locally through a mesh or barrier element positioned at the critical interface with rats, while maintaining smooth edges on the overall flap structure. This localized application of protection preserves camera wire compatibility while maintaining rat deterrence at the specific location where it is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of sharp edges (which could damage camera wires) into a beneficial smooth-edged design that accommodates camera inspections. The anti-rat function is achieved not through sharp edges but through the metal mesh barrier, which provides protection without the harmful side effects.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple plastic flap is used, then it allows easy installation, but it provides insufficient protection against rat gnawing over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite structure combining plastic and metal materials, where the plastic portion maintains ease of installation and sealing functionality, while the metal mesh or barrier portion provides long-term durability against rat gnawing. This composite approach preserves the installation advantages of simple plastic flaps while adding the durability of metal protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-rat flap member for sewer/draining pipe check is removably attached to the valve body. The valve body defines an interior volume therein which is preferably substantially open and unobstructed (except for the flap member). The flap member acts both as a seal to prevent the back-flow of sewage/drainage water and is normally in a closed position to prevent the passage of rats. The flap member comprises a row of sharp projections attached by known means (such as integrally molded, glued, rivetted or screwed) to the outermost side of the flap member facing the downstream section of the valve. The projections must be at an angle to the surface of the sheet, preferably at an angle which will prevent the rodent from gnawing and biting or even lifting the flap member with their mouth.