Asymmetric Drain Trap with Rotatable Cleaning Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drainage systems face issues with build-ups in traps, which impede fluid flow due to ineffective cleaning solutions that often restrict flow or fail to efficiently remove solids, and may allow bacterial growth, leading to clogs and sewer gas issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features angularly arranged inlet and outlet piping with a self-cleaning design, a rotatable debris removal member, and optional fluid jet mechanism, along with antibacterial and hydrophobic coatings to enhance flow efficiency and prevent bacterial growth, allowing for transparent observation and efficient debris removal without restricting flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional trap with vertical inlet and outlet piping is used, then the trap structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fluid flow loses energy and cannot effectively carry solids, leading to build-up and clogs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the inlet leg at a first angle to the vertical axis and the outlet leg at a second angle to the vertical axis, where the angles are different from each other and from 90 degrees. This asymmetric angular configuration creates asymmetric flow patterns that maintain fluid energy throughout the trap, enabling effective solids transport while preventing build-up in the bight area.
2Reliability
If existing cleaning devices are installed in the trap, then debris removal capability is improved, but the device restricts full volume flow through the trap when not in use, causing drainage problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by providing a rotatable cleaning member that can be rotated to engage with buildup in the trap bight area. The cleaning member can be positioned in different orientations - when rotated to a first position it engages debris for removal, and when rotated to a second position it clears the flow path to allow full volume drainage. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between debris removal capability and unrestricted flow.
3Quantity of substance
If the trap bight area is enlarged to accommodate more solids, then solids carrying capacity is improved, but the enlarged area creates dead zones where flow energy is lost and build-up occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by configuring the bight area with a curved, rounded geometry rather than sharp angles or flat surfaces. This curved configuration promotes continuous fluid flow through the bight area, eliminating dead zones where energy would be lost. The spherical/curved shape ensures that solids are carried along the flow path without creating stagnant areas, maintaining both solids capacity and flow energy.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If transparent or translucent materials are used for the trap body, then user observation capability is improved, but the material selection and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by utilizing transparent or translucent materials for the trap body that may exhibit different optical properties. The material allows users to observe the trap interior condition, buildup accumulation, and flow status. The transparency provides visual detection capability without requiring additional sensors or complex monitoring systems, resolving the contradiction between observability and manufacturing complexity.
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 solution effectively maintains a clean flow passage, maximizes solids carrying ability, and prevents bacterial growth, ensuring efficient debris removal and flow efficiency while adhering to plumbing codes, reducing the likelihood of clogs and sewer gas issues.
Implementation Method 1
cause solids in the flow path turbulently to mix with the fluid so that solids may be removed efficiently
Implementation Method 2
an area of turbulence near the bottom of the trap is created that tends to 'float' or maintain the dispersion of the solids
Implementation Method 3
the application of a hydrophobic material which reduces the surface tension of the internal conduit which reduces the friction between the conduit wall and the fluid
Implementation Method 4
the application of an antibacterial material which will prevent the growing of bacteria in the trap area
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit cleaning method and apparatus for connection to a fluid inlet feed line and an outlet drain line utilizes a housing assembly having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a bight portion. The inlet and outlet portions have sloped leg sections which provide increased fluid flow through the bight to disperse accumulated debris. Rotatable shafts inside the housing accommodate paddles or jets to facilitate in retrieval or dispersal of obstruction.