Basket-Style Solids Interceptor With Removable Segmented Screen

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solids interceptors face issues with solids escaping through damaged screens, difficulty in accessing and emptying accumulated waste, and limited flexibility in handling varying wastewater volumes, leading to clogs and inefficiencies in drainage systems.

Innovation Solution

A solids interceptor design featuring a removable basket with a perforated screen and multiple outlets, allowing for easy access and emptying of solid waste, and adjustable outlet configuration to manage wastewater flow and volume effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vertical screen is placed within a tank to separate solids from wastewater, then solids can be trapped and liquid waste can flow through, but the screen becomes dislodged or damaged allowing solids to pass through to the disposal site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen integrityVSAvoidsolids passing through

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The screen is segmented into multiple sections that can independently flex or deflect when subjected to force, preventing complete dislodgment or damage while maintaining filtration capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screen is pre-reinforced with support structures or flexible elements that absorb and distribute mechanical stresses before they can cause dislodgment or damage, ensuring continued reliability under varying flow conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If solid waste collects and builds up within the tank, then solids are effectively separated from wastewater, but it becomes difficult to access and remove the solid waste because interceptors are often installed underground

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolids separation efficiencyVSAvoidaccess to solid waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The basket containing collected solids is extracted as a complete unit from the tank through a removable cover, allowing easy removal and emptying of accumulated waste without requiring specialized vacuum equipment or digging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The basket is designed with features such as handles or lifting mechanisms that are prepared in advance, enabling straightforward removal and emptying operations when maintenance is needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If only one outlet is provided near the top of the tank at the same elevation as the inlet, then the interceptor structure is simple, but a large volume of water is retained within the tank causing drainage system backup when large amounts of wastewater are flushed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutlet configurationVSAvoiddrainage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet system is segmented into multiple outlets at different elevations, allowing the tank to handle varying flow rates and volumes by providing multiple egress paths for wastewater

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet configuration allows dynamic adjustment of water retention volume based on flow conditions, with lower outlets enabling greater retention capacity during high-volume flushing events while maintaining adequate drainage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If only one outlet is provided, then the interceptor structure is simpler, but existing drain lines may need to be rerouted or reconfigured to couple with the fixed inlet and outlet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutlet configurationVSAvoiddrain line compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interceptor is designed with multiple outlets that can accommodate various drain line configurations and elevations, making it universally compatible with different drainage system architectures without requiring extensive rerouting or reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 separates solids from wastewater, reduces maintenance challenges, and enhances the flexibility of the drainage system by allowing for easy access and efficient handling of varying wastewater volumes, preventing clogs and optimizing waste disposal.

Implementation Method 1

a perforated screen extending between the upper frame member and the lower frame member... with the solid waste being collected in the basket and the liquid waste flowing out of the basket via the perforated screen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10786761B2Basket-style solids interceptor

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 STRIEM LLC

AI summary

An improved solids interceptor and methods of using the same. The solids interceptor includes a tank having an inlet and at least one outlet, and an access opening on an upper end of the tank. A perforated basket is removably received within the tank via the access opening. When the basket is installed within the tank, wastewater entering the tank via the inlet flows into the basket, with the solid waste being collected in the basket and the liquid waste flowing out of the basket via the perforated screen. The basket and tank include an interlocking flange assembly that automatically axially aligns a basket inlet with an inlet pipe simply by inserting the basket into the tank. The basket is removable from the tank to easily clean out and discard solid waste accumulated in the basket.