Capillary Water Conveying Unit with Pressure-Resistant Sheathing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water conveyance systems for urban rainwater management face challenges in efficiently transporting water from lower levels to higher levels without the need for pumping technology, which is costly and requires significant maintenance, and are prone to water loss due to height differences and root penetration.
Innovation Solution
A vertical conveyor unit utilizing capillary material with a wetting effect, designed to overcome height differences of up to several meters, comprising a core and optional filling material, coated or uncoated, with features to prevent root penetration and water loss, connected to a water storage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pump technology is used to transport water from lower to higher levels, then water can be conveyed vertically, but installation effort and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a passive capillary action-based system. The capillary material autonomously transports water from the storage facility upward without mechanical intervention, eliminating complex installation requirements while maintaining reliable water conveyance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary material serves itself by utilizing its inherent capillary properties to draw water upward through the vertical conduit. This self-driven mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources, complex controls, and ongoing maintenance associated with pump systems.
2Ease of repair
If gravity pipes are used to transport rainwater to storage tanks, then water transport requires minimal maintenance, but a gradient must be maintained creating height loss
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using gravity to move water downhill to storage tanks and then requiring pumps to lift it back up, the invention inverts the approach by using capillary action to move water uphill directly from the storage tank to the distribution points, eliminating the need for gradient-based transport and subsequent pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary material acts as an intermediary between the water storage facility and the distribution points, enabling vertical water transport without requiring gradient-based gravity pipes or subsequent pumping infrastructure.
3Reliability
If vertical pumping is used to overcome height differences, then water can be delivered to upper levels, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical pumping systems with a passive capillary action mechanism that transports water vertically without energy input. The capillary material's inherent properties enable autonomous water transport, eliminating ongoing energy consumption while maintaining reliable delivery to upper levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary material performs the work of vertical water transport using its own capillary properties without requiring external energy sources. This self-service mechanism eliminates operational energy costs while ensuring consistent water delivery to elevated distribution points.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional water storage systems are used, then rainwater can be stored locally, but water loss occurs due to evaporation and root penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a root barrier membrane as a flexible shell that seals the water storage facility, preventing root penetration and associated water loss. This thin film barrier protects the stored water while allowing the system to maintain its storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention addresses the harmful effect of root penetration by implementing a root barrier membrane that converts the potential damage into a protected system. The barrier transforms the threat of root intrusion into an opportunity for controlled, loss-free water storage and distribution.
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
Enables efficient, long-term water transport from lower to higher levels without external pumping, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring water delivery for irrigation and evaporation, while minimizing water loss and root damage.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical conveying unit for water (2), which comprises a capillary material (5, 8) with a wetting capillary action and is arranged in use in such a way that it extends from a water-conducting, lower level upwards to a higher, upper level
Implementation Method 2
The upper end of the wetting material is connected to the distribution element in a water-absorbing manner
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
In a vertical conveying unit (4) for water (2), which has a capillary material with wetting capillary action and is arranged in use such that it extends upwards from a lower level containing water (2) to a higher, upper level, the invention proposes that the capillary material be pressure-resistant or have a pressure-resistant sheathing (7). Furthermore, the invention proposes a vertical conveying device (1) for water (2) with a water reservoir (3) and with such a conveying unit (4), as well as the use of a capillary material with wetting capillary action, which is pressure-resistant or has a pressure-resistant sheathing, in such a vertical conveying unit.