Clarifier Tank Cover System with Hinged Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clarifier tank systems with double trough configurations face challenges in effectively blocking sunlight and facilitating cleaning due to non-uniform trough shapes and the need for adaptable covers that can accommodate varying trough widths.

Innovation Solution

A modified cover system with adjustable, openable panels and mounting brackets that extend over the effluent trough from the dividing wall to the inboard wall, allowing for easy installation and cleaning, and featuring optional baffles and restraints for complete exposure of the weir and spillway for thorough maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed cover is used over the effluent trough, then light blocking is effective, but cleaning access is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight blockingVSAvoidcleaning access

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into multiple hinged panels that can be independently opened and closed. This segmentation allows operators to open only the specific panel needed for cleaning access while keeping other panels closed to maintain light blocking, thus resolving the contradiction between effective light blocking and cleaning accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a custom-shaped cover is made to fit non-uniform troughs, then light blocking is effective, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight blockingVSAvoidcover fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cover system uses multiple standardized panels that can be configured to fit various trough shapes. Instead of manufacturing custom-shaped covers for each non-uniform trough, the segmented panel design allows flexible adaptation to different geometries using standard components, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective light blocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinged panel mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the cover system to adjust to different trough configurations and cleaning requirements. This dynamic design enables a single standardized cover system to serve multiple non-uniform trough shapes, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing for each variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover extends fully over the trough, then light blocking is maximized, but maintenance access requires complete removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight blockingVSAvoidcover system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into hinged panels that can be opened independently. This allows maintenance access to specific areas of the trough without requiring complete removal of the cover system. The segmented design maintains full light blocking when closed while providing localized access during maintenance, reducing the operational complexity compared to complete removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7591381B2Cover system and method for making the same for use with a twin channel clarifier tank

Publication Date: 2009.09.22 NORTH AMERICAN FILTRATION ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

A cover system for a clarifier tank having a combined effluent and influent trough separated by a dividing wall. The cover system includes a mounting bracket attached to an inboard wall of the influent trough and at least one openable cover panel attached to the mounting bracket. An opposite support bracket is located on the dividing wall between the influent and the effluent troughs, where the cover panel covers the effluent channel and is openable for cleaning of the effluent channel.