Connection Station Gutter with Inclined Ramp for Residue Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection stations for wastewater storage tanks in railway vehicles do not effectively prevent the stagnation of odorous residues, which can damage and deteriorate the vehicle's interior.
Innovation Solution
A connection station with a gutter featuring an inclined ramp that moves angularly between a lowered and raised position, allowing residues to be evacuated outside the vehicle, and includes a retention basin to collect and store any drips, ensuring the interior is protected from residue accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable collection basin is placed under the valve connection to collect drops, then the base of the valve is protected, but the odorous residues stagnate in the pool and give off unpleasant odor
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter is made movable between a lowered position (extending outward to receive drops) and a raised position (retracted into the vehicle). This dynamic positioning allows the system to alternate between collecting residues and emptying them, preventing stagnation while maintaining protection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter is positioned to extend outward before drops fall, proactively receiving and channeling residues away from the valve base. The preliminary positioning ensures drops are captured before they can cause damage or stagnate
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the gutter extends outward to receive drops, then residue collection is effective, but the gutter projects onto the path of movement of the hatch
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter's position is dynamically adjusted based on operational needs. It extends outward during drop reception and retracts when hatch movement is required, resolving the conflict between effective residue collection and ease of hatch operation
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter alternates between extended and retracted positions in periodic cycles. It extends to collect drops during normal operation, then retracts to allow hatch movement, creating a rhythmic operation that satisfies both requirements
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the gutter is made angularly movable between lowered and raised positions, then residue stagnation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single angularly movable gutter component replaces static collection basins, preventing residue stagnation through its ability to change position. This dynamic element achieves the anti-stagnation goal without requiring multiple separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The movable gutter performs multiple functions: it collects drops when extended, protects the valve base when retracted, and enables hatch movement when in the retracted position. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the added mobility feature
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 prevents residue stagnation, allowing for easy cleaning and ensuring the vehicle's interior remains protected from damage and odor issues, while ensuring valves are properly closed after operations.
Implementation Method 1
a ramp inclined downwards from the connector towards a free edge of the ramp, which free edge is open
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Connection station (10) comprising at least one pipe connector (18) and a residue collection gutter (30) extending at least partially to the connector (18), characterized in that the gutter (30) comprises a ramp (32) inclined downwards from the connector (18) to a free edge (43) of the ramp (32), which free edge (43) is open.