Contact Microphone Sewer Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In separated sewer systems, there is a frequent misconnection of discharge appliances to either the stormwater or wastewater sewer, leading to improper disposal of rainwater and wastewater, which is undesirable and requires a method to accurately determine the correct sewer system connection.
Innovation Solution
A method using a sound source and contact microphone to differentiate between the characteristic sounds of stormwater and wastewater sewer systems by detecting airborne vibrations through the pipe walls, allowing for accurate identification of the sewer system connection without disrupting the appliances or water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discharge appliances are connected to separated sewer systems, then storm water and waste water can be processed separately, but misconnection occurs leading to improper disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical inspection methods with acoustic detection. A microphone detects characteristic sounds (e.g., water flow, flushing) transmitted through the sewer system, and a processor analyzes these sounds to identify the sewer type. This acoustic field-based approach eliminates the need for disassembly or mechanical intervention while accurately determining connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sound waves as an intermediary to transmit information about the sewer system characteristics. The characteristic sounds generated within the sewer system (water flow, flushing events) serve as mediators that carry information about the sewer type to the detection device, enabling indirect identification without direct inspection.
2Measurement precision
If traditional inspection methods are used to verify sewer connections, then connection accuracy can be improved, but disassembly and disruption of appliances is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods (disassembly, physical access) with acoustic field-based detection. A microphone and signal processor detect and analyze sound waves transmitted through the sewer system, providing accurate identification without any mechanical intervention or disruption to the discharge appliances.
Solution Approach 2:
The sewer system itself generates the detection signals through its normal operation. Characteristic sounds from water flow, flushing, or pump operation serve as self-generated test signals that reveal the sewer system type, eliminating the need for external testing equipment or system shutdown.
3Ease of operation
If sound detection is used to identify sewer connections, then inspection simplicity is improved, but detection of weak sounds requires sensitive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vibrations in the pipe walls caused by sound waves traveling through the sewer system. A contact microphone detects these vibrations directly from the pipe wall, which amplifies the detection signal and enables identification of sewer type even when airborne sound levels are low, thereby maintaining both simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the pipe wall as an intermediary medium to transmit and amplify sound signals. The vibration of the pipe wall caused by sounds traveling through the sewer system serves as a mediator that converts weak airborne sounds into detectable mechanical vibrations, enhancing detection sensitivity without complicating the inspection process.
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 precise determination of sewer system connections without disassembly, ensuring proper waste management by distinguishing between the distinct sound profiles of stormwater and wastewater systems, thereby preventing pollution and unnecessary purification.
Implementation Method 1
the airborne sound in the sewer system can travel over large distances via the air present therein, while the airborne sound also causes a wall of the pipe or the discharge appliance connected thereto to vibrate
Implementation Method 2
the airborne sound also causes a wall of the pipe or the discharge appliance connected thereto to vibrate
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for checking whether a pipe filled at least partly with a gas, or a discharge appliance connected thereto, is connected to a first sewer system. The first sewer system carries a first airborne sound. The method comprises placing a contact microphone against, for example a wall of, the pipe or the discharge appliance, detecting with the aid of the contact microphone a sound in or at the pipe or the discharge appliance, and determining whether the detected sound is associated with the first sound.