Low-Profile Deck Flushing Device with Ramped Inlet and Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning enclosed outdoor floor surfaces, such as decks, are inefficient due to the need to manually direct water and debris through a single doorway, which is often far from the cleaning area and does not account for the unique challenges of deck flushing, including fine particle debris and pet access requirements.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing, low-profile device that can be attached to the walls of a screened structure to route, capture, and expel water and debris, featuring a rectangular opening with clamping and securing mechanisms, metal rims for cutting the screen, and a ramped inlet to direct debris away from the doorway, along with a rotating wheel assembly and vanes to prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water and debris are directed through a single doorway located 35-70 feet from the furthest floor space, then the existing door structure can be used for access and egress, but the cleaning process becomes extremely time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single doorway function into separate components: a dedicated low-profile debris exit at floor level and a separate access door for personnel. This segmentation allows water and debris to be expelled efficiently at the location where they accumulate, while maintaining separate access pathways, thereby dramatically reducing cleaning time without compromising security or access control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a vertical door opening to a horizontal low-profile exit at floor level. This dimensional change allows the debris to be expelled in the direction of water flow rather than requiring manual transport to a distant vertical door, significantly improving cleaning efficiency while maintaining the original door for access purposes
2Ease of operation
If a low-profile debris exit is installed at floor level independent of door location, then water can be expelled at high velocity directly from the flushing area, but the device must be securely attached to the screen structure without causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is designed to secure the debris exit to the screen structure before water and debris flow begins. The clamps are positioned to grip the structural elements of the screen frame, distributing forces to prevent damage during high-velocity expulsion operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces clamps as intermediary elements between the debris exit and the screen structure. These clamps serve as mediators that transfer and distribute the forces generated during water expulsion, protecting the screen material from direct harmful forces while maintaining secure attachment
3Productivity
If the device is designed to channel water and debris at high velocity, then cleaning efficiency improves, but the force exerted on the screen structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is installed and secured before the high-velocity water expulsion begins. This preliminary securing ensures that the device is firmly attached to the screen structure, capable of withstanding the forces that will be generated during operation without causing damage
4Reliability
If a self-closing mechanism is implemented to prevent debris entry, then the enclosure remains secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-closing mechanism utilizes the weight of the debris exit door itself, combined with the directional force of water flow, to automatically close the opening after debris expulsion. This passive mechanism prevents debris entry while maintaining enclosure security without requiring complex active closing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The debris exit door is designed to close automatically using the existing water flow and gravity, without requiring external power sources, motors, or complex control systems. The system serves itself by using the operational forces already present in the environment to maintain its closed state when not in use
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
This solution significantly reduces the time and effort required for cleaning by efficiently routing water and debris away from the doorway, improving cleanliness and hygiene while minimizing damage to the screen and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating wheel assembly and vanes to prevent backflow
Data Source
AI summary
This device is presented as a bulkhead doorway attached to a wall structure, such as a sunroom or an enclosed pool; this device connects the interior space to the outside; and with this device a user can completely clean, rinse and clear the floor surface of the enclosure.