Rainwater Diverter with Bypass Flow Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rainwater diverters for gutter systems often clog with debris, reduce the effective flow area, fail to redirect water back through the downspout when the collection device is full, and are difficult to clean, and may require moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A rainwater diverter apparatus with a removable insert that captures rainwater in a containment area, filters it through apertures, and includes a bypass flow area equal to or greater than the downspout's cross-sectional area, allowing unimpeded flow when the insert is removed, and features a self-flushing mechanism to minimize debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rainwater diverter structure is installed in the downspout, then rainwater can be diverted to a collection device, but the effective flow area through the downspout is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The downspout is segmented into three distinct portions: a top portion, a central portion containing the diverter, and a bottom portion. This segmentation allows the diverter to occupy only the central portion while maintaining full flow capacity in the top and bottom portions, thereby resolving the contradiction between diversion capability and flow area.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter utilizes the radial dimension of the downspout by extending arms around the interior circumference, rather than blocking the axial flow path. This dimensional approach allows water diversion to the collection device while preserving the full cross-sectional flow area for water passing through the diverter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diverter structure is installed to capture rainwater, then rainwater can be diverted to collection device, but debris accumulation causes clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical moving parts with a static diverter structure that uses fluid dynamics and gravity for operation. The overflow mechanism passively redirects water back through the downspout when the collection device is full, eliminating the need for moving parts that could fail or require maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter system is self-cleaning through its design: water flowing through the apertures in the diverter arms naturally flushes debris, and the overflow mechanism prevents stagnant water accumulation that would promote debris buildup, maintaining reliability without external intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a containment device is used to capture rainwater, then rainwater can be diverted, but the device becomes difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter is segmented into multiple removable arms that can be individually accessed and cleaned. Each arm contains apertures that can be flushed individually, and the modular design allows easy disassembly for thorough cleaning without requiring disassembly of the entire downspout system.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous flow of rainwater through the apertures in the diverter arms provides automatic self-cleaning, flushing debris through the system. The overflow mechanism also prevents stagnant water from accumulating in hard-to-reach areas, reducing maintenance requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If moving parts are used in the diverter mechanism, then the diverter can redirect water dynamically, but the reliability of the diverter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces all moving parts with a static diverter structure. The diversion function is achieved through fixed geometric features and fluid dynamics rather than mechanical movement. The overflow mechanism uses passive hydraulic principles to redirect water when the collection device is full, eliminating moving parts that could fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The static design with no moving parts eliminates wear, friction, and mechanical failure modes. The system self-regulates water flow through its geometric design, automatically directing water to the collection device during normal operation and redirecting overflow back through the downspout when full, maintaining reliability without mechanical components.
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 apparatus effectively diverts and filters rainwater without reducing the downspout's flow area, redirects water back through the downspout when the collection device is full, and is easy to clean, with a self-flushing feature that minimizes maintenance and prevents ice buildup in cold climates.
Implementation Method 1
The upper portion of the diverter has apertures configured to permit passage of rainwater from the top portion to the containment
Implementation Method 2
the bypass flow area has a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to or greater than a cross sectional area of the top and bottom portions
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for diverting rainwater includes a body having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a central portion. A diverter is disposed within the central portion, and has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion of the diverter, together with one or more walls of the body, defines a containment configured to capture rainwater that enters through the top portion. An opening in at least one of the walls of the body is configured to divert rainwater from the containment. The body also includes a bypass flow area extending through the central portion adjacent to, and separate from, the containment, where the bypass flow area has a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to or greater than a cross sectional area of the top and bottom portions.