Downpipe Reservoir Insert With Valve for Space-Saving Rainwater Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rainwater downpipes face challenges in efficiently storing and accessing rainwater due to space constraints, maintenance issues, and the need for complex piping arrangements, while existing designs fail to provide an aesthetically pleasing and simple solution for integrating rainwater reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A retrofitable insert for rainwater downpipes that includes a rainwater reservoir with a valve element and biasing mechanism, allowing automatic storage and drainage based on water weight, with a side access opening for harvesting rainwater without additional containers or complex piping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If external reservoirs are used to store rainwater, then rainwater storage capacity is improved, but space constraints and aesthetic concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rainwater reservoir is nested within the downpipe structure itself, with the reservoir forming an integral part of the downpipe assembly. The valve element is disposed within the reservoir, and the biasing element is coupled between the valve element and the reservoir wall, creating a compact nested arrangement that eliminates external storage space requirements while maintaining adequate rainwater storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the rainwater storage function with the downpipe structure by integrating the reservoir directly into the downpipe. The outlet opening of the reservoir is fluidly coupled to the downpipe, combining water collection, storage, and discharge functions in a single integrated assembly that eliminates the need for separate external reservoirs
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex piping arrangements are used to access rainwater, then rainwater access flexibility is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rainwater access function from complex piping arrangements and provides direct access through the side opening of the reservoir. The side opening allows direct connection to hoses or pipes without requiring complex internal piping, manifolds, or multiple valves, thereby maintaining access flexibility while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The side opening of the reservoir serves multiple functions: it allows for direct rainwater extraction for various applications, provides access for maintenance of the valve element, and enables flexible connection to different types of hoses or pipes. This universal access point eliminates the need for multiple specialized openings or complex piping arrangements
3Ease of manufacture
If valve elements are not disposed within the reservoir, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but maintenance accessibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is nested within the reservoir in a compact arrangement that maintains both manufacturing simplicity and maintenance accessibility. The biasing element is coupled between the valve element and the reservoir wall, creating a self-contained unit that can be manufactured as an integrated assembly while allowing the valve element to be accessed through the side opening for maintenance purposes
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 insert provides efficient rainwater storage and access, requiring minimal maintenance, and eliminates the need for external storage space, while maintaining a sleek design and allowing versatile use for general and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing element is coupled with the valve element on one end and any one of the side surface or the bottom surface on the other end. The biasing element biases the valve element in the first position. The biasing element is adapted to allow the valve element to move to the second position after a weight of the rainwater stored in the rainwater reservoir crosses a threshold weight.
Data Source
AI summary
An insert (400) for a rainwater downpipe (300) is fluidly coupled between a first section (310) and a second section (320) of the rainwater downpipe (300). A rainwater reservoir (500) is defined within the insert (400) to store the rainwater received from the first section (310) therein. The rainwater reservoir (500) includes a side surface (510), a bottom surface (520) and an outlet opening (522) fluidly coupled to the second section (320). A valve element (530) is disposed within the rainwater reservoir (500) to allow or deny the passage of the stored rainwater in the rainwater reservoir (500) through the outlet opening (522). The insert (400) is characterized in that the side surface (510) of the rainwater reservoir (500) further defines a rainwater harvesting opening (549) adapted to allow access to the rainwater stored in the rainwater reservoir (500).