Downspout Drain Filter with Flexible Collar and Self-Cleaning Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rain gutter systems face issues with debris clogging, leading to water overflow and erosion during heavy rain, and existing solutions either require manual maintenance or complicate installation, failing to effectively filter debris before it enters underground drainage systems.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning downspout drain filter with a flexible collapsible structure and angled filter design that directs debris out of the flow path while allowing water to pass, easily attachable to downspouts and liquid carrying elements, featuring a removable filter and adjustable collar for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid gutter cover is used to prevent debris entry, then debris clogging is reduced, but water flow capacity is insufficient during heavy rain
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter cover is segmented into multiple sections with individual funnels and filters, allowing water to flow through multiple paths simultaneously while debris is captured in each section, thus maintaining high water flow capacity while preventing clogging
Solution Approach 2:
A filter mesh is introduced as an intermediary element between the water flow and the gutter interior, allowing water to pass through while intercepting debris, thus resolving the contradiction between water flow capacity and debris prevention
2Reliability
If a filter is added to trap debris, then debris removal is improved, but manual maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is designed to be self-cleaning through water flow that flushes accumulated debris into collection chambers, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and maintenance while maintaining effective debris removal
3Ease of manufacture
If existing connectors are used to attach to downspouts, then installation is simple, but debris filtering capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The connector and filter system are merged into a single integrated unit that combines the attachment function with debris filtering, allowing simple installation while providing effective debris capture before water enters the downspout
4Ease of operation
If a fixed angle elbow connector is used, then water diversion direction is controlled, but adaptability to different installations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elbow connector is made adjustable with movable sections that can be positioned at different angles, allowing the system to adapt to various installation configurations while maintaining controlled water diversion direction
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 filter efficiently removes debris from the rainwater flow, preventing clogging and erosion, while being easy to install and maintain, ensuring effective water diversion away from structures without damaging downstream systems.
Implementation Method 1
The gutter covers use the capillary effect to direct the water into a rain channel which then directs the water into the gutter
Data Source
AI summary
Included in this disclosure is a downspout drain filter for rain gutter downspouts. The downspout drain filer comprises elongated housing having an axis, a top portion, and a bottom portion. A transition portion connects the top portion to the bottom portion. The top portion includes an intake opening, a top portion perimeter, a debris opening, a filter attachment location, and a downspout attachment location. The downspout attachment location includes a flexible collar that defines a downspout attachment location perimeter that is less than the top portion perimeter. The bottom portion includes a flexible collapsible body that extends from the transition portion. A connection end is positioned opposite the transition portion as a part of the bottom portion. A filter is positioned in the top portion to direct debris out the debris opening and to permit liquid to pass to the bottom portion.