Drain Device Throttling Mechanism for Flow Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drain systems for liquids, such as rainwater or treated wastewater, face issues with flow rate regulation due to clogged pinhole diaphragms and high maintenance costs associated with electrically operated throttle fittings, leading to unreliable operation and potential blockages.
Innovation Solution
A drain device with a housing containing a throttle unit that features a throttle opening adjustable by a throttle element, where the liquid level defines the maximum outflow, ensuring a constant flow rate and preventing clogging, and is designed for low maintenance and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If orifice plates with small diameter holes are used for flow rate regulation, then flow rate control is achieved, but clogging occurs frequently leading to uncontrolled flow rate or blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static orifice plates with a dynamic throttling device that includes a movable throttling element (such as a needle valve or adjustable plug) within the throttling unit. This element can be adjusted to change the throttle opening size dynamically, allowing continuous flow rate control without the fixed aperture limitations of orifice plates. The movable component prevents clogging by maintaining a larger minimum opening compared to small-diameter orifice holes.
2Extent of automation
If electrically operated throttling valves or pumps with flow control are used, then automated flow rate regulation is achieved, but system complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating throttling mechanism where the throttling element automatically adjusts the flow rate based on the liquid level in the shaft. The liquid level itself acts as the control signal - when the liquid level rises, it directly pushes against the throttling element to reduce the throttle opening and maintain constant flow rate. This eliminates the need for external sensors, actuators, or control systems while achieving automatic flow regulation.
3Device complexity
If manual gate valves or static throttling devices are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but flow rate varies with pump discharge pressure reducing operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a natural feedback mechanism where the liquid level in the shaft serves as both the process variable and the control signal. The liquid level directly acts on the throttling element through hydrostatic pressure - as the liquid level increases, the pressure on the throttling element increases, automatically reducing the throttle opening. This creates a self-balancing system that maintains constant flow rate regardless of pump discharge pressure variations, achieving both simplicity and reliability.
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 system provides reliable and efficient liquid drainage with a constant maximum outflow rate, reduced maintenance costs, and prevents clogging, enhancing operational reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The housing has at least one return edge for liquid recirculation, which, during operation, defines a liquid level in the inlet and/or outlet area such that the flow rate of the liquid through the throttle opening is maximized
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drainage device (10), in particular for a lifting system and/or a pumping system and/or a water tank and/or a channel, with a housing (11) and at least one throttling unit (12) arranged in the housing (11), wherein the housing (11) has an inlet area (13) with an inlet (14) for receiving a liquid and an outlet area (15) with an outlet (16) for discharging the liquid, which are fluidically connected, and the throttling unit (12) comprises at least one throttling element (19) for adjusting a throttling opening (21) leading into the outlet (16), in particular a throttling gap, wherein the housing (11) has at least one return edge (29) for liquid return, which in operation defines a liquid level in the inlet and/or outlet area (13, 15) such that the discharge quantity of the liquid through the throttling opening (21) is maximized.