Automatic Drain Discharge Apparatus with Curved Case Bottom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic drain discharge apparatuses fail to rapidly and reliably discharge foreign substances, such as dust and rust, which can cause operational issues by stagnating at the bottom of the case, leading to problems during the discharge process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a case with a gradually decreasing inner diameter from top to bottom, a drain housing with a communication hole and an inclined surface, and a poppet type drain valve plug that opens/closes from below, preventing foreign substances from getting stuck and allowing for efficient discharge. Additionally, a second housing with a cylindrical guide and a flange part on the float increases the volume of drain that can be stored and discharged, facilitating the removal of foreign substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the upper end of the housing is positioned above the bottom of the case, then the drain valve plug can be properly positioned, but foreign substances are retained (stagnant) at the bottom of the case
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom of the case is designed with a curved surface that continuously slopes downward toward the drain discharge hole, eliminating flat areas where foreign substances could stagnate. This curved geometry ensures all materials flow toward the discharge point during drain operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication hole is positioned to extend vertically below the lowermost position of the inner circumferential surface, creating a three-dimensional discharge pathway that reaches deeper into the case bottom, allowing foreign substances to be discharged from an additional spatial dimension.
2Ease of operation
If a spool type drain valve plug is used, then the valve can be positioned higher, but foreign substances can enter and cause problems in the sliding parts
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the drain valve plug sliding horizontally as in conventional designs, this invention inverts the mechanism to use vertical motion of a float to actuate the valve through a pilot pressure system, eliminating the horizontal sliding action that allows foreign substance contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
A pilot pressure system is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the float and the drain valve plug. The float's vertical movement controls pilot pressure, which in turn actuates the drain valve plug, eliminating direct mechanical contact and sliding between components that could be contaminated by foreign substances.
3Ease of manufacture
If the case has a uniform inner diameter, then manufacturing is simpler, but foreign substances stagnate at the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The case is designed with non-uniform inner diameter, specifically with the bottom portion having a smaller diameter than the upper portions. This local variation in geometry creates a tapered configuration that directs all materials toward the drain discharge hole, preventing stagnation in the bottom region while maintaining adequate volume in the upper storage area.
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 design ensures reliable and rapid discharge of foreign substances, preventing stagnation and ensuring stable long-term operation by eliminating issues related to foreign substances and increasing the quantity of drain discharged per operation.
Implementation Method 1
a float (132) movable vertically in accordance with a liquid level of drain (11) in the case (24)
Implementation Method 2
a pilot valve (142) configured to apply pilot pressure to a diaphragm (70) by vertical movement of the float (132) in order to drive the drain valve plug (126)
Implementation Method 3
The bottom surface of the communication hole includes an inclined surface inclined toward the drain discharge hole (66)
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic drain discharge utilizing a vertically movable float to activate a diaphragm of a pilot valve to drive a drain plug. The inner diameter at the bottom of a case is gradually decreased from upper to lower positions. A bottom surface of a communication hole of a drain housing provided in an opening of the case has an inclined surface inclined toward a drain discharge hole. An outer marginal portion which is positioned at the uppermost position in the bottom surface of the communication hole is in the same plane as or lower than a marginal portion which is positioned at the lowermost position in an inner circumferential surface of the case and adjacent to the opening.