Systems, devices, and/or methods for managing condensate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional condensate management systems, such as P-traps, face challenges like freezing issues, evaporation leading to sludge buildup, and the need for extensive installation modifications due to pressure differentials, which affect their efficiency and reliability in preventing gas flow in HVAC systems.

Innovation Solution

A compact condensate management trap design that operates dry and accommodates varying pressure differentials without the need for standing water, using a float mechanism to control condensate flow and prevent gas escape, allowing for installation without modifying existing infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If P-traps are used for condensate management, then gas flow prevention is achieved, but freezing issues occur and installation modifications are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow preventionVSAvoidfreezing issues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameter from requiring standing water (P-trap) to operating dry with a float mechanism. This eliminates the freezing issue by removing the water that would freeze, while maintaining gas flow prevention through the float valve mechanism that seals when condensate is present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the water seal requirement from the condensate management system. By removing the need for standing water, the harmful freezing effect is eliminated while the essential gas flow prevention function is maintained through the float-controlled valve mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If P-traps are used for condensate management, then gas flow prevention is achieved, but extensive installation modifications are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow preventionVSAvoidinstallation modifications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The float-controlled valve mechanism is self-regulating and automatically responds to condensate presence without requiring external control systems or complex installation infrastructure. The device serves itself by using the weight of condensate to trigger the float, which then opens or closes the valve accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a water seal to prevent gas flow (P-trap), the patent inverts the approach by using a float-controlled valve that actively opens to allow condensate through and closes to prevent gas flow. This reverses the conventional wisdom of passive water seal to an active mechanical control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If float mechanism is used to operate dry, then installation complexity is reduced, but pressure differential management becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidpressure differential

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The float mechanism dynamically responds to changing pressure conditions and condensate flow rates. The valve automatically adjusts its position based on the balance between float weight, condensate pressure, and gas pressure differential, allowing the system to adapt to varying operating conditions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The float mechanism uses counterbalancing forces where the weight of the float and valve assembly counteracts the pressure differential forces. This mechanical balance allows the valve to remain closed against high gas pressure when no condensate is present, and open when condensate weight overcomes the pressure differential.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 solution effectively manages condensate flow while preventing gas leakage across a wide range of pressure differentials, eliminating the need for standing water and reducing installation complexities, thus enhancing system reliability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a float mechanism to control condensate flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

accommodates varying pressure differentials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11231203B1Systems, devices, and/or methods for managing condensate

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 DES CHAMPS NICHOLAS H

AI summary

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, and/or manufacture that is configured for operably releasing condensate received from a condensate-producing unit toward a drain without allowing a substantial quantity of gas to flow through the system, machine, device, and/or manufacture, those embodiments including a float and/or a housing.