Dual Gravity Drain Valve Core for Waterless Odor Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain systems, such as urinals, face challenges with odor containment and water usage, as traditional seals require frequent flushing and can be prone to odor leakage and maintenance issues, while waterless urinals with low-density sealants are costly and hazardous, and single-valve systems are susceptible to sticking and freezing.
Innovation Solution
A dual downwardly-sloping gravity flow valve system that remains closed unless fluid pressure exceeds a threshold, seated against downwardly-sloping valve seats to prevent backflow and odor escape, using flexible skirt valves with varying thicknesses to manage fluid flow and maintain a closed system without chemical sealants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional P-trap or S-trap seals are used to contain odors, then odor containment is improved, but frequent flushing is required which consumes large amounts of water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical water seal system (P-trap/S-trap) with a membrane-based mechanical barrier system. The membrane diaphragm creates a physical seal that blocks odor transmission without requiring water to maintain the seal, thereby eliminating the need for frequent flushing while maintaining odor containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the sealing mechanism from a water-based liquid seal to a flexible membrane material that can deform and seal mechanically. This parameter change allows the system to maintain odor containment without the continuous water consumption associated with traditional traps.
2Loss of substance
If waterless urinals with low-density sealant cartridges are used to minimize water usage, then water consumption is reduced, but the sealant becomes depleted and odors can permeate through, requiring periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane diaphragm system is designed to be self-maintaining and reusable. Unlike depletable chemical sealants, the membrane provides continuous odor barrier functionality without requiring periodic replacement, as long as it remains intact and properly positioned in the urinal assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent avoids using disposable chemical sealant cartridges by implementing a durable, reusable membrane diaphragm system. This eliminates the need for periodic replacement of sealant materials, reducing both operational costs and maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable odor containment.
3Device complexity
If a single duck bill valve is used in waterless urinals, then device complexity is reduced, but the valve is prone to sticking, freezing, and can become stuck open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single valve function into multiple membrane diaphragm components positioned at different locations in the urinal assembly. This segmentation provides redundancy, where if one membrane fails or becomes compromised, other membranes continue to provide odor containment and functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple membrane diaphragms provide a backup system that cushions against potential failures. If one membrane becomes stuck or fails, the remaining membranes continue to function, preventing total system failure and maintaining odor containment and operational reliability.
4Device complexity
If an umbrella valve is used in a urinal, then device complexity is reduced, but the system lacks a removable core which increases time and cost for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the membrane diaphragm system as a segmented, modular assembly where the membrane can be independently accessed and removed from the urinal body. This segmentation allows for easy removal, cleaning, and replacement of the membrane component without disassembling the entire urinal, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane diaphragm is designed as a separate, extractable component that can be removed from the urinal assembly for cleaning and replacement. This extraction capability allows maintenance personnel to quickly access and service the odor containment component without complex disassembly procedures.
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 solution eliminates the need for frequent flushing, reduces water consumption, and enhances odor containment and maintenance efficiency by using dual valves to prevent odor escape and backflow, while being resistant to freezing and debris, thus reducing costs and hazards in high-traffic areas.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible skirt valve comprising a generally flexible, elastic, resilient material
Implementation Method 2
each of which is configured to each be biased in a closed position... in which the fluid flows through the valve primarily as a result of the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a device for regulating a fluid flow are described that can include first and second downwardly-sloping valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the device. The device can also include first and second downwardly-sloping valve seats, and configured such that an end portion of the first valve can be seated beneath the first valve seat and an end portion of the second valve can be seated beneath the second valve seat when the first and second valves are in a closed position, respectively.