Floating Plate and Extendable Pipe for Gravity Pulse Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid distribution systems for biofilters face challenges such as complex integration, high energy consumption, and significant hydraulic grade drops, which affect economic and aesthetic considerations, especially in on-site sanitation applications.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an elongated corrugated or extendable pipe with a floating plate that operates vertically on a low clearance height, controlling the frequency, volume, and flow rate of liquid discharge by extending and collapsing in response to liquid level changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a pump is used for liquid discharge, then the discharge power and flow rate are improved, but the energy consumption and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floating plate device operates autonomously using buoyancy forces generated by rising liquid levels. The plate rises with the liquid level, extending the corrugated pipe to discharge liquid at controlled intervals without requiring external power sources or energy input, thus achieving self-powered operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a passive buoyancy-based mechanism. The floating plate utilizes hydrostatic buoyancy forces to drive the extension and collapse of the corrugated pipe, substituting active mechanical pumping with passive hydraulic-mechanical action.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a tipping bucket gravity mechanism is used, then external energy input is eliminated, but the hydraulic grade drops significantly increasing system height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal liquid flow (tipping bucket mechanism) to vertical operation. The floating plate moves vertically with liquid level changes, and the corrugated pipe extends and collapses in the vertical dimension, enabling gravity dosing without significant hydraulic grade drop and maintaining compact system height.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional gravity dosing devices are used, then external energy is not required, but they require significant surface area and space to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts horizontal space-consuming mechanisms into vertical operations. The floating plate and corrugated pipe system operates in the vertical dimension, allowing gravity dosing to occur within a compact vertical footprint rather than requiring extensive horizontal surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugated pipe can be collapsed into a compact form when not in use, and the floating plate nests within the overall device structure. This nesting capability allows the device to occupy minimal space during operation and storage.
4Manufacturing precision
If rapid loading of perforated channels is used, then liquid distribution quality is improved, but the hydraulic grade drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating plate device delivers liquid in periodic pulses rather than continuous flow. The plate rises with liquid level, accumulates liquid volume, then suddenly collapses to discharge a controlled dose rapidly into the perforated channels, providing periodic rapid loading that improves distribution quality without sustained hydraulic grade drop.
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 device provides a compact, efficient, and cost-effective solution that improves liquid distribution quality and reduces the required surface area and height of the treatment system, enhancing the distribution and treatment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the floating plate is configured to float on the surface of liquid
Implementation Method 2
the elongated corrugated pipe is configured to extend when a level of liquid rises up to a maximum extension point
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to liquid distribution system. More specifically, the present application relates to a device for controlled discharge of liquid, comprising: an extendable pipe having a bottom end and a top end being extendable from a collapsed position to an extended position; a floating plate connected to the top end of the pipe and having an opening in fluid communication with the pipe and the bottom end for receiving and for discharging said liquid, the floating plate being configured to float on the surface of the liquid, and the extendable pipe is configured to extend to the extended position when an increasing level of liquid forces the plate to rise up until the extended position is reached; wherein at said extended position, the floating plate is configured to fill with liquid and collapse to reach the collapsed position whereat the liquid flows inside the pipe and through the bottom end for discharging the liquid.