Floating Dewatering Pump Support with Debris Strainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dewatering pumps fail prematurely due to debris entry, especially in muddy water environments, and often require operators to enter the water, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A dewatering pump support apparatus with a main housing and strainer assembly that floats the pump, featuring flotation members and apertures to prevent debris entry, and an air vent to maintain proper water flow, allowing the pump to operate while keeping the operator safe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the dewatering pump is placed directly in the water to be removed, then the pump can effectively remove water, but debris enters the pump causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into a pump unit and a floating housing unit. The floating housing contains a strainer assembly with multiple strainers that filter debris from the water before it reaches the pump, while the pump itself remains elevated above the water surface on the floating structure, separating the water intake function from the pumping function.
Solution Approach 2:
A floating housing structure acts as an intermediary between the water source and the pump. This housing contains strainer assemblies that mediate the water flow, filtering out debris before water enters the pump, and elevating the pump above direct water contact to prevent debris entry while maintaining water removal capability.
2Productivity
If the pump is placed near the water source for effective water removal, then water can be removed efficiently, but operators must potentially enter the water which presents safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The floating housing utilizes buoyancy (an upward counteracting force) to support the pump assembly above the water surface. This allows the pump to remain positioned for effective water removal while operators can access and monitor the equipment from dry land, eliminating the need for operators to enter the water.
3Reliability
If the pump is elevated on a floating structure to prevent debris entry, then debris is inhibited from entering the pump, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides buoyancy to elevate the pump, contains the strainer assemblies for debris filtration, supports the pump mounting structure, and creates a protected chamber for the pump mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 apparatus effectively prevents debris from entering the pump, reducing failure rates and ensuring safer operation by keeping the pump floating and debris-free, thus extending its lifespan and enhancing operator safety.
Implementation Method 1
the main housing includes flotation members circumferentially secured thereto proximate the opening of the main housing
Data Source
AI summary
A dewatering pump support apparatus configured to buoyantly suspend a dewatering pump in a body of water in which all or some is desired to be removed. The dewatering pump support apparatus includes a main housing having at least one wall and a bottom configured to form an interior volume having an opening thereto. The main housing includes an upper perimeter edge wherein the upper perimeter edge includes flotation members secured thereto. The flotation members are circumferentially disposed around the main housing and provide buoyancy for the dewatering pump support apparatus. A strainer assembly is integrally secured to the main housing. The strainer assembly extends outward from the housing and includes a plurality of walls having a multitude of apertures formed therein. The strainer assembly further includes a flotation member and additionally can be configured with a slot allowing air into the strainer assembly.