Self-Actuated Flushing Device with Integrated Odor Trap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for automatically flushing water pipes are complex to assemble and clean, and their siphon formations are not permanent, leading to inefficiencies in contamination prevention in unused buildings.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a valve unit and a drain housing unit with an integrated odor trap, where the odor trap is partially or fully integrated into the pipe socket, allowing for a compact design and easy cleaning, and the valve unit controls water flow between the inlet and outlet connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the odor trap is integrated into the pipe socket, then the overall size of the drain housing unit is minimized, but the complexity of assembly and cleaning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The odor trap is designed as a separate, removable component that can be detached from the pipe socket for cleaning purposes. This segmentation allows the odor trap to be integrated into the compact pipe socket structure while maintaining ease of maintenance through simple removal and reinstallation without disassembling the entire drain housing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe socket serves multiple functions: it provides the structural connection for drainage and simultaneously houses the odor trap component. This multi-functionality minimizes the overall size of the drain housing unit by eliminating the need for separate housing spaces for both the pipe socket and odor trap.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bell element is secured with a stop element against the housing upper part, then the bell element is firmly positioned and cannot be displaced, but the number of additional securing means increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is integrated directly into the bell element structure itself, merging the securing function with the bell element's existing form. This eliminates the need for separate securing mechanisms while maintaining firm positioning of the bell element within the pipe socket.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element acts as an intermediary between the bell element and the housing upper part, providing a simple contact interface that secures the bell element's position without requiring complex fastening mechanisms. The stop element translates the bell element's insertion motion into a stable positioned state.
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 effectively prevents contamination by ensuring a compact, easy-to-clean design that minimizes the overall size and facilitates efficient water discharge, while the integrated odor trap optimizes space usage and prevents odor penetration.
Implementation Method 1
The odor trap is provided by an inner pipe leading to the outlet of the pipe socket with a pipe inlet and a bell element. The bell element extends over the inner pipe and provides a passage gap between the inner pipe and the bell element as well as an entry lying at a lower point compared to the entry of the pipe in the installed position. Water is guided from the inlet through the passage gap to the pipe inlet. The water backs up in the passage gap, as a result of which the odor trap is provided.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flushing device (1) for the automatic flushing of water pipes comprises a valve unit (2) with an inlet nozzle (3) for connection to the water pipe, an outlet nozzle (4), a valve (5) arranged between the inlet nozzle (3) and the outlet nozzle (4), and a valve control (6), and a drain housing unit (7) connectable to the valve unit (2) with a trap (8), wherein the outlet nozzle (4) projects into the drain housing unit (7) and discharges the water into the drain housing unit (7). The drain housing unit (7) has an upper housing part (9) and a lower housing part (10), wherein the trap (8) is integrated into the upper housing part (9) and/or the lower housing part (10).