In-ground Flushing Device Movable Platform Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flushing devices for water distribution systems lack effective solutions for periodic flushing, especially in regions with freezing temperatures, which can lead to water stagnation and quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A flushing device with an enclosure, a movable platform, and a flushing valve system that includes a freeze control valve, U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipes, and a dechlorinator, allowing for controlled fluid routing and management, including operation under freezing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flushing device is installed in a fixed position within an enclosure, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot be easily accessed for maintenance and cannot adapt to different installation locations
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to be movable between a retracted position (flush with the enclosure surface) and a protruding position (extending beyond the enclosure). This dynamic positioning allows the flushing device to be easily accessed for maintenance when needed, while appearing integrated and simple when retracted, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing device is segmented into modular components: the enclosure, the movable platform, the flushing valve assembly, and the conduit system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall device while enabling the platform to be moved in and out of the enclosure for maintenance access.
2Ease of repair
If the platform is made movable to facilitate maintenance access, then ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform's ability to move between retracted and protruding positions provides direct access to the flushing valve and conduit connections for maintenance personnel. This dynamic feature simplifies repair operations without requiring disassembly of the entire enclosure, thereby improving ease of repair while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform can be extracted or removed from the enclosure entirely for maintenance, or at least the flushing valve assembly can be accessed by moving the platform out. This extraction capability allows maintenance personnel to work on the internal components without dismantling the enclosure structure, improving ease of repair while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If flushing operations are performed continuously, then water quality improvement is enhanced, but energy consumption and water waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing valve is controlled to operate periodically rather than continuously, opening and closing at predetermined intervals. This periodic flushing action is sufficient to maintain water quality by preventing stagnation and contaminant buildup, while significantly reducing energy consumption and water waste compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a controller that monitors flushing parameters and can adjust the flushing cycle based on detected conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that flushing operations are optimized to maintain water quality without excessive energy consumption or water waste, adjusting the periodic action based on actual system needs.
4Ease of operation
If the flushing valve is positioned inside the enclosure, then the structure is compact, but access for maintenance and operation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The platform moves the flushing valve assembly from a fixed internal position to a dynamic position that can be accessed from the exterior when protruding. This allows the valve to be operated and maintained from the outside without requiring the enclosure to be opened or enlarged, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining a compact enclosure volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform extends the flushing valve assembly from the two-dimensional plane of the enclosure surface into the third dimension (protruding outward). This dimensional change allows maintenance personnel to access and operate the valve from the exterior without increasing the enclosure's footprint or requiring internal access passages, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining compact dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A flushing device includes an enclosure having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining an interior of the enclosure and the outer surface defining an exterior of the enclosure, the inner surface and the outer surface further defining an access opening proximate an upper portion of the enclosure; a discharge conduit; a platform situated within the enclosure, the platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, the platform movable to proximate the access opening; and a U-shaped rigid fluid routing support pipe mounted to the platform and in fluid communication with the discharge conduit.