Grid Device with Folding Grate for Liquid Sediment Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning surfaces using containers filled with liquid often result in the water becoming dirtier due to particulate matter, requiring frequent water changes or continuous clean water supplies, which are resource-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A grid device with a grate featuring larger top openings than bottom openings, arranged in a plane with support dampeners and folding axes, is submerged in the liquid to facilitate the separation of particulate matter, keeping the liquid above cleaner by reducing currents and allowing sediment to settle at the bottom without agitation or continuous water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a container is filled with liquid for washing surfaces, then cleaning function is provided, but the liquid becomes polluted with particulate matter requiring frequent water changes
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid space is segmented into two zones by the grid device: a clean zone above the grid and a polluted zone below the grid where sediment accumulates. This segmentation allows the liquid to be reused longer while maintaining cleaning effectiveness in the upper zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid device acts as an intermediary structure between the clean liquid zone and the sediment accumulation zone. It facilitates the separation function by providing a physical barrier that allows liquid to pass through while retaining particulate matter, enabling continuous use of clean liquid without frequent changes.
2Reliability
If continuous clean water supply is used, then liquid purity is maintained, but water waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grid device enables the liquid system to self-maintain purity by automatically separating sediment from liquid. The structure allows clean liquid to remain above the grid while polluted liquid and sediment accumulate below, creating a self-regulating system that maintains liquid purity without external intervention or continuous water supply.
3Reliability
If water agitation is applied to settle particles, then sedimentation is accelerated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grid device extracts the sedimentation function from the liquid system by providing a physical structure that passively facilitates particle settling. Instead of using energy-consuming agitation, the grid creates a stable interface that allows gravity to naturally separate particulate matter from liquid without requiring external energy input.
4Ease of manufacture
If grid elements have uniform openings, then manufacturing is simplified, but flow control and sediment separation efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grid elements exhibit local quality variation with different opening sizes at different locations. The top openings are larger to facilitate liquid flow and washing operations, while the bottom openings are smaller to effectively retain sediment. This local differentiation optimizes both flow control and separation efficiency while remaining manufacturable.
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 grid device effectively maintains cleaner liquid above by directing sediment to the bottom, reducing the need for frequent water changes and continuous clean water supply, while minimizing energy consumption and water waste.
Implementation Method 1
the grid device facilitates transport of polluted liquid through the grid in one direction... allowing sediment to settle at the bottom
Implementation Method 2
One or more curved support dampeners are arranged on the bottom surface of the grate... reduces the current of liquid below and above the grid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filtering divider that helps create two regions of liquid cleanliness inside of a container. The liquid on top of the filtering divider will be cleaner than that below the filtering divider. This is achieved using a grate that is comprised of a plurality of grid elements. The filtering divider can optionally be arranged such that it may fold. In such a way, it can be placed in the bottom of a container and provide cavities for the storage of cleaning accessories.