Gutter Downspout Debris Filter Cage Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gutter assemblies face challenges in debris accumulation, particularly in downspouts, which obstruct water flow and require cumbersome cleaning methods, as existing solutions do not effectively manage debris near the downspout openings.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a wire frame cage assembly with strategically positioned openings that fits around the downspout opening, allowing water to flow while preventing debris from entering, and is designed to maintain a predetermined spacing with the downspout to ensure continuous water flow even when debris collects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid barrier is placed at the downspout opening to prevent debris entry, then debris blocking is prevented, but water flow is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes a mesh screen with strategically positioned openings that act as a porous structure, allowing water to pass through while blocking debris. The openings are sized to permit liquid flow but prevent solid debris particles from entering the downspout, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing debris blocking and maintaining water flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage assembly is divided into multiple sections with strategically positioned openings on different surfaces. This segmentation allows water to flow through various paths (side openings, top openings, bottom openings) while debris is blocked by the mesh structure, maintaining both debris prevention and water flow productivity.
2Reliability
If the device is positioned close to the downspout opening to maximize filtering, then filtering efficiency is improved, but debris may still block the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where a mesh screen is positioned inside a wire frame cage assembly. The cage extends beyond the mesh screen to create a protective barrier that keeps debris at a distance from the downspout opening. This nested arrangement allows the mesh to provide close filtering while the outer cage prevents debris accumulation at the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire frame cage assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the mesh screen and the downspout opening. It maintains a predetermined spacing that prevents debris from reaching the opening while allowing water to flow through the mesh and cage openings, thus resolving the contradiction between filtering efficiency and preventing opening blocking.
3Reliability
If the cage assembly extends above the gutter channel to increase debris collection, then more debris is captured, but water flow into the device is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by having different surfaces with different characteristics: the top facing surface has openings to allow water entry, while the front facing surface has a diagonal engagement that channels water flow. This localized differentiation allows debris capture on the extended portion while maintaining water flow pathways in specific areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the vertical dimension by having the top facing surface not extend above the gutter channel top, creating a channel between the diagonal and vertical surfaces. This dimensional arrangement allows water to flow through the channel and into the device through side openings, capturing debris that would otherwise fall directly into the downspout while maintaining water flow.
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 filters debris from the downspout, ensuring unobstructed water flow and simplifying maintenance by allowing liquid to pass through while keeping debris at a distance, thus preventing clogging and facilitating easy cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The cage assembly defines one or more openings on at least each of the opposing side surfaces and the top surface thereof, the one or more openings sized to allow flowthrough of liquid into the device and inhibit flowthrough of debris into the device
Implementation Method 2
the bottom facing surface defines one or more openings to allow flowthrough of liquid from within the device into the proximal downspout
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a device for being placed proximal a gutter downspout of a gutter channel. The device includes a cage assembly defining a bottom facing surface that engages with a bottom of the gutter channel when installed within the channel, a rear facing surface that engages a rear surface of the gutter channel when installed within the channel, a top facing surface not in engagement with the gutter channel when installed within the channel, a front facing surface that defines a generally vertical surface that engages a front surface of the gutter channel and a generally diagonal surface that engages a correspondingly diagonal surface of the front portion of the gutter channel. The cage assembly defines one or more openings sized to allow flowthrough of liquid into the device and inhibit flowthrough of debris into the device.