Automated Inline Drain Jetting Nozzle with Bias Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Businesses such as restaurants and coffee shops frequently experience clogged drains, leading to operational disruptions and high plumbing costs due to the lack of effective preventative systems for clearing debris from wastewater systems.
Innovation Solution
An automated inline jetting system that includes a body with a nozzle and bias spring, configured to extend into drain lines and expel fluid to clear debris, integrated with a control system to activate jets at predetermined times, ensuring regular cleaning and prevention of clogs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a portable jetting system is used by a plumber to clear clogs, then the clog is removed and the drain is cleared, but the business incurs high plumbing costs and operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The automated jetting system performs preliminary cleaning actions by scheduling regular drain cleaning operations during non-peak hours or continuously, preventing clogs before they cause operational disruptions. The system proactively removes debris accumulation before it reaches clog-causing levels, eliminating the need for reactive plumber interventions and business shutdowns.
2Reliability
If a plumber is called to clear clogged drains, then the clog is removed, but the business experiences frequent operational disruptions and high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The automated jetting system enables the drainage system to self-maintain by automatically scheduling and executing cleaning operations without external intervention. The system monitors drain conditions and performs self-cleaning when needed, eliminating dependence on external plumbers and preventing productivity losses from service calls.
3Reliability
If regular manual cleaning is performed to prevent clogs, then debris is removed from drain lines, but the system requires human intervention and is not practical for continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated mechanical jetting system. Instead of requiring human operators to physically clean drains, the system uses automated pumps, nozzles, and control mechanisms to deliver high-pressure water jets that clean drain lines autonomously, making continuous operation practical and eliminating human intervention requirements.
4Reliability
If an automated jetting system is installed to prevent clogs, then debris is regularly cleared from drain lines, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated jetting system is designed to serve multiple functions within a single integrated unit: it includes debris detection capabilities, automated jetting mechanisms, scheduling functions, and self-diagnosis features. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one unified device, managing complexity while maintaining comprehensive clog prevention capabilities.
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 system significantly reduces the likelihood of clogs by regularly clearing debris from drain lines, minimizing downtime and plumbing expenses, and allowing businesses to maintain operations without relying on frequent plumber visits.
Implementation Method 1
a bias spring configured to retain the nozzle body in a retracted position, the nozzle body configured to extend into the drain line when the nozzle body is pressurized
Implementation Method 2
the nozzle body including a nozzle configured to expel fluid in a direction of flow of the drain line
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for clearing drain lines are provided. For example, a drain jetting system for clearing a wastewater drain system of debris is provided, which includes: a drain line jet mounted in fluid communication with a drain line of the wastewater drain system to selectively discharge a flow of water into the drain line; a control valve associated with the drain line jet for controlling the supply of water to the drain line jet; and a system controller in electrical communication with the control valve to activate the control valve for a predetermined period of time to supply water to the drain line jet to be discharged from the drain line jet into the drain line.