Integrated Scum Board in Rotational Molding Clarifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional skimming methods in liquid treatment require additional parts and complex mounting processes, leading to increased work steps, potential defects, and design limitations due to the need for accessible mounting areas.

Innovation Solution

An integrated scum board is incorporated within a single-piece liquid container, eliminating the need for additional parts and simplifying the manufacturing process through methods like rotational molding or three-dimensional printing, ensuring the scum board is an integral part of the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a t-pipe or scum board is added to provide skimming function, then the skimming capability is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskimming capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scum board is merged with the container body to form a single integrated structure. The scum board is formed as an integral part of the container during the molding process, eliminating the need for separate scum board installation and reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the skimming function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If additional parts like t-pipe are installed, then the skimming function is enhanced, but the manufacturing process complexity and work steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskimming functionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The scum board and container body are manufactured as a single integrated component using the same molding process. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate installation steps, sealing operations, or welding processes, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring the skimming function is built-in.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional parts are mounted inside the container, then the skimming capability is improved, but the difficulty of mounting work and potential defects increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskimming capabilityVSAvoidmounting work difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The scum board is integrated into the container body during the molding process, eliminating the need for subsequent mounting operations. This integration removes the difficulty of performing mounting work inside the container and eliminates potential defects from sealing rings or welding, as the scum board becomes an inherent part of the container structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If additional parts are added to the container, then the skimming function is enhanced, but the design flexibility is limited due to accessible mounting area requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskimming functionVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The scum board is formed as an integral part of the container during the molding process, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations. This integration removes the constraint of accessible mounting areas, allowing designers to create containers with optimal shapes and configurations for skimming without being limited by where parts can be mounted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach reduces costs by eliminating additional work steps and potential defects, allowing for more flexible container design without the need for accessible mounting areas, resulting in a more reliable and cost-effective skimming solution.

Implementation Method 1

skimming, where the liquid to be treated is arranged to a skimming tank or container so that the floating matter, such as oil, fat, grease and other particles and matter lighter than the liquid rise and remain on the surface of the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3093053B1One-piece clarifiying tank
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 UPONOR INFRA OY
  • EP3093053B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3093053B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3093053B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An integrated scum board is disclosed. In liquid treatment skimming is used for removing light-weight floating matter from the liquid. The integrated scum board is provided inside a liquid container in a chamber so that the container and the integrated scum board are formed of a same piece. Thus, there is no need to install additional scum board inside the container. The container and scum board can be manufactures by rotational molding.