Lead-Free Water Delivery Manifold with Segmented Outlet Branches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Field operations in remote and harsh environments face challenges in providing reliable access to clean water for various amenities like kitchen, bathing, laundry, and restroom facilities, as existing solutions lack a robust and portable system for delivering potable water.

Innovation Solution

A portable water delivery apparatus with a lead-free water system supported by a chassis, featuring an electrically powered centrifugal pump, hydraulic accumulator, and a segmented manifold for leak-proof water conveyance, designed for handling and delivering potable water, with secure handling and tie-down features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a portable water delivery apparatus is deployed in remote field operations, then water supply reliability is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater supply reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water system is divided into separate functional modules including a pump assembly, accumulator tank, manifold with multiple outlets, and filtration components. Each module can be independently maintained or replaced, managing system complexity while ensuring reliable water delivery to multiple facilities simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The water delivery apparatus is designed as a multi-functional system that can simultaneously supply water to kitchen facilities, bathing facilities, laundry facilities, and restroom facilities through a single integrated unit with multiple outlets and configurable flow distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If lead-free materials are used in the water system, then water safety for human consumption is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater safetyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The water system employs composite construction using lead-free brass fittings, stainless steel components, and certified plastic materials in combination to achieve lead-free status while maintaining structural integrity and managing manufacturing costs through material optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If a segmented manifold with multiple outlets is implemented, then water distribution versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater distribution versatilityVSAvoidmanifold complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is segmented into multiple independent outlet branches, each capable of being independently controlled or maintained. This segmentation allows versatile water distribution to multiple facilities while managing complexity through modular design and independent functionality of each branch

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 apparatus ensures a reliable and secure supply of clean water to field operations, meeting safety standards for human consumption and facilitating efficient operation and maintenance in remote settings.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically powered centrifugal pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic accumulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Accumulator

Data Source

PatentUS9982417B1Water delivery apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.05.29 HUMBLE ERIK L
  • US9982417B1 patent drawing
  • US9982417B1 patent drawing
  • US9982417B1 patent drawing

AI summary

In one representative example, a water delivery apparatus includes a chassis and a water system supported on the chassis. The water system is substantially lead-free and adapted for use with potable water. The system includes a manifold adapted to convey and/or contain water in a substantially leak- proof manner. The manifold extends between an intake connection and a distal terminus valve. The system also includes first, second and third outlet legs and a pump adapted to induce water flow within the manifold principally from the intake connection to one or more of the outlet legs. The system also includes a pressure switch, an accumulator tank and a cycle to stop valve, all of which are operatively connected to the manifold.