Low Profile Water Emitter With Ribbed Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain pipe and down spout attachment designs fail to adequately disperse water without interfering with maintenance and lack structural integrity, leading to erosion and requiring manual repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile attachment with a reinforced transitional section and ribbed inlet end for secure engagement, featuring a wider outlet end that reduces erosion and allows for easy maintenance, with a reinforcement member to maintain structural integrity and facilitate smooth water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If prior art water dispersing apparatus are used to direct water flowing from pipes and down spouts, then water flow efficiency is improved, but the apparatus interferes with operations and maintenance around the water dispersing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional above-ground water dispersing apparatus to a subsurface embedded system. The emitter assembly is positioned below the ground surface, with only the outlet portion accessible at or near the surface. This dimensional change allows water flow efficiency to be maintained while eliminating interference with maintenance operations, as the bulk of the apparatus no longer occupies above-ground space.
2Ease of operation
If prior art devices position the water outlet attachment in the surrounding structure or ground, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the structural integrity of the water outlet device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter assembly employs a composite construction combining rigid structural components with flexible sealing elements. The housing appears to be made of durable material resistant to ground pressures, while incorporating flexible gaskets and sealing rings to accommodate ground settlement and movement. This composite approach maintains structural integrity while allowing the device to be embedded in the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates flexible sealing elements and potentially compressible mounting features that anticipate and accommodate ground movement and settlement. These elements provide a cushioning effect that protects the structural integrity of the emitter assembly while allowing it to remain embedded in the ground for easy maintenance access.
3Productivity
If conventional drain pipe attachments are used, then water flow is maintained, but erosion around the outlet end increases
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the emitter assembly below ground level and controlling the outlet discharge characteristics, the patent redirects water flow away from the immediate outlet area. The subsurface positioning allows water to be discharged at a lower point, reducing the kinetic energy impact on the ground surface and thereby minimizing erosion around the outlet end while maintaining effective water flow.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an attachment for emitting water from an elevated water source. The attachment comprises an inlet section, a transitional section connected to the inlet section an outlet section connected to the transitional section opposite from the inlet section, and a rib member attached to the outlet section to support the shape of the outlet section.