Modular Rainwater Filter with Interchangeable Sieves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rainwater separators for downpipes either require fine filtering, which is unnecessary for garden irrigation, or lack sufficient filtration to prevent clogging by coarse particles, complicating part usage and water yield.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with interchangeable components allowing for either fine or coarse filtering, where the annular cover fits both the housing tube and collecting pan, incorporating a conically narrowing screen and helically grooved inlet connection for even water distribution, and an optional coarse sieve for heavy contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fine sieve is used for filtration, then the water can be used as domestic water, but the device complexity increases and part usage becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The annular cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be placed on the housing tube for fine filtration mode, or directly on the collecting pan for coarse filtration mode. This multi-functionality allows a single component to adapt to different filtration requirements without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components (housing tube, collecting pan, annular cover, coarse sieve) that can be independently assembled. The annular cover acts as a separator between fine filtration mode (with housing tube and fine sieve) and coarse filtration mode (without housing tube and fine sieve), allowing selective assembly based on needs.
2Reliability
If a fine sieve is used, then service water can be obtained, but the water yield decreases due to adhesion forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows partial filtration (coarse only) when full filtration (fine) is not necessary. By omitting the fine sieve for garden irrigation applications, the system reduces adhesion losses and increases water yield while maintaining sufficient filtration to prevent clogging.
3Device complexity
If the annular cover fits both housing tube and collecting pan, then part storage is simplified, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The annular cover has different local structures adapted to different mounting positions: when placed on the housing tube, it interfaces with the tube's outer surface; when placed on the collecting pan, it interfaces with the pan's outer surface. The conically narrowing screen and helically grooved inlet connection are designed to work with either configuration, providing localized adaptability.
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
Enables flexible use of rainwater for both domestic and garden purposes by optimizing filtration and preventing clogging, while simplifying part storage and increasing water yield through even distribution and appropriate filtering configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The inner wall of the inlet connection is provided with helically running grooves or webs which achieve an even distribution of the water flowing into the inlet connection over its peripheral surface.
Implementation Method 2
the screen narrows conically downwards, with the diameter of the lower edge of the inlet connection being smaller than the largest diameter of the screen, so that in of the first composition the lower edge of the spigot runs in a vertical projection over the conical inner wall of the screen.
Implementation Method 3
In the sieve, which is preferably a fine sieve, part of the water is sucked out due to adhesion forces and thus reaches the annular space in finely filtered form.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention discloses a system of components which, assembled, form a rainwater separator for a downpipe. The system contains, inter alia, a screen (4) for precision filtering of the rainwater. In a first assembly arrangement, the parts are assembled to form a rainwater separator (1, on the left in Figure 3) with the screen (4), and therefore the filtered water can be used as water for domestic use. In a second assembly arrangement, the screen is dispensed with, and therefore the water recovered by the rainwater separator (1, on the right in Figure 3) can be used for example for watering the garden.