Monolithic Wastewater Sump with Segmented Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wastewater sump assemblies require lengthy seals and complex lid arrangements, making them difficult to access and maintain, especially when trying to accommodate submersible pumps and venting systems, and they often have seams that can lead to leaks.
Innovation Solution
A wastewater sump assembly with a monolithic design featuring a base, upstanding wall, and top formed from integral material, eliminating seams and using recessed pipe stubs and access covers to simplify connections and maintenance, allowing for easy stacking and reduced sealing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lid is used that closely approximates the circumferential extent of the sump wall, then the lid provides complete coverage, but the seal length becomes very lengthy and access for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into two separate halves that can be independently removed and positioned. This segmentation allows one half to be removed for maintenance access while the other half remains in place to maintain seal integrity and prevent leakage into the sump chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is concentrated at the critical interface between the lid and sump wall perimeter, rather than requiring continuous sealing around the entire lid circumference. This localizes the sealing function to where it is most needed for preventing leakage.
2Area of stationary object
If the lid is sized to be coextensive with the upstanding wall, then complete coverage is achieved, but the seal run becomes extremely long and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into two halves, each covering a portion of the sump opening. This reduces the seal complexity by allowing seals to be installed only at the critical perimeter interface rather than requiring continuous sealing around the entire lid assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the lid to be a single large piece that seals around its entire circumference, the solution inverts the approach by using two smaller lid halves that seal only at the sump wall perimeter, simplifying the seal configuration.
3Ease of operation
If pump outlet piping is positioned through the lid, then pump discharge is achieved, but lid removal requires attachment and detachment of piping and resealing
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into two halves, allowing one half to be removed for pump maintenance while the other half remains in place with the pump outlet piping still connected. This eliminates the need to detach and reattach piping during routine maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump outlet piping is pre-positioned to extend through the sump wall and connect to the pump, allowing the lid halves to be independently installed and removed without affecting the piping connections. This preliminary positioning of the piping simplifies subsequent maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A wastewater sump assembly for receiving and disposing of undesired fluid and, in some cases, solid waste is disclosed. A sump basin formed from a base, an upstanding wall and a top which are all defined from a single, integral, monolithic material may be employed. The top of the monolithic basin includes a pump access aperture sized to allow passage of a submersible pump. Pipe stubs are provided in a recessed area of the top to allow for easy connection to outlet and vent piping. Interchangeable switches of differing types, e.g. a diaphragm switch and a float switch can be utilized with the sump basin. Certain switch subassemblies include a handle to facilitate easy removal. The handle may also be utilized to hold a cord seal in place atop the sump. A diaphragm switch in accordance with the present disclosure may be positioned externally of the sump.