Movable Dam Wall Drain Device for Compact Overflow Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drain devices for traffic jams or expulsion of media from a liquid reservoir are bulky, requiring large installation spaces and are difficult to clean and operate safely.

Innovation Solution

A compact drain device with a cover, first and second dust walls, where the first dust wall is airtight with the cover, and the second dust wall is movable relative to the cover, allowing for elastic movement and easy assembly and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional drainage device is used to prevent flooding and water damage, then the liquid reservoir is protected from overflowing, but the device becomes bulky and requires a large amount of installation space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverflow protectionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The second dam wall is designed to be movable relative to the cover, transitioning between a neutral state with a defined distance from the cover and a compressed state where it contacts the cover. This dynamic structure enables the drainage device to adapt its configuration based on water level, providing overflow protection only when necessary while minimizing installation space during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic mobility of the second dam wall allows it to change its position parameter in response to water pressure. When water level rises and contacts the dam wall, the elastic material deforms and moves the wall toward the cover, changing the volume of the first dam volume and enabling controlled drainage at a defined water height

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of stationary object

If the second dam wall is made elastically movable to enable compact design, then the installation space is reduced, but the complexity of ensuring airtightness and controlled movement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidairtightness control
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second dam wall is made of elastic material that can deform and move in response to water pressure. This flexible structure eliminates the need for complex mechanical actuators or seals, as the elastic material itself provides both the movement mechanism and the sealing function when contacting the cover

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic second dam wall automatically responds to water level changes without external control. When water contacts the dam wall, the elastic force naturally moves it toward the cover to compress the first dam volume and enable drainage, eliminating the need for external sensors, actuators, or control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 drain device is simple in structure, compact in design, and allows for safe and easy operation, enabling the controlled expulsion of water with a defined water height, while maintaining airtightness and reducing the risk of flooding.

Implementation Method 1

The second dam wall can be designed to be elastically movable relative to the cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first dam wall is connected to the cover in an airtight manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

A first dam volume is formed between the first dam wall and the second dam wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4541976A1Drain device for storing or draining a medium, drain system comprising a liquid reservoir
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 BURGBAD
  • EP4541976A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4541976A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4541976A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a drainage device (1) for impounding or draining a medium from a liquid reservoir into a drain pipe (2). The drainage device (1) comprises a cover (3), a first impoundment wall (4), and a second impoundment wall (5). The first impoundment wall (4) is airtightly connected to the cover (3). In its neutral state, the second impoundment wall (5) has a gap (6) between it and the cover (3). A first impoundment volume (7) is formed between the first impoundment wall (4) and the second impoundment wall (5). The second impoundment wall (5) is movable relative to the cover (3). The invention further relates to a drainage system (29) comprising a liquid reservoir, a drain pipe (2), and a drainage device (1), as well as a method for switching a drainage system (29) and a drain closure (23) for a liquid reservoir.