Multiple stage discharge system for a fluid tank

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gravity-fed emergency shower systems require larger tanks to achieve longer runtime at minimum pressure, which is undesirable due to size, weight, and cost considerations.

Innovation Solution

A multiple stage discharge system with a drain having a first and second opening, where the second opening is controlled by a valve mechanism that opens when the fluid level decreases, combining with the first opening to maintain a minimum flow rate and pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a larger tank is used to achieve longer runtime at minimum pressure, then the runtime is extended, but the size, weight, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveruntimeVSAvoidtank size

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge system is segmented into multiple stages with different opening sizes. The first opening provides initial discharge, and the second opening provides additional discharge when activated by the valve mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to extend runtime without increasing tank size by optimizing the discharge rate through staged openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the discharge rate by activating the valve mechanism in response to fluid level decrease. As the fluid level drops, the valve opens to allow flow through the second opening, maintaining minimum pressure and extending runtime. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the discharge profile without requiring a larger tank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If a larger tank is used to achieve longer runtime at minimum pressure, then the runtime is extended, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveruntimeVSAvoidtank weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge system is segmented into multiple stages with different opening sizes. The first opening provides initial discharge, and the second opening provides additional discharge when activated by the valve mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to extend runtime without increasing tank size or weight by optimizing the discharge rate through staged openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of moving object

If a larger tank is used to achieve longer runtime at minimum pressure, then the runtime is extended, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveruntimeVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge system is segmented into multiple stages with different opening sizes. The first opening provides initial discharge, and the second opening provides additional discharge when activated by the valve mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to extend runtime without increasing tank size or cost by optimizing the discharge rate through staged openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Stress or pressure

If a pressurization system is used to maintain minimum pressure, then the pressure is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge pressureVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve mechanism automatically activates in response to fluid level decrease, allowing flow through the second opening to maintain minimum pressure. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external pressurization systems, pumps, or electronic controls, thereby maintaining pressure while avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses hydraulic principles where the fluid level itself triggers the valve mechanism. As the fluid level drops, the valve opens to allow additional flow, using the fluid's own properties to maintain pressure without requiring external pneumatic or electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

5Stress or pressure

If electronic solutions are used to control discharge, then the pressure control is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge pressureVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Extends the runtime of the shower at minimum desired pressure without increasing tank size, conserves water, and avoids complex pressurization or electronic solutions, making it more economical and eco-friendly.

Implementation Method 1

the gravity-fed emergency shower system may be moved or transported to a variety of locations (indoors and outdoors) independent of the location of a fluid source. However, one problem with these gravity-fed emergency shower systems is that in order to achieve a longer runtime (i.e., the time duration that the tank may discharge fluid) with a minimum desired pressure discharge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10813507B2Multiple stage discharge system for a fluid tank

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 BRADLEY FIXTURES CORP

AI summary

A multiple stage discharge system for a gravity-fed emergency shower system is provided herein. The multiple stage discharge system includes a drain; a first opening defined by the drain; a second opening defined by the drain; and a valve mechanism coupled to the second opening to permit fluid in a fluid tank of the gravity-fed emergency shower system to flow at least partly through the drain via the second opening in response to a fluid level in the fluid tank decreasing to at or below a threshold fluid level.