Negative pressure condensate drain system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condensate drain pan systems for dehumidifiers and HVAC components often experience leakage due to water entrainment and air backflow, and are prone to clogging and reduced effectiveness over time.
Innovation Solution
A drain pan system designed without a p-trap, featuring a well and breakwater walls that guide condensate flow and prevent air backflow, along with an insert component that controls condensate flow and reduces turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a p-trap structure is used to manage condensate drainage, then condensate can be collected and drained, but leakage occurs due to water entrainment and air backflow through the drain opening
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan is segmented into multiple functional zones: a breakwater region with walls to block air backflow, a well region to collect condensate, and a drain opening region. This segmentation prevents water entrainment and air backflow by creating distinct functional areas that manage fluid and gas flows separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakwater walls act as an intermediary structure between the drain opening and the interior of the drain pan. These walls intercept and redirect air flow and water droplets, preventing them from reaching the condensate collection area and causing leakage.
2Reliability
If a p-trap structure is used for condensate drainage, then drainage function is provided, but the trap becomes dried out or clogged, reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan design allows condensate to naturally flow into the well and drain through gravity without requiring a trapped water seal. The breakwater walls and channel geometry self-regulate the flow, preventing clogging by directing water away from potential blockage points and maintaining continuous drainage capability.
3Reliability
If breakwater walls and channels are added to prevent air backflow and guide condensate, then leakage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breakwater walls, channels, and drain pan are merged into a single integrated component. The breakwater walls are formed as integral parts of the drain pan structure, eliminating the need for separate assemblies and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining leakage prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakwater walls serve multiple functions: they block air backflow, guide condensate flow into channels, and prevent water entrainment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving reliable leakage prevention.
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 system effectively manages condensate drainage, reduces the risk of leakage, and minimizes clogging, maintaining operational efficiency over time.
Implementation Method 1
a breakwater region having a sloped bottom surface
Implementation Method 2
an insert component positioned between the well and the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A drain pan system for receiving, routing, and draining condensate from a dehumidifying, heating, ventilating, or air conditioning system is disclosed. The system includes a drain pan body that contains one or more walls to mitigate air flow and enable smooth condensate flow into, through, and out of the drain pan system.