Odor Trap Membrane Sealing for Waterless Urinal Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odor-trap devices for waterless sanitary systems suffer from reduced sealing performance and low discharge output, with sealing effects diminishing over time and limited discharge capacity, especially under counter-pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
An odor-trap device featuring a discharge element with a sealing membrane that moves from a closed to an open position when liquid is present, creating a gap for discharge, utilizing an elastic sealing membrane with a parallel sealing surface and bearing element to maintain a flat sealing location through capillary action, and a retention portion to optimize liquid column pressure for effective sealing and discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a cone-shaped sealing element with sealing edge is used, then the device structure is simple, but the sealing effect is considerably reduced as the number of actuations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing membrane instead of a rigid cone-shaped sealing element. This membrane can adapt to wear and deformation over time, maintaining sealing effectiveness through multiple actuations. The flexible nature allows it to conform to the sealing surface while accommodating minor imperfections and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the sealing element by using a membrane with specific elasticity and flexibility characteristics. This allows the sealing surface to maintain contact pressure and sealing force even after repeated use, addressing the degradation issue of conventional rigid sealing elements.
2Device complexity
If a cone-shaped sealing element is used, then the device structure is simple, but the discharge output in liters per second is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sealing membrane can open more fully and rapidly compared to rigid cone-shaped elements, allowing for higher discharge output. The membrane's ability to flex and deform enables a larger effective opening area while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Device complexity
If a cone-shaped sealing element is used, then the device structure is simple, but a marked increase in discharge output cannot be observed when the level of retained liquid rises
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing membrane is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to respond to changes in liquid level and pressure. As retained liquid level rises, the increased pressure causes the membrane to open more, enabling a marked increase in discharge output that adapts to the liquid level conditions.
4Reliability
If a counter-pressure in the pipework system is present, then the sealing element has the drawback that it is able to open, but the sealing membrane in the invention maintains sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing membrane design inherently resists counter-pressure through its elastic properties and mounting configuration. The membrane can withstand opposing pressure forces without opening, effectively using its material properties as a counterbalancing mechanism against system pressure.
5Reliability
If the sealing surface of the sealing membrane bears flat against the sealing wall, then adhesive force is provided, but the sealing membrane must be precisely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sealing membrane can accommodate minor positioning variations and surface imperfections through its ability to deform and conform. This flexibility reduces the stringent positioning requirements while maintaining the flat bearing contact necessary for adhesive sealing force.
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 solution enhances sealing performance and discharge output while maintaining effectiveness under varying liquid levels and counter-pressure, ensuring efficient odor containment and discharge in both flushing-water-free and water-flushed sanitary devices.
Implementation Method 1
the film of liquid which is at least partially present between the sealing wall and the sealing surface provides an adhesive force between the sealing wall and the sealing surface. The film of liquid is held via capillary effect in the intermediate space between the sealing wall and sealing surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An odor-trap device (1) for in particular flushing-water-free sanitary devices, for example urinals, comprises an outflow element (2) with a sealing wall (3), and also comprises a sealing membrane (4), which is in sealing contact with the sealing wall (3) in a closure position and, in the presence of a liquid, such as urine, is pushed away from the sealing wall (3) from the closure position into an open position, as a result of which a gap (19) is formed between the sealing membrane (4) and sealing wall (3), it being possible for the liquid to be led away through said gap, and further comprises a mounting element (5) for mounting the sealing membrane (4) in relation to the sealing wall (3). The odor-trap device (1) is characterized in that the seating membrane (4) has a seating surface (6) which runs substantially parallel to the sealing wall (3), wherein the sealing surface (6) butts against the sealing wall (3) substantially with surface-area contact, or wherein the sealing surface (6) is spaced apart from the sealing wall (3) such that the liquid film which is present, at least in part, between the sealing wall (3) and the sealing surface (6) provides a force of adhesion between the sealing wall (3) and seating surface (6).