Overflow Distributor Layout for Valve-Free Block Liquid Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing block storage systems require complex control systems and numerous components like valves to manage liquid and nutrient supply, leading to increased complexity and maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A method and block bearing element design that utilizes an overflow distributor with throttled passages and separate fluid routing systems to control liquid flow without valves or electronic controls, ensuring precise and separate handling of fresh and used liquid within a stackable block storage system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional control systems with valves are used to manage liquid supply, then precise liquid level control is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid level control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The overflow distributor is designed to automatically regulate liquid supply to the block storage element without external control systems. The device self-adjusts the liquid level by allowing excess liquid to overflow, eliminating the need for valves, sensors, and electronic controls while maintaining precise liquid level control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control function is extracted from the complex electronic control system and embodied in the simple mechanical overflow distributor structure. By removing valves and electronic components, the invention achieves precise liquid level control through a passive overflow mechanism that inherently regulates flow based on liquid level height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If multiple valves and control components are installed, then liquid supply control is achieved, but ease of assembly and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidliquid supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The overflow distributor automatically performs liquid supply regulation without requiring external control components. The device maintains reliable liquid supply through its self-regulating overflow mechanism, simplifying assembly while ensuring consistent performance without valves or electronic controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of repair

If liquid supply is simplified without valves, then ease of maintenance improves, but measurement and control precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidliquid flow control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical control systems (valves, actuators) with a simple passive overflow mechanism. The overflow distributor maintains precise liquid flow control through gravitational overflow, making the system easy to maintain while achieving sufficient control precision for block storage element irrigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Simplifies assembly, control, and maintenance by allowing precise liquid supply and separation of fresh and used liquid, reducing the need for valves and electronic controls, and maintaining a defined liquid level in the basin area.

Implementation Method 1

liquid is introduced via an overflow distributor with a distributor limit, wherein the liquid enters a trough area of the block bearing element at a reduced flow rate through at least one passage arranged in the distributor limit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The liquid introduced into the overflow distributor passes through at least one passage, hereinafter referred to as a passage, into the basin area, with the passage throttling the amount of liquid introduced. This causes the liquid level within the overflow distributor to rise

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4062748B1Fluid supply for a block storage element
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP4062748B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4062748B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for supplying liquid to a block bearing element (1), wherein the block bearing element (1) has an overflow (9). The aim is to simplify the liquid supply. For this purpose, liquid is introduced into an overflow distributor (5) with a distributor limiter (7), wherein the liquid passes through at least one passage (8) arranged in the distributor limiter (7) in a throttled manner into a basin area (2) of the block bearing element (1), and the liquid that is not discharged through the at least one passage (8) is discharged through the overflow (9).