Perpendicular Rib Sedimentation Plate for Rigidity and Settling Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing lateral flow inclined-plate and horizontal-pipe sedimentation processes in water treatment face issues such as bending and creep of inclined plates, difficulty in sediment discharge, low settling efficiency, and high manufacturing costs, as well as challenges in installation and effective utilization of cross-sectional area.

Innovation Solution

A sedimentation plate design featuring perpendicular first and second rib plates forming water and mud channels, with a height ratio of 1.5-5, made of polyolefin, and a sedimentation assembly with a box-type frame and flushing mechanism to enhance rigidity, facilitate sedimentation, and improve settling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If inclined plates are used at an angle of 60° to achieve high settling efficiency, then the settling efficiency is improved, but the inclined plate bends and creeps after long-term use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesettling efficiencyVSAvoidplate rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is divided into multiple rib structures (first rib plates and second rib plates) arranged perpendicular to each other, creating a grid-like reinforcement system that segments the plate structure to prevent bending and creeping while maintaining settling efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a three-dimensional rib structure by adding rib plates extending in directions perpendicular to the plate surface, transforming the traditional two-dimensional plate into a three-dimensional reinforced structure that resists bending and creeping forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If multi-stage bending arrangement of inclined plates is adopted to utilize height, then the effective utilization of height is improved, but sediment disperses and falls into water during discharge, reducing settling efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective utilization of heightVSAvoidsettling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is segmented with multiple rib structures that create distinct channels and support zones, allowing sediment to be guided along defined paths during discharge, preventing dispersion into water while maintaining multi-stage height utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional horizontal pipe with diamond corner structure is used, then the water channel and mud channel are independent, but the manufacturing process faces difficult withdrawal and poor quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel independenceVSAvoidmanufacturing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional diamond corner structure to a three-dimensional perpendicular rib structure, where first and second rib plates extend in perpendicular directions from the plate surface, creating independent channels while enabling straightforward manufacturing through perpendicular positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional horizontal pipe structure is used to separate water and mud channels, then the channels are independent, but the effective utilization of cross-sectional area is only about 60%

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel independenceVSAvoidcross-sectional area utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses three-dimensional perpendicular rib structures extending from the plate surface to create independent water and mud channels, maximizing the utilization of available cross-sectional area by utilizing vertical space rather than only horizontal separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design increases rigidity, reduces production costs, enhances settling efficiency, and improves the separation rate between sediment and water, while ensuring rapid sediment discharge and efficient utilization of the water flow cross-section.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of first rib plates, arranged at intervals, parallel to each other, and perpendicular to a first surface of the flat plate; and a plurality of second rib plates, arranged at intervals, parallel to each other, and perpendicular to a second surface of the flat plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructural reinforcement:

Implementation Method 2

a water channel is formed between each two adjacent first rib plates; and a mud channel is formed between each two adjacent second rib plates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentEP4403239B1Precipitation plate, precipitation unit, and precipitation module
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SHANDONG HOTONE ENVIRONMENT TECH CO LTD
  • EP4403239B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4403239B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4403239B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sedimentation plate (10), a sedimentation assembly (1), and a sedimentation module are provided. The sedimentation plate (10) includes a flat plate (101); a plurality of first rib plates (102) arranged at intervals, parallel to each other, and perpendicular to a first surface (1011) of the flat plate (101); and a plurality of second rib plates (103) arranged at intervals, parallel to each other, and perpendicular to a second surface (1012) of the flat plate (101). The first rib plates (102) are perpendicular to the second rib plates (103). A water channel (104) is formed between each two adjacent first rib plates (102). A mud channel (105) is formed between each two adjacent second rib plates (103). The sedimentation assembly (1) includes a plurality of sedimentation plates (10). The sedimentation module includes the sedimentation assembly (1).