Pipe Cap Screen Design for Drain Outlet Pest Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exposed drain pipe outlets provide an entry point for bugs and small animals, especially during cold weather, compromising the integrity of heating and air conditioning systems.
Innovation Solution
A pipe cap with a screen at the distal end that restricts access by allowing fluid passage while preventing larger items from entering, featuring a coaxial fluid passage design with an expanding inner diameter and easy installation/removal for quick maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the drain pipe outlet is left exposed to allow fluid discharge, then fluid flow is unobstructed, but bugs and small animals can enter the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a screen with apertures that functions as a porous material, allowing fluid to pass through while physically blocking bugs and small animals from entering the drain pipe. The screen's aperture size is specifically designed to permit fluid flow while restricting entry of pests, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining open access for fluid discharge and preventing harmful organisms from entering.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a screen is added to the pipe outlet to block pests, then pest entry is prevented, but installation and maintenance become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the screen with the pipe cap structure, integrating the pest-blocking function directly into the cap assembly. The screen is positioned within the pipe cap body, combining the protective function with the existing cap structure rather than adding a separate, complex external component. This integration simplifies the overall device while maintaining effective pest prevention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a screen is added to the pipe outlet to block pests, then pest entry is prevented, but installation and removal become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pipe cap into distinct components: the cap body, the screen, and the gasket. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, facilitating easier installation and removal. The modular design enables quick assembly by simply placing the screen within the cap body and securing it with the gasket, making maintenance operations more convenient while maintaining effective pest 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
Effectively prevents bugs and small animals from accessing the drain pipe while ensuring unobstructed fluid flow and easy maintenance access.
Implementation Method 1
A screen is disposed across the opening at the distal end of the pipe cap for enclosing the interior fluid passage of the pipe cap within an enclosed space defined at least partially by the screen. Apertures in the screen restrict access to the conduit outlet of items larger than the apertures.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus restricts access to an above-ground conduit outlet extending from an exterior wall of a building. The access restricting apparatus comprises a pipe cap defining a fluid passage open at both a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the pipe cap is adapted to be connected in fluid communication with the conduit outlet. A screen is disposed across the opening at the distal end of the pipe cap for enclosing the interior fluid passage of the pipe cap within an enclosed space defined at least partially by the screen. Apertures in the screen restrict access to the conduit outlet of items larger than the apertures.