Pivotable Gulley Baffle for Odour Trapping and Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gulleys face issues with baffle dislodgement and accessibility during maintenance, leading to impaired functionality and potential loss of the baffle, as well as damage to the baffle and surrounding components.
Innovation Solution
A gulley design featuring a pivotably fixed baffle with securing means, such as locks or screws, allowing the baffle to be moved between positions for effective odour trapping and maintenance access, preventing dislodgement and ensuring the outlet remains unobstructed during inspection and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the baffle is made removable for maintenance access, then the outlet can be accessed for cleaning and inspection, but the baffle easily becomes dislodged and may drop into the gulley pot or get lost
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is designed to be movable between a first position where it overlaps the outlet for odour trapping and a second position where it is moved away to allow access. The hinge mechanism enables controlled movement while the securing means prevent accidental dislodgement, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and retention.
2Reliability
If the baffle is fixed securely to prevent dislodgement, then the baffle remains in position reliably, but the outlet becomes difficult to access for inspection and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle assembly is segmented into the baffle itself and the hinge mechanism with securing means. This allows the baffle to be securely attached via the hinge while still enabling controlled movement to access positions, and facilitates easy removal of the entire assembly for maintenance without damaging the gulley structure.
3Reliability
If the fixed plate forming the vertical trap wall is used as a permanent baffle, then odour trapping functionality is provided, but the plate is easily damaged during cleaning and cannot be repaired without dismantling the gulley
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned for optimal odour trapping while also enabling easy removal for inspection and maintenance. The hinge mechanism with securing means ensures the baffle remains functional while being replaceable if damaged, without requiring gulley dismantling.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the baffle pivoting axis is at or close to the centreline of the outlet, then the baffle can be rotated, but the baffle always crosses and obstructs the outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is designed to pivot about a horizontal axis that allows it to move between overlapping and non-obstructing positions. The securing means enable the baffle to be locked in positions where it does not obstruct the outlet while maintaining the ability to rotate for maintenance access.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gulley (1) is provided which comprises a gulley pot (3), an outlet (6) and a baffle (9). The baffle is pivotably fixed to the gulley pot such that the baffle is movable between a first stable position (I) with respect to the gulley pot in which the baffle at least partially overlaps the outlet and a second stable position (II) with respect to the gulley pot position in which outlet is substantially uncovered by the baffle. Further, a baffle assembly and a method are provided.