Pivoting Cradle for Emptying Water Treatment Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of emptying water treatment vessels, particularly water filter medias and resins, is labor-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring manual lifting and constant movement to clear bridged material, which can be difficult for a single person to manage due to the weight and size of the vessels.
Innovation Solution
A device with a frame, cradle, and pivotable pins supports the vessel, allowing it to be rotated to an optimal angle for emptying, combined with a water jetting mechanism to de-clump and flush out contents, and adjustable legs for stability and height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual lifting and constant movement is used to empty the vessel, then the material can be flushed out, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is made pivotable to dynamically change the vessel's orientation from horizontal to vertical position, enabling gravity-assisted emptying without manual lifting. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by automating the movement aspect while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
A water jetting mechanism is introduced as an intermediary tool to flush material through the discharge opening. This mediator enables complete emptying without repeated manual lifting, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If the vessel is laid on the floor for emptying, then access is easier, but material builds up and bridges preventing complete emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable cradle allows the vessel to be positioned at optimal angles during emptying, preventing material buildup and bridging while maintaining operational accessibility. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both ease of operation and complete emptying
Solution Approach 2:
The water jetting mechanism uses hydraulic force to flush material through the discharge opening, preventing bridging and ensuring complete emptying while the vessel remains accessible in the cradle position
3Ease of operation
If one person performs the emptying task, then labor cost is reduced, but the heavy weight makes it difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure with legs provides stable support that counteracts the vessel's weight during emptying operations. This allows single-person operation despite heavy weight by distributing the load through the stable frame rather than requiring manual support
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable cradle mechanism enables easy repositioning of the heavy vessel between horizontal and vertical positions without manual lifting, resolving the contradiction between single-person operation capability and vessel weight
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
Facilitates efficient and safe emptying of water treatment vessels by reducing manual labor, minimizing clumping, and ensuring smooth discharge of media and resins, even from different diameters, with enhanced stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
discharging water from a plurality of nozzles connected to plumbing in fluid communication with the fitting, wherein the water is discharged into an opening of the water treatment vessel
Implementation Method 2
two pins pivotably connect the cradle to the frame
Implementation Method 3
allowing at least one of a filter media or resin to flow onto a washout tray connected to a base of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed invention pertains to a novel device and method for effectively emptying water treatment vessels. This innovation may provide a sturdy, aluminum-framed apparatus featuring a cradle and adjustable legs. The water treatment vessel may be securely fastened onto the cradle after the frame is first adjusted to a suitable height using the device's adjustable legs. A water hose may be attached to the device's fitting, directing water into the vessel for rinsing filter media or resin. The inverted vessel's contents may flow onto a washout tray for collection. This innovative device may enhance stability, ease of use, and safety, making it ideal for emptying water treatment tanks or vessels of varying shapes and sizes.