Plug-In Lamella Module Assembly for Flexible Clarifier Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lamellar modules for inclined clarifiers are heavy, complex to transport, and create dead zones in settling tanks, necessitating frequent cleaning and are not easily adaptable to varying installation sizes and conditions.

Innovation Solution

A lamellar module designed as a plug-in system with detachable connections between end, longitudinal, and lamella plates, allowing prefabrication and easy assembly at the installation site using identical parts, with adjustable geometry for various settling tank sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If lamellar modules are prefabricated as welded structures, then manufacturing is simplified, but the modules become heavy and complex to transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmodule weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lamellar module is divided into separate components (end plates, longitudinal plates, lamella plates) that can be manufactured independently and assembled later using detachable plug connections, reducing the weight of each individual component that needs to be transported

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If lamellar modules are prefabricated as welded structures, then manufacturing is simplified, but transport to installation site becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtransport difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the module into smaller detachable components, each piece can be transported more easily to the installation site and then assembled on-site using the detachable plug connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable plug connections allow the module to be dynamically assembled and disassembled, providing flexibility for transport and installation while maintaining structural integrity during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If support beams are used to suspend lamellar modules, then modules can be installed, but dead zones are created that require periodic cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation capabilityVSAvoiddead zones
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The module can be segmented and arranged to fill spaces more efficiently around support beams, eliminating dead zones while maintaining the suspension installation method

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The geometry of the lamellar plates can be adjusted (e.g., varying lengths, angles, or spacing) to optimize the filling of available space and eliminate stagnant areas where dead zones would form

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If fixed geometry lamellar modules are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptation to varying tank sizes is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to tank sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The module is segmented into standardized components that can be combined in different configurations to adapt to various tank sizes and geometries while maintaining simple manufacturing of each individual component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable plug connections create a universal system where the same standardized components can be used across different applications and tank sizes, providing versatility without complicating the manufacturing of individual parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flexible installation, reduces transport complexity, eliminates dead zones, and enables efficient assembly without tools, enhancing the adaptability and efficiency of sedimentation processes.

Implementation Method 1

The end plates of each longitudinal plate have an arrangement of slots into which corresponding protruding hooks of the longitudinal plates can be detachably inserted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

each longitudinal plate has a plurality of slots extending obliquely to the horizontal... such that the longitudinal plates and the lamella plates can be detachably inserted into one another at right angles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

When installed, the lamella plates are arranged at an angle to the horizontal to allow the settled sludge to slide to the bottom of the tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

They often consist of parallel lamella plates through which the water flows. The effect is that the sediments from the water only have to settle the small distance of a few centimeters between the lamella plates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentEP4729145A1Lamella module of a suspended clarifier
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SCHNEIDER VALERI
  • EP4729145A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4729145A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP4729145A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a lamella module (2) of an inclined clarifier with a plurality of lamella plates (22) arranged parallel to each other and held at an angle to the horizontal in the installed state, wherein the lamella module (2) is designed as a plug-in system with end plates (20) between which several longitudinal plates (21) run and the lamella plates (22) are held between the end plates (20) on the longitudinal plates (21), wherein the connections between end plates (20) and longitudinal plates (21) and/or between the longitudinal plates (21) and the lamella plates (22) are designed as detachable plug connections.