Automatic Pollutant Blocking System with Surface Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for detecting, blocking, and recovering pollutants in fluids are often manually operated, structurally complex, and not designed for simultaneous detection and recovery, making them difficult to install and adapt to different environments.

Innovation Solution

An automatic system with blocking means, position sensors, and a control unit connected to a PLC and motor, which automatically adjusts to follow the fluid's surface, ensuring continuous contact and efficient pollutant recovery, using a bulkhead with a flow diverter and coupled recovery means activated by a drain pump.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual systems are used for pollutant detection and blocking, then operational control is possible, but automation and immediate response are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of pollutant detection and blockingVSAvoidresponse time for pollutant blocking
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines detection sensors, control unit, and blocking means into a single integrated automatic system. The detection means detect pollutants and automatically trigger the blocking means through the control unit, eliminating manual intervention and enabling immediate response to pollutant discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-action through automatic detection and actuation. The detection means continuously monitor the fluid, and upon detecting pollutants, the control unit automatically activates the blocking means without requiring human operator intervention, achieving immediate autonomous response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If separate systems are used for detection, blocking, and recovery, then each function can be optimized, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicity of the systemVSAvoidadaptability to different application areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal system that integrates detection, blocking, and recovery functions into a single multi-functional apparatus. The blocking means can be adapted to different locations (riverbanks, docks, port-channels) and the system handles various pollutant types, providing versatility without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges detection means, blocking means, and recovery means into one integrated system structure. This combination reduces the number of separate installations needed and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining all essential functions for pollutant management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If automatic systems with complex structures are used, then automation is achieved, but adaptability to different application areas is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic control of blocking meansVSAvoidadaptability to different fields
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system into modular functional components: detection means for sensing pollutants, control unit for processing signals, and blocking means for physical containment. This modular segmentation allows the system to be configured and adapted to different application areas while maintaining automatic operation through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system enables immediate and efficient recovery of pollutants with a simple installation structure, adaptable to various environments, ensuring effective pollutant blocking and recovery without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

said position sensor means are ultrasonic or laser sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic sensing: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

said position sensor means are ultrasonic or laser sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser sensing: Laser

Implementation Method 3

said recovery and containment means of said pollutants are coupled to a drain pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3371108B1Automatic system for blocking and recovering pollutants dispersed in fluids
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 HEUREKA AMBIENTE SRL
  • EP3371108B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

Automatic blocking and recovery system of polluting substances dispersed in the fluid. The present invention concerns an automatic system (S) for blocking and recovery pollutants dispersed in a fluid, comprising blocking means (1, 2) for the blocking and the containment of said pollutants, capable of assuming a rest position, in which said blocking means (1, 2) are out of said fluid, and a working position, in which said blocking means (1, 2) block said pollutants dissolved in said fluids, position sensor means (4) for detecting the position of said blocking means (1, 2) with respect to said fluid, and a control unit operatively connected with said position sensor means (4), for receiving said blocking means of said location data (1, 2), said control unit being configured to make a comparison among the preset data of the mutual position between the blocking means (1, 2) and said fluid, so as to constantly contact the free surface of said fluid, and said position data received from said position sensor means (4), so as to transmit a closing signal of said system (S), by passing said blocking means (1, 2) from said rest position to said working position to follow the displacement of the free surface of said fluid.