Power Spout Device Wireless Control Rainwater Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional downspouts in rainwater gutter systems are prone to clogging, cause aesthetic issues, lead to soil erosion, and can be damaged, resulting in potential roof and foundation damage.
Innovation Solution
A power spout device with a hollow main body, fluid pumping mechanism, and wireless control system that eliminates the need for downspouts by actively pumping rainwater away from the building, allowing remote operation and adjustable discharge angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional downspouts are used to direct rainwater away from the building, then water drainage function is achieved, but the system becomes prone to clogging with debris and causes aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional downspout component entirely from the system. Instead of using a downspout that protrudes from the building and is prone to clogging, the invention extracts this function and replaces it with a pump-based system that draws water directly from the gutter and discharges it through a hidden outlet, eliminating the clogging problem and improving aesthetics while maintaining drainage reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive gravitational flow system (downspout relying on gravity to move water) with an active mechanical pumping system. The pump actively draws water from the gutter and propels it through the discharge hose, providing more reliable drainage that is not dependent on gravity alone and is less susceptible to clogging from debris
2Productivity
If downspouts are used to channel rainwater, then water flow control is achieved, but soil erosion occurs at the building foundation due to concentrated water discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the discharge dimension from a fixed vertical downspout outlet to a movable horizontal discharge hose that can extend water flow away from the foundation area. This allows the water to be discharged in a different spatial dimension, distributing it over a larger area rather than concentrating it at one location, thereby preventing soil erosion while maintaining effective water flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to the discharge system through the flexible hose that can be positioned and redirected. This dynamic positioning capability allows the discharge point to be adjusted to avoid the foundation area, preventing erosion while maintaining control over water flow. The system adapts its discharge location rather than being fixed like a traditional downspout
3Reliability
If traditional downspouts are installed, then rainwater drainage is achieved, but the system requires complex accessories like trench drains and splash pads to mitigate erosion and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the pump unit serves as both the water intake (replacing the downspout connection) and the discharge mechanism (replacing the need for separate trench drains and splash pads). By merging these functions into one compact unit with an integrated pump and flexible hose, the system achieves effective drainage while eliminating the need for additional complex accessories
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 power spout device effectively prevents clogging and erosion by actively removing rainwater, reducing damage risks to the roof and foundation, and enhancing aesthetic appeal by eliminating the need for downspouts.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pumping mechanism can be positioned within the main body
Implementation Method 2
a fluid sensor can be connected to the pumping mechanism. The fluid sensor can function to detect the presence of rainwater received from the downspout outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A power spout device includes a generally hollow main body having an outlet opening and an inlet opening for engaging the downspout outlet of a horizontal gutter. A fluid discharge system having a pumping mechanism is positioned within the main body. A fluid sensor is also positioned within the main body and is electrically connected to the pumping mechanism. The fluid sensor functioning to selectively operate the pumping mechanism upon detecting rainwater from the downspout outlet. A controller having a wireless communication unit is positioned along the main body. The controller functioning to receive operating instructions from a remote-control device. An adjustable nozzle is positioned along the output opening to adjust the vertical angle of the water being discharged out of the outlet opening.