Rain Barrel Diverter with Pivoting Wing for Gutter Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rain barrels lack specific features and effective connections to gutters, failing to efficiently collect and store rainwater for conservation, leading to increased water consumption and pollution issues due to runoff.

Innovation Solution

A rain catchment/storage system with a diverter and lid assembly that includes a scoop portion for gutters, a rain barrel fitting, and a pivoting wing to direct water flow, along with a hose for fluid coupling, and a lockable lid for secure water retention, addressing the inefficiencies of conventional systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional rain barrels are used, then water storage is provided, but effective connection to gutters and efficient water collection is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater collection efficiencyVSAvoidconnection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diverter assembly merges the gutter attachment component, water diversion mechanism, and barrel connection fitting into a single integrated unit. This combines multiple functions (gutter mounting, water flow redirection, and barrel attachment) into one component that attaches to the gutter and directs water into the barrel, simplifying the overall connection system while improving collection efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diverter assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it attaches to the gutter, diverts water flow away from the downspout, and connects to the rain barrel. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing system complexity while maintaining effective water collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional rain barrels are used, then basic water storage is achieved, but specific features for successful rain catchment are missing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverain catchment effectivenessVSAvoidsystem design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the diverter assembly (with gutter attachment and diversion elements) and the barrel lid assembly (with integrated fitting). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability for rain catchment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If conventional connection systems are used, then simple attachment is provided, but effective water diversion from gutters is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidwater diversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diverter assembly is pre-configured with the optimal geometry for water diversion and the correct attachment features for both gutter and barrel connection. This preliminary design ensures that installation is straightforward while the built-in wing and scoop geometry automatically achieve effective water diversion without requiring additional adjustment or complex assembly steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances rainwater collection and storage efficiency by ensuring effective diversion from gutters to barrels, reducing runoff and pollution, and providing a secure, easy-to-use system for water conservation.

Implementation Method 1

a wing extending outwardly from the scoop portion to direct a flow of water in the gutter downspout towards the scoop portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow direction:

Implementation Method 2

a hose to fluidly couple the diverter to the rain barrel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid coupling:

Implementation Method 3

a lid configured to releasably lock upon the barrel portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS9534358B2Diverter and lid assembly for use with a rain barrel device and system

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 EARTHMARK LLC

AI summary

A diverter for a rain barrel includes a scoop portion configured to fit within a gutter downspout, a rain barrel fitting portion configured to fluidly attach the scoop portion to the rain barrel, and a wing extending outwardly from the scoop portion to direct a flow of water in the gutter downspout towards the scoop portion.