Rain Collector Contour Line Optimizes Vertical Water Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rainwater collectors for flat roofs face issues with backwater accumulation and vortex formation due to inefficient water flow paths, which affect drainage capacity and maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
The design features a contour line optimized using Torricelli's outflow equation and continuity equation, with a radial distance function R=D0∗H/x⁴∗C+K, and a structural configuration with three curved sections to ensure a vertical water flow component exceeds the radial component, preventing vortices and backwater, and includes guide ribs and leaf catcher webs to direct water flow radially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional rounded contour line with ribs is used in the intermediate section, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but backwater accumulation and vortex formation occur, reducing drainage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The contour line is redesigned with a specific mathematical function (R=D0*H/x^(1/4)*C+K) that changes the geometric parameters of the intermediate section. This parameter optimization ensures that the vertical component of water velocity exceeds the radial component, preventing backwater and vortices while improving drainage capacity without adding structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The contour line is designed as a smooth curved transition rather than sharp angles or simple rounded forms. The specific curvature profile R=D0*H/x^(1/4)*C+K creates optimal flow conditions by gradually transitioning from the horizontal plane to the cylindrical section, eliminating flow separation and vortex formation
2Reliability
If the vertical component of water velocity is made greater than the radial component through contour line optimization, then vortices and backwater are prevented, but the design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the contour line parameters according to the function R=D0*H/x^(1/4)*C+K, the design achieves reliable radial flow conditions where the vertical velocity component exceeds the radial component throughout the intermediate section. This mathematical optimization ensures flow stability and prevents vortex formation without requiring complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow control mechanisms (such as multiple ribs, baffles, or moving parts) with a mathematically optimized geometric contour. The contour line itself acts as the flow control mechanism, using its shape to naturally guide water flow in a radial pattern and prevent vortices through proper velocity component distribution
3Ease of operation
If guide ribs and leaf catcher webs are added to direct water flow radially, then flow direction is improved and vortices are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide ribs and leaf catcher webs are integrated into a single clamping ring component that serves multiple functions: it clamps the sealing membrane, guides water flow radially through its contour, and supports the leaf catcher. This multi-functionality improves flow direction control while reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying assembly
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
This configuration enhances drainage capacity by preventing stalls and backwater, reducing maintenance needs, and ensuring a smooth, radial flow without turbulence, thus optimizing hydromechanical performance.
Implementation Method 1
A calculation of the ideal contour line with the help of Torricelli's outflow equation and the continuity equation leads to a surprisingly simple function
Implementation Method 2
A calculation of the ideal contour line with the help of Torricelli's outflow equation and the continuity equation leads to a surprisingly simple function
Implementation Method 3
the vertical component of the velocity of the water acting from above by pressure from an upper water column and downwards by suction from a lower water column
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a rainwater collector for a flat roof with a water inlet opening arranged at the top, a smaller diameter water outlet opening arranged at the bottom, and an intermediate section rotationally symmetrical about a vertical axis (A). The inner wall of this intermediate section extends along a contour line (L) that rises at a shallow angle from a horizontal plane at the top and tapers steeply at a distance (H) from the horizontal plane at the bottom, terminating in an inner cylindrical surface extending around the vertical axis. The contour line (L) is hydromechanically optimized such that the vertical component of the velocity of the water, which is forced downwards by the pressure of an upper water column and the suction of a lower water column, is greater in every volume region of the intermediate section than the radial component of the water velocity there.In particular, it is provided that the contour line (L) is defined by the graph of a function R = D0 ∗(H/x)¼ ∗ C + K.