Sequential Rainwater Collection Device with Floating Obturation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rainwater collecting devices either lack the ability to study variations in rainwater radioactivity over time or are expensive and require an energy source for operation, limiting their installation possibilities.

Innovation Solution

A sequential rainwater collecting device with stacked receptacles, each with a water flow aperture and a floating obturation element that moves between positions based on water levels, using magnetic means to maintain closure, allowing water to flow through and fill each receptacle independently without requiring an energy source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sequential collecting device with multiple independently controllable receptacles is used, then the ability to study rainwater radioactivity variation over time is improved, but the device cost and complexity increase due to requiring multiple receptacles and electric powering means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to study rainwater radioactivity variationVSAvoiddevice structure and energy source requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floating obturation elements automatically detect water level and seal apertures without external control, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for electric motors or control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Electric actuators are replaced with passive mechanical floating elements that use buoyancy and magnetic retention to achieve aperture closure, eliminating the need for electric power while maintaining sequential collection functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electric powering means are used to open and close receptacles, then the reliability of sequential collection is improved, but the installation constraints increase due to dependency on electric network connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesequential collection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-actuating floating elements that automatically respond to water level changes, eliminating dependency on external electric infrastructure and enabling installation in remote locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Electric motors are replaced with passive mechanical floating elements combined with magnetic retention, creating a system that operates without external power sources while maintaining reliable sequential collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple independently controllable receptacles are used, then the capability to collect separate rainwater samples is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverainwater sample collection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The collection system is divided into multiple simple receptacle units with standardized floating obturation elements, allowing modular manufacturing and assembly while maintaining cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design uses simple, inexpensive components such as floating elements and magnetic retention mechanisms that can be easily manufactured and replaced, reducing overall system cost compared to electrically actuated systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables the study of time-dependent changes in rainwater conditions while being economical and environmentally friendly, allowing for the collection of rainwater samples corresponding to different precipitation events without mixing, and facilitating analysis of variations in rainwater conditions.

Implementation Method 1

each receptacle arranged above another adjacent receptacle houses a floating obturation element, movable along the vertical axis between a low position and a high position depending on the amount of water in this receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

each receptacle housing an obturation element includes magnetic means for maintaining the obturation element in a high position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10234362B2Device for sequentially collecting rainwater, in particular with a view to studying the variation in the radioactivity of rainwater

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 INSTITUT DE RADIOPROTECTION & DE SURETE NUCLEAIRE

AI summary

The invention relates to a collection device (10) that comprises a plurality of collection containers (12A, 12B, 12C) suitable for receiving rainwater, each collection container (12A. 12B, 12C) comprising a circumferential wall (14) and a lower wall (16). The collection containers (12A, 12B, 12C) are stacked so as to form a stack along a vertical axis (Z). Each container (12A, 12B) arranged above another, adjacent container (12B, 12C) comprises a water flow opening (18) that is provided in the lower wall (16) thereof and leads into said other, adjacent container (12B, 12C). Each container (12B, 12C) that is arranged below another, adjacent container (12A, 12B) houses a buoyant closure element (20) that is movable along the vertical axis (Z) between a lower position and an upper position depending on the amount of water in said container (12B, 12C) and closes the flow opening (18) in the upper position.