Remote-Actuated Floor Drain Valve for Hazardous Spill Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain safety devices require manual operation, which exposes operators to hazardous substances, are cumbersome to operate individually, and lack simultaneous control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An automatic and/or automated drain safety device with a remote control mechanism, utilizing a closure assembly and actuating assembly that includes a sealing disc movable between closed and release positions, operated pneumatically or hydraulically, allowing remote actuation without direct contact and muscular effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If manual operation of drain safety devices is used, then the device structure remains simple, but operators are exposed to hazardous substances and must exert muscular strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated actuating assembly that uses electrical or electronic control mechanisms. The closure assembly is actuated automatically without requiring operators to physically manipulate valves or covers, thereby eliminating exposure to hazardous substances while introducing controlled system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate actuating mechanism that mediates between the operator and the closure assembly. This intermediary system transmits the closing action remotely, allowing operators to initiate closure without direct contact with hazardous materials in the drain area.
2Productivity
If individual manual operation of each drain safety device is required, then device simplicity is maintained, but operating time and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drain safety devices into a coordinated system where the actuating assembly can control multiple closure assemblies simultaneously or sequentially. This consolidation allows operators to manage several drains through a single control interface, significantly improving productivity and reducing the time required to address multiple drainage issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating assembly is designed with universal control capabilities that can operate different types of closure assemblies across multiple drains. This multi-functional design enables a single control system to handle various drainage scenarios, reducing operational time and enhancing overall system efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If remote control actuation is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical remote control mechanisms with simpler electrical or electronic actuation systems. This substitution maintains operator convenience and safety while reducing the mechanical complexity that would otherwise be required for reliable remote operation over distances.
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
Provides safe, convenient, and efficient protection against hazardous substance ingress and wastewater escape, enabling simultaneous or individual control of multiple devices, suitable for industrial and commercial areas, and private/public buildings.
Implementation Method 1
operated pneumatically or hydraulically
Implementation Method 2
operated pneumatically or hydraulically
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve (100) for a drain (101), in particular a floor drain, a yard drain or street drain, comprising: a closure assembly (10) for closing and opening the drain (101) and an actuating assembly (20) for actuating the closure assembly (10), wherein the closure assembly (10) has a sealing disc (11) for the drain (101), and wherein the sealing disc (11) is movable between two positions (I, II): - a closed position (I) in which the drain (101) is closed by the sealing disc (11), and - a release position (II) in which the drain (101) is opened by the sealing disc (11).According to the invention, the actuating assembly (20) is designed as an automatic and/or automated control device to actuate the locking assembly (10) at a distance from the locking assembly (10), in particular without direct contact between operating elements that are accessible to an operator, and to move the sealing disc (11) between the closed position (I) and the release position (II).