Reservoir and pump system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioner condensation collection systems result in significant water waste, as they lack effective mechanisms for water conservation and reuse, with regulations often preventing discharge into certain areas, leading to unnecessary water loss.
Innovation Solution
A reservoir and pump system that includes a submersible pump with a motor, check valve, power supply, and vertical float switch, integrated with a storage tank to collect and store condensation from air conditioners, allowing selective removal of the water when the power supply is actuated, and includes a spigot for easy water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If condensation is discharged directly through gravity-driven drainage, then the system is simple and requires minimal equipment, but significant water waste occurs and regulatory compliance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condensation water from the direct discharge path and separates it into a dedicated storage reservoir. This extraction allows the water to be captured and stored for later use rather than being immediately wasted, directly addressing the water loss problem while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary storage reservoir between the condensation source and the final discharge point. This intermediary component enables the system to hold water temporarily, allowing for controlled dispensing later and preventing both water waste and regulatory compliance issues without requiring complex real-time processing systems
2Loss of substance
If a storage reservoir is added to collect condensation, then water conservation is improved, but the system complexity and device cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the float valve automatically controls water level in the reservoir without external intervention. When water reaches a certain level, the float rises and automatically closes the inlet, and when level drops, it opens again. This self-regulating mechanism conserves water while minimizing the need for complex control systems or manual monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the storage reservoir serves multiple purposes: it acts as both a collection vessel for condensation and a controlled dispensing system. The same reservoir structure provides both storage capacity and regulated water delivery through the spigot, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
3Quantity of substance
If gravity drainage is used, then the system requires minimal energy input, but water cannot be dispensed on demand or stored for later use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting and storing condensation water in advance in the reservoir before it is needed. The water is captured continuously as it condenses, stored in the reservoir, and made available for future use. This preliminary collection and storage eliminates the need for energy-intensive on-demand collection systems while ensuring water availability when required
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 system effectively reduces water waste by storing and making available for reuse the condensation collected from air conditioners, addressing the regulatory constraints and environmental impact of current disposal methods.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical float switch
Implementation Method 2
a submersible pump, the submersible pump having a motor
Implementation Method 3
a check valve
Implementation Method 4
Most condensate drain lines utilize gravity to assist in the drainage of the excess condensation
Data Source
AI summary
A water conservation system includes an air conditioner and a storage tank. The air conditioner has a thermostat, compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator coils, and a condensation line ending in a termination line a distance away from the air conditioner, allowing condensation to exit the air conditioner. The storage tank is located near the termination line in order to capture and hold the condensation being expelled out of the air conditioner through the termination line. The storage tank has an interior void for holding and storing the condensed water. The interior void also houses a submersible pump having a motor, check valve, power supply, float switch, and discharge pipe. Condensation flows from the air conditioner condensation line, out the termination line, and into the storage tank via a selectively closeable funnel. The condensation is then selectively removable from the storage tank by actuating the power supply of the submersible pump.