Reversible In-Line Pumping for Gravity Drain Blockage Clearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gravity feed drainage systems face capacity overloads during heavy precipitation or increased user volumes, leading to potential flooding and clogging issues due to solid objects, which necessitates a cost-effective solution to enhance flow without infrastructure changes.
Innovation Solution
A pumping apparatus with a main conduit, check valve, sensors, and reversible pumps with impellers and shredder blades that increase flow rates and self-clear blockages, allowing for remote management and maintenance reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the internal section of gravity piping is increased to increase maximum flow capacity, then the flow capacity is improved, but the infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent installs a pump system within the existing gravity pipe, effectively nesting a pumping mechanism inside the原有管道. This allows the system to maintain the original pipe infrastructure while adding flow enhancement capability through the integrated pump assembly that includes the pump, motor, and cutting mechanism housed within the pipe's internal volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pump system as an intermediary device between the upstream and downstream sections of the gravity pipe. This intermediary mechanism actively enhances flow capacity without requiring replacement of the entire gravity infrastructure, thereby resolving the contradiction between increased productivity and device complexity
2Productivity
If conventional pumps are used in gravity feed networks, then liquid flow is increased, but clogging occurs due to solid objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cutting mechanism that operates preliminarily to break down solid objects and debris before they can cause clogging in the pump or pipe system. This preliminary action of cutting and shredding materials ensures that only processed, smaller particles enter the pump, preventing clogging and maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-maintenance through the cutting mechanism that continuously processes solids and debris, preventing accumulation and clogging. The pump system serves itself by automatically cutting and removing potential blockages, eliminating the need for external maintenance interventions and ensuring continuous reliable operation
3Reliability
If backup pumping devices are installed to prevent pump failure, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-maintaining pump system with an integrated cutting mechanism that automatically processes solids and prevents clogging. This self-service capability eliminates the need for backup pumping devices by ensuring the single pump operates reliably without failure, thereby maintaining system reliability while avoiding the complexity and cost of additional backup systems
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 increases liquid flow without altering pipe dimensions or pressure, preventing clogging and reducing maintenance costs by using reversible pumps to shred solids and manage flow dynamically, thus addressing capacity issues and clogging problems.
Implementation Method 1
each of the one or more pumps having a motor operably connected to an impeller formed by one or more plates secured on a disc and one or more blades located on a side of the one or more plates, the motor configured to operate in a forward direction to drive the impeller and in a reverse direction to allow the one or more blades to clear any blockage
Data Source
AI summary
The invention, comprises a pumping apparatus, system and method for increasing the flow of the in a first direction to boost liquid flow and in a reverse second direction to remove blockages and/or self-clearing, with operation having an rotor/impeller that can use a shredder and/or shearing action utilizing blades for processing to pass solids, debris and other things to prevent clogging and/or self-cleaning of the unit.