Underpressure Roof Drain Flow Control With Variable Nozzle Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underpressure rainwater drainage systems are complex to design and install, require various components with different dimensions, and are difficult to adapt or maintain, due to the need for precise diameter calculations and diverse pipe diameters to ensure efficient flow.
Innovation Solution
A component with integrated control means, such as a deformable membrane or movable flap, that adjusts the flow rate through the drainpipe based on underpressure and flow speed, allowing for self-adjustment and simplification of system design and installation, using pipes with consistent diameters and reducing the need for multiple component types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pipes with various diameters are used to ensure equal flow conditions in underpressure drainage systems, then the drainage efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and design complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a variable area nozzle that changes its flow area dynamically based on operating conditions. Instead of using pipes with various fixed diameters, the system maintains a single pipe diameter but varies the effective flow area through the nozzle's movable element, thereby achieving different flow rates without changing the pipe dimensions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining drainage efficiency while simplifying the device to use uniform pipe sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a movable element (such as a flap or membrane) in the nozzle that can change position to vary the flow area. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different rainfall intensities and pressure conditions, maintaining optimal drainage efficiency without requiring multiple pipe sizes. The dynamic nature of the nozzle replaces the static approach of using various fixed-diameter pipes.
2Productivity
If pipes with various diameters are used to ensure equal flow conditions, then the drainage efficiency is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to maintain a constant pipe diameter while varying the flow area through the nozzle's movable element. This approach simplifies manufacturing because only one pipe size needs to be produced, whereas previously multiple pipe diameters would require different manufacturing processes and quality controls. The variable flow area is achieved through the nozzle design rather than pipe size variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single pipe component that can handle various flow conditions through the movable nozzle element. This universal pipe design replaces the need for multiple specialized pipe sizes, making the system easier to manufacture, stock, and install. The single pipe type serves multiple functions across different operating conditions.
3Productivity
If various components with different dimensions are used in underpressure drainage systems, then the drainage performance is optimized, but the adaptability after installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through the movable element in the nozzle that can be adjusted to change the flow area. This dynamic capability allows the system to be adapted after installation by simply adjusting the movable element's position rather than replacing entire pipe components. The system can respond to changing requirements such as increased rainfall intensity without requiring additional infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through the automatic control mechanism that responds to pressure or flow conditions to adjust the nozzle's flow area. The system can self-regulate and adapt to changing conditions without requiring external intervention or complex manual adjustments, maintaining optimal drainage performance while preserving adaptability.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise diameter calculations and diverse pipe diameters are used, then the flow conditions are equalized, but the ease of operation and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to maintain precise flow control through a single pipe diameter by varying the nozzle's effective flow area. This eliminates the need for complex diameter calculations and selection during installation, as only one pipe size is required. The precision in flow condition control is achieved through the nozzle's adjustable geometry rather than through selecting from multiple pipe diameters.
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 solution simplifies the design and installation of underpressure rainwater drainage systems, ensures efficient high-speed drainage in varying conditions, and reduces maintenance needs by allowing automatic adaptation and using fewer component types, leading to cost savings and easier maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the control means comprise at least one movable or deformable control element intended to come into direct contact during operation with the drained away rainwater and whereby a movement or deformation of the control element which determines its position is the direct consequence of this contact with the drained away rainwater
Implementation Method 2
a movable or deformable control element intended to come into direct contact during operation with the drained away rainwater and whereby a movement or deformation of the control element which determines its position is the direct consequence of this contact
Implementation Method 3
the drainage of the rainwater through the drain pipe is additionally powered by the underpressure created when air suction at the top of the drain pipe is prevented
Implementation Method 4
the mass of the water column in the UV rainwater drainage system does indeed cause an underpressure, such that rainwater is sucked in and can be led away at high speeds
Data Source
Figure 01~02
Figure 03~04
Figure 05
AI summary
Component (13) of a rainwater drainage system in underpressure (7), which, is provided with control means (14) to control the flow rate through a drainpipe (4) of the rainwater drainage system in underpressure (7), whereby the control means (14) are such that they allow the flow rate through the drainpipe concerned (4) to he increasingly reduced as and when an underpressure (ΔΡ) in the drainpipe concerned (4) becomes greater or as and when the flow speed in the drainpipe (4) increases and vice versa,