Rotatable Flange Disk for Eccentric Wastewater Pipe Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wastewater lifting systems face challenges in connecting wastewater pipes to inlet openings at varying heights, leading to difficulties in installation, maintenance, and compatibility with different pipe sizes and system configurations, resulting in inefficiencies and potential damage due to mechanical loads.

Innovation Solution

A wastewater lifting system with a circular flange disk having an eccentric pipe connection that allows for adjustable vertical positioning by rotating the flange disk within the inlet opening, ensuring a secure and adaptable connection to different pipe diameters, and featuring a seal and reinforcing rib for stability and protection against transverse forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the inlet opening is at a fixed height on the container wall, then the container structure is simple and stable, but the connection to wastewater pipes at different levels becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different pipe connection heightsVSAvoidcomplexity of connection adaptation measures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange disk is made rotatable within the inlet opening, transforming the fixed connection point into a dynamically adjustable one. By rotating the flange disk, the pipe connection can be positioned at different vertical heights to match various pipe levels, eliminating the need for complex adaptation measures while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection function is segmented between the fixed inlet opening in the container wall and the rotatable flange disk. This segmentation allows the container structure to remain simple and stable while the flange disk provides the necessary adaptability through rotation, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and connection versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If pipe sections are used to adapt the inlet line to the inlet opening level, then connection flexibility is improved, but installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in connecting pipes at different levelsVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple static pipe sections to achieve level adaptation, the invention employs a single rotatable flange disk that can be dynamically adjusted to the required height by rotation. This eliminates the need for cutting, assembling, and securing multiple pipe sections, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining full adaptability to different pipe levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If the container is set up recessed in a shaft, then space utilization is improved, but the available space for creating suitable inlet line adaptation becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilization in shaftVSAvoidability to adapt inlet line to different levels

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable flange disk provides a compact adaptive mechanism that operates within the limited space of a recessed container. By rotating the flange disk in place, the inlet connection can be adjusted to different levels without requiring additional external space, thus maintaining both space utilization and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptation mechanism shifts from requiring external vertical space (adding pipe sections above or below the container) to utilizing rotational movement within the plane of the container wall. This dimensional shift allows level adaptation without increasing the vertical footprint, making the solution suitable for recessed installations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If different makes of wastewater lifting systems with different connection heights are used, then system selection flexibility is improved, but compatibility with existing pipe levels decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselection flexibility of different system makesVSAvoidease of reaching old pipe level with new system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable flange disk provides a universal connection interface that can accommodate pipes at various levels, making the container compatible with different system makes and existing pipe configurations. This universal adaptability eliminates the need to match specific connection heights when replacing systems, greatly simplifying installation while preserving the ability to select from different system manufacturers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2489802B1Waste water hoisting facility

Publication Date: 2014.07.16 GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT AS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a wastewater lifting station with a container (2) which has at least one inlet opening (4) in at least one container wall (3), wherein the inlet opening (4) is circular and a circular flange disk (12) is arranged in the inlet opening (4), which has a pipe connection (22) for receiving a pipe (24) which is arranged eccentrically to the center point (X) of the flange disk (12) and terminates on an outside of the container (2) substantially flush with a plane (38) spanned by the outer circumference (36) of the flange disk (12).