Rotatable Flow Splitter for Selective Rainwater Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rainwater separators are fixed and unable to selectively collect initial rainwater and late rainwater, limiting their efficiency and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A flow splitter comprising a first immobile plate and a turnable second plate, coupled via a rotation axle or articulated mechanism, with a flange and discharge outlet, allows for the separation and automatic abandonment of initial rainwater, enabling continuous collection of middle and late rainwater by adjusting the angle between the plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rainwater separator is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot selectively collect initial rainwater and late rainwater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed separator into a movable, rotatable structure. The second plate can rotate around the first plate, changing its orientation based on rainfall conditions. This dynamic mechanism enables the system to adapt between different collection modes (initial rainwater vs. late rainwater) while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable second plate is added to enable selective collection, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the counterweight principle through the gravitational interaction between the two plates. The first plate serves as a counterweight that stabilizes the system while allowing the second plate to rotate. This gravitational balance enables automatic resetting and position changes without requiring complex motors or control systems, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If automatic resetting without power control is implemented, then energy consumption decreases, but control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the self-service principle through automatic resetting driven by gravity and water flow. The system self-regulates its position based on natural forces without requiring external power control. The rotatable mechanism automatically returns to its initial position after collecting rainwater, and the gravity-driven design ensures reliable positioning without complex control systems, thereby minimizing energy consumption while maintaining adequate control precision.
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 solution enhances rainwater collecting efficiency by automatically separating and abandoning initial rainwater, allowing for continuous collection of middle and late rainwater, and resetting without power control, improving adaptability to varying rainfall conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the critical condition of the overturn of the second plate with respect to the first plate is m3gL3≤m2gL3+m4gL5; the critical condition of resetting of the second plate is m3gL3>m2gL2+m5gL7
Data Source
AI summary
A flow splitter including a first plate being immobile and a second plate being turnable with respect to the first plate. The first plate includes a central part, and the central part includes a slot and two side parts disposed at two ends of the slot, respectively. The second plate includes a first subplate and a second subplate, and the first subplate includes one end provided with a flange. The second plate is coupled to the first plate. The first subplate and the second subplate are disposed at two side of the slot; two sides of the second plate include two gaps, respectively. The two side parts of the first plate are disposed in the two yaps, respectively.