Rotatable Valve Gutter Closure Preventing Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for temporarily closing off grate-covered gutters to prevent contaminating liquids from entering sewers are time-consuming and may allow partial contamination before closure can be achieved, especially in unplanned events like fuel leaks.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable valve-based closing organ with an adjustment organ that can be operated from the surface, allowing quick transition from a non-sealing to a sealing position without the need for storage or removal of the closing organ, and can be positioned between sewage discharge openings to restrict contamination flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plate-shaped closing organs are placed in the gutter to prevent contaminating liquid from entering the sewer, then the sewer can be protected from contamination, but the closing operation takes a lot of time and may allow partial contamination before closure is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The closing organ is pre-installed in the gutter in a retracted position where it does not obstruct liquid flow. When contamination is detected or anticipated, the closing organ is quickly actuated to its closed position. This preliminary positioning allows the system to be ready for rapid closure without requiring storage or retrieval operations, thus reducing closure time while maintaining protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing organ is designed as a dynamic structure that can transition between an open position (allowing liquid flow) and a closed position (blocking contamination). The valve mechanism enables rapid movement between these states, transforming the static closing organ into a dynamic barrier that responds to contamination events, thereby reducing the time lag between detection and effective closure.
2Ease of manufacture
If plate-shaped closing organs are stored separately and brought to the gutter when needed, then storage space is required, but time is lost in picking up and transporting the closing organs to the site
Solution Approach 1:
The closing organ is pre-installed in the gutter structure itself during the initial construction or maintenance phase. This preliminary placement eliminates the need for separate storage facilities and transportation logistics. The closing organ remains in position, ready to be actuated when needed, thus completely eliminating the time loss associated with picking up and transporting closing organs from storage to the gutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing organ is integrated into the gutter structure, merging the function of the gutter with the function of the closing mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate storage and deployment operations, as the closing organ is already part of the gutter system. The unified structure allows for rapid response to contamination events without the logistical overhead of separate storage and transportation.
3Ease of operation
If the operating organ axis is close to the bottom of the gutter, then the valve can be operated, but access from the paved surface requires removing the grate
Solution Approach 1:
The operating organ axis is positioned at a height that provides accessible lateral access from the paved surface, rather than requiring vertical access through grate removal. This dimensional repositioning allows operators to reach the operating organ from the side or above, eliminating the need to remove grates while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating organ is positioned at a specific location and height that optimizes accessibility from the paved surface. By strategically locating the operating organ axis at an accessible height, the system provides easy operation without requiring complex access procedures such as grate removal, thus improving ease of operation while simplifying the access procedure.
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
Enables rapid and effective closure of gutters to prevent contaminating liquids from entering sewers, reducing the amount of liquid that needs to be pumped out and processed, thus saving time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the valve seals against a seat
Implementation Method 2
the valve is brought from the second stable position to the first stable position by rotating about the axis of rotation of the valve axle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Method for temporarily closing off a grate (111) -covered gutter (110) of a paved part of the earth's surface (100) by means of a closing organ (130), the gutter (110) being connected to a sewage pipe (120). Thus, the draining away of contaminating liquid can be prevented. According to the invention the gutter (110) comprises a closing organ (130) comprising a valve (131), which valve (131) is fitted rotatably in the gutter (110). The valve (131) can be in a first stable position wherein the valve (131) seals. The valve can also be in a second stable position in which the valve (131) releases the gutter (110) for the discharge of liquid (rainwater) to the sewage pipe. The invention also relates to a closing organ (130) suitable for use with the method.