Sap Lifter Vacuum System for Maple Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sap collection systems face issues with vacuum leaks and freezing due to the venturi effect, leading to reduced performance and yield, especially in areas with unfavorable topography where gravity-assisted flow is not possible.
Innovation Solution
A sap lifter system that includes a cylindrical body with an internal cavity, an inlet for connecting a mainline, an auxiliary outlet for connecting another mainline, a submersible pump, and a float switch to activate the pump when a maximum sap level is reached, creating a closed-circuit vacuum system that reduces leaks and icing, and is powered by a solar panel system or battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum is used to draw sap uphill from lower portions of the land, then sap collection is enabled in challenging topographies, but vacuum leaks occur and performance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sap collection network into multiple zones with individual lifters, each creating a localized vacuum chamber. This segmentation prevents vacuum leaks from affecting the entire system and allows independent operation of each lifter unit, improving overall reliability while maintaining adaptability to challenging topographies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate vacuum chambers and sealed connections between the vacuum source and sap lines. These intermediaries prevent direct vacuum exposure throughout the entire network, reducing the impact of potential leaks and maintaining system reliability in difficult terrain conditions.
2Speed
If vacuum leak is created to suck up maple sap to higher levels, then sap transfer is enabled uphill, but venturi effect causes ice accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the venturi effect mechanism from the vacuum system by using positive displacement pumps instead of vacuum-based flow generation. This eliminates the harmful venturi effect that causes ice accumulation while maintaining the ability to transport sap uphill at required flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful high-velocity vacuum flow that causes venturi effect and icing into a controlled, low-velocity positive pressure flow. This transformation eliminates ice accumulation while achieving the same goal of uphill sap transport.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tubing is installed in upwardly extending direction in valleys, then gravity flow is prevented, but topography requirements are met
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically controllable pump-operated lifters that can be activated or deactivated based on real-time sap flow conditions and topography requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions while maintaining optimal productivity by only using mechanical lifting when gravity flow is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic activation of pump-operated lifters based on sap accumulation levels and flow requirements. This periodic operation maintains productivity by using gravity flow when possible and supplementing with mechanical lifting only when necessary, optimizing overall system efficiency in challenging topographies.
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 sap lifter system enhances sap collection efficiency by minimizing vacuum leaks and icing, allowing for effective sap transfer in challenging topographies and reducing the need for extensive electric cabling, thereby improving yield and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a float switch to activate the pump when a maximum sap level is reached
Implementation Method 2
creating a closed-circuit vacuum system that reduces leaks and icing
Implementation Method 3
the vacuum leak creates this venture effect which in turn translates into an accumulation of ice
Implementation Method 4
powered by a solar panel system or battery
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally related to a maple sap lifter configuration and to a sap collection system making use of the sap lifter. The system includes a vacuum pump, a number of pipes, and the sap lifter. The sap lifter includes a body; an inlet for conveying sap towards the sap lifter; a first outlet for conveying the sap away from the sap lifter; and a pump operatively coupled to the pipes and adapted to pump the sap away from the body once a maximum level of sap is reached, and wherein the maximum level of sap is set to leave an air space in the body and in the pipes for maintaining the level of constant vacuum. The sap lifter and the pipes alternatively define a closed-circuit with no fluid communication with ambient air for maintaining the level of constant vacuum.