Removable Scroll Case Impeller for Confined Space Debris Agitation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current sewer system cleaning methods are inefficient in removing solid debris, especially in confined spaces, as it often settles at the bottom and requires manual dislodging, posing hazards and being time-consuming, and existing equipment cannot easily handle or quickly change scroll cases for different applications.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a drive housing and impeller housing featuring a scroll case with inlet and outlet openings, an impeller for agitation, and a guiding structure for easy mounting and quick change, allowing the apparatus to be used with suction hoses or directional discharge chutes, facilitating agitation and removal of solid debris in confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vacuum suction is used to lift debris and water, then the cleaning process is safer than manual entry, but solid debris settles at the bottom forming a hardened layer that cannot be dislodged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of cleaning processVSAvoideffectiveness of debris removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two cleaning functions into one apparatus: vacuum suction for lifting debris and an impeller mechanism for agitating hardened sediment. The impeller housing with scroll case and impeller blades combines with the vacuum truck system to provide both agitation and suction capabilities, eliminating the need for separate manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The impeller apparatus serves as an intermediary between the vacuum suction system and the hardened debris. The impeller blades mechanically interact with the settled debris to loosen it, making it susceptible to vacuum suction removal, thus mediating the interaction between the suction force and resistant sediment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual dislodging of sediment is performed, then hardened debris can be removed, but the process becomes hazardous and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to remove hardened debrisVSAvoidtime required for cleaning process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The impeller apparatus enables self-service cleaning by automatically agitating and loosening hardened debris through rotational blades, eliminating the need for manual dislodging. The system performs the agitation function itself, reducing both time and safety risks associated with human entry into confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If scroll cases are designed for different applications, then versatility is improved, but handling and changing scroll cases becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to different infrastructureVSAvoidhandling and changing scroll case

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The scroll case is designed as a separate, detachable component from the impeller housing, allowing it to be segmented and exchanged independently. This segmentation enables different scroll case configurations to be attached to the same impeller housing, providing versatility while maintaining ease of change through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The impeller housing and mounting mechanism are designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different scroll case types. The standardized interface and mounting features allow a single impeller housing unit to support multiple scroll case configurations for different applications such as sewer systems, ditches, and canals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient agitation and removal of solid debris using suction hoses or directional discharge chutes, allowing for easy handling in confined spaces and quick scroll case changes, improving safety and efficiency in sewer system maintenance and other infrastructure applications.

Implementation Method 1

An impeller is disposed in the scroll case for agitating the solid material and directing the same towards the outlet opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpeller agitation: Impeller

Implementation Method 2

the same can be lifted using a suction hose of a vacuum truck

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS20240384521A1Apparatus for agitataing solid debris in confined spaces with interchangebale scroll case

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 DITCH DOCTOR ATLANTIC LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for agitating solid material comprising a drive housing with a drive having a first portion of a drive coupling mounted to a drive output shaft thereof. An impeller housing has a scroll case with an inlet opening at a bottom portion thereof adapted for passage of the solid material disposed in a bottom portion of a structure therethrough, and an outlet opening at an upper portion thereof. An impeller has an impeller shaft that is rotatably movably mounted to the impeller housing. The impeller shaft has a second portion of the drive coupling mounted to an end portion thereof with the second portion of the drive coupling being adapted for being coupled with the first portion of the drive coupling. The impeller housing is removable/re-attachable to the drive housing and the second portion of the drive coupling is removable/re-attachable connected to the first portion of the drive coupling.