Septic Tank Brush Retaining Oxygen Microbubbles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Septic systems face failure due to the formation of a bio-mat layer in the absorption field, which impedes absorption and is costly to replace, and existing remediation methods like introducing oxygen or ozone are inefficient as they often bubble to the surface without effectively retaining oxygen in the septic tank.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an oxygen-inclusive microbubble system using brushes with bristles positioned vertically within the liquid effluent layer to retain microbubbles and enhance oxygen availability for aerobic bacteria, allowing them to break down waste more effectively and remediate the septic system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If oxygen or ozone is introduced into the septic tank using conventional bubbling methods, then oxygen is supplied to aerobic bacteria, but the oxygen bubbles to the surface without being retained in the liquid effluent layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen supply efficiencyVSAvoidoxygen retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces brushes with bristles as an intermediary substance between the oxygen source and the liquid effluent. The brushes intercept rising oxygen bubbles and facilitate their dissolution into the liquid effluent layer, preventing direct escape to the surface. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by improving oxygen supply efficiency while reducing oxygen loss through surface escape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of oxygen by converting large bubbles into smaller bubbles through the brush bristles. This parameter change increases the surface area for dissolution and extends the residence time of oxygen in the liquid effluent layer, thereby improving oxygen supply efficiency while reducing oxygen loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the absorption field is replaced to remediate bio-mat formation, then system performance is restored, but the cost is extremely expensive due to underground inaccessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption field performanceVSAvoidremediation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the septic system to self-remediate bio-mat formation by introducing aerobic bacteria that naturally break down the bio-mat. Instead of requiring expensive external replacement of the absorption field, the system uses biological processes activated by oxygen introduction to restore its own performance, significantly reducing remediation costs while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses oxygen and ozone as strong oxidants to accelerate the breakdown of organic matter in the bio-mat. This accelerated oxidation process, facilitated by aerobic bacteria, restores absorption field performance more quickly and cost-effectively than conventional replacement methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Productivity

If anaerobic bacteria break down solid waste in the septic tank, then waste treatment occurs, but a bio-mat layer forms at the absorption field that impedes absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste breakdown rateVSAvoidbio-mat formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of anaerobic digestion (bio-mat formation) into a beneficial process by introducing aerobic bacteria that break down the bio-mat. The same waste breakdown productivity is maintained, but the harmful bio-mat accumulation is eliminated through aerobic decomposition, transforming a negative outcome into a positive one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the biochemical parameters of the waste breakdown process by transitioning from anaerobic to aerobic conditions in the liquid effluent layer. This parameter change maintains high productivity in waste decomposition while preventing bio-mat formation, as aerobic bacteria produce different decomposition byproducts that do not accumulate as impeding layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach significantly increases the growth of aerobic bacteria, improving wastewater treatment by retaining oxygen in the septic tank, reducing bio-mat thickness, and extending the lifespan of septic systems without the need for costly replacements.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrobubble formation and retention: Bubble

Implementation Method 2

allowing them to break down waste more effectively and remediate the septic system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerobic digestion: Aerobic Digestion

Data Source

PatentUS10995026B2Septic system remediation

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 AERO-STREAM LLC

AI summary

A wastewater treatment apparatus for remediation of a wastewater treatment system has a septic tank with a lower sludge layer and an upper liquid effluent layer. The apparatus is comprised of a brush that includes a brush arm having a first end, a second end, and bristles disposed on the brush arm between the first end and the second end. The brush is configured to be positioned within the liquid effluent layer in the septic tank in a vertical orientation such that the second end is disposed below the first end.