Sewer Bypass Pipe Assembly with Center Divider

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Solution Overview

Problem

In sewer bypass situations, accessing and bypassing larger diameter pipes is challenging due to the typical manhole diameter, requiring expensive and time-consuming removal of the top cone piece to achieve acceptable flow velocity rates.

Innovation Solution

A pipe assembly with a hollow main pipe divided into channels by a center divider, connected to branch pipes and equipped with transducer conduits and vent openings, allowing for efficient fluid flow and suction management, enabling higher flow rates without modifying the manhole structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the top cone piece of the manhole is removed to access larger diameter pipes, then the flow velocity rate is improved, but the cost and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow velocity rateVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe assembly is divided into multiple segments including a main pipe with a center divider creating first and second channels, with separate branch pipes for each channel. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high flow rates through multiple parallel pathways without requiring large diameter pipes that would need manhole modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single large-diameter pipe approach to a multi-channel configuration within a compact assembly. By utilizing vertical stacking and horizontal branching, the system achieves equivalent flow capacity to large pipes while maintaining a compact footprint that fits within standard manhole dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the top cone piece of the manhole is removed to access larger diameter pipes, then the flow velocity rate is improved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow velocity rateVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe assembly is divided into multiple segments including a main pipe with a center divider creating first and second channels, with separate branch pipes for each channel. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high flow rates through multiple parallel pathways without requiring large diameter pipes that would need manhole modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe assembly uses standard-sized pipes and components that can be manufactured and installed using conventional methods and equipment, avoiding the need for expensive custom fabrication or infrastructure modification. The modular design allows for standardization and cost-effective deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If standard manhole diameter is maintained, then the infrastructure cost is reduced, but the flow rate is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfrastructure costVSAvoidflow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe assembly is divided into multiple segments including a main pipe with a center divider creating first and second channels, with separate branch pipes for each channel. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high flow rates through multiple parallel pathways without requiring large diameter pipes that would need manhole modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second channels are merged into a single main pipe assembly that connects to a common base and can be installed through a single manhole opening. This merging allows multiple flow paths to be combined into one compact unit that maintains standard infrastructure dimensions while achieving high aggregate flow rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If multiple pipes are installed to increase flow rate, then the flow capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rateVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second channels are merged into a single main pipe assembly that connects to a common base and can be installed through a single manhole opening. This merging allows multiple flow paths to be combined into one compact unit that maintains standard infrastructure dimensions while achieving high aggregate flow rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides separate flow channels for different sewage streams, includes integrated transducer conduits for monitoring, incorporates vent openings for pressure equalization, and offers a unified installation interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9989172B2Pump suction pipe assembly for high flow sewer bypass
Publication Date: 2018.06.05 UNITED RENTALS NORTH AMERICA INC
  • US9989172B2 patent drawing
  • US9989172B2 patent drawing
  • US9989172B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pipe assembly that includes a hollow main pipe having a top, an open bottom and a divider extending longitudinally therethrough that divides the main pipe into first and second channels, a first branch pipe in flow communication with the first channel and extending from the main pipe, and a second branch pipe in flow communication with the second channel and extending from the main pipe.