Sewer Connection Cleaning Element for Blockage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Municipalities' stringent low flow rate requirements for sewer connections increase the risk of blockages due to small free flow cross-sections, especially during heavy precipitation, which can lead to clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
A sewer connection design featuring a cleaning element that regularly removes obstructions, such as branches and leaves, using a movable brush with deformable bristles and an automatic float-driven mechanism, ensuring reliable operation without external energy, and allowing for easy maintenance and retrofitting with a throttle device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a small diameter outlet or throttling device is used to meet low flow rate requirements, then the flow rate is controlled, but the risk of blockage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element performs preliminary cleaning actions on the outlet opening before blockages can form and accumulate. By regularly removing branches, leaves, and other obstacles in advance, the system maintains the small diameter outlet's functionality without suffering from blockage issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning element is automatically actuated by the water flow itself through the float mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources or manual intervention. The water flow that passes through the throttling device directly powers the cleaning action, making the system self-sufficient.
2Reliability
If a cleaning element is added to prevent blockages, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is automatically actuated by the water flow itself through the float mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources or manual intervention. The water flow that passes through the throttling device directly powers the cleaning action, making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism utilizes hydraulic principles where the water level changes activate the float, which in turn drives the cleaning element. This hydraulic actuation system replaces complex electrical or mechanical drive mechanisms with a simple water-level-based activation system.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed during maintenance, then blockages are removed, but operation interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element operates continuously or periodically without interrupting the sewer connection's normal function. The automatic cleaning mechanism ensures the outlet remains clear during operation, eliminating the need for maintenance shutdowns and ensuring continuous useful action of both cleaning and water flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning element is automatically actuated by the water flow itself through the float mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources or manual intervention. The water flow that passes through the throttling device directly powers the cleaning action, making the system self-sufficient.
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 solution effectively prevents blockages by ensuring regular cleaning of the drain mouth, maintaining reliable operation, reducing the risk of clogging, and minimizing energy and installation costs, while allowing for efficient integration with existing sewer systems.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning element is driven fully automatically, without the need for personnel or external energy, by means of a float to which the cleaning element is connected or which forms part of the cleaning element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
In a sewer connection (1) comprising an inlet (4) for liquid, a connection tank (2), and an outlet (5) for liquid that can be connected to the sewer, wherein the outlet (5) has an opening (7) adjoining the interior of the connection tank (2), the invention proposes that a cleaning element (12) for cleaning the opening (7) is movably arranged in the connection tank (2). Furthermore, the invention proposes a kit for manufacturing a sewer connection.