Shower Drainage Pump Control for Low-Noise Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intrusive operational noise is a problem associated with the use of pumps in pumped drainage apparatus for showers, particularly when smaller diameter pipe work is used, which can lead to flooding and undesirable odour backflow.
Innovation Solution
A variable flow control device is introduced, comprising a sensing circuit with ultrasonic sensors and a control circuit that adjusts the pump's flow rate based on the sensed volume of waste water, allowing for continuous monitoring and optimization of pump operation to minimize noise and prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a pump is used to draw waste water and odours away from the shower area, then odour backflow is prevented, but intrusive operational noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates with variable speed controlled by a control circuit that adjusts the motor speed based on waste water volume detected by sensors. This dynamic operation allows the pump to run at lower speeds (reducing noise) when waste water volume is low, while maintaining sufficient pumping capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pump by adjusting motor speed and flow rate based on detected waste water conditions. The control circuit modifies pump operating parameters to optimize between noise reduction and effective waste water removal.
2Volume of moving object
If smaller diameter pipe work is used in the drainage apparatus, then space is saved, but discharge flow rate is reduced which can lead to flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The pump provides dynamic flow rate adjustment to compensate for the limited capacity of smaller diameter pipes. By increasing pump speed and flow rate when waste water volume is high, the system maintains adequate discharge capacity despite using compact piping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes pump operational parameters (flow rate, pressure) to optimize waste water removal through smaller diameter pipes. The control circuit adjusts pump output parameters to match the capacity constraints of the reduced-size drainage infrastructure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a pump is used to increase discharge flow rate and prevent flooding, then flooding is prevented, but intrusive operational noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates dynamically with variable speed control based on real-time waste water volume detection. When waste water volume is low, the pump runs at reduced speed minimizing noise. When waste water volume increases, the pump automatically increases speed to maintain flood prevention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit receives feedback from sensors that detect waste water volume and presence of odours. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust pump operation in response to actual conditions, reducing noise during low-demand periods while maintaining flood protection when needed.
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 reduces pump noise by operating at optimal flow rates, minimizing intrusive noise and effectively preventing flooding and odour backflow, while allowing for retrospective fitting on existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A variable flow control device is introduced, comprising a sensing circuit with ultrasonic sensors and a control circuit that adjusts the pump's flow rate based on the sensed volume of waste water
Data Source
AI summary
A pumped drainage apparatus for a shower includes a waste water unit, a waste water inlet for accepting waste water runoff from a shower, a waste water outlet in fluid communication with the waste water inlet, a pump in fluid communication with the waste water unit, a sensing circuit including one or more sensors for sensing waste water, and a control circuit for controlling and varying a flow rate of the pump based on an output of the sensing circuit. The sensors may be isolated to prevent contact with waste water while the apparatus is in use. A variable flow control device for the pumped drainage apparatus is also provided.