Sink Assembly with Cascaded Traps and Mushroom Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional particulate trapping and drainage systems are difficult to clean and prone to failure when the catchment area becomes full, allowing particulate contaminants to drain away with suspended liquids, leading to inefficient disposal and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level particulate trapping and drainage system with a master trap and cascaded traps, including a riser and valve assembly that automatically prevents liquid drainage when contaminant levels exceed capacity, using a mushroom valve and filter bags for easy particulate collection and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single-level trapping systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the system fails when the catchment area is full and cleaning is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the trapping function into multiple independent levels (first trap, second trap, third trap) that can operate separately. Each trap is a discrete unit that can be individually cleaned or replaced, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The traps are nested within each other and within the master trap, creating a compact multi-level structure. The first trap nests in the master trap, the second trap nests in the first trap, and the third trap nests in the second trap, achieving space-efficient complex functionality
2Reliability
If conventional drainage systems without automatic shutdown are used, then the system is easy to operate, but contaminated liquids drain away when traps are full
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own accumulated contaminated liquid to trigger the shutdown mechanism. When liquid reaches a certain level in the traps, it automatically activates the mushroom valve to close, preventing further discharge without requiring external monitoring or control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the liquid level in the traps signals the mushroom valve to close when full. This automatic feedback loop ensures that contaminated liquids are prevented from draining away once capacity is reached, improving reliability without adding complex external controls
3Ease of repair
If conventional fixed trap systems are used, then the structure is simple, but cleaning requires disassembling pipes and connections
Solution Approach 1:
Each trap is designed as a separate removable module that can be independently accessed and cleaned. The first trap, second trap, and third trap can each be removed from the master trap without disassembling pipes or connections, making maintenance simple while using standardized removable coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The traps are designed to be easily extracted from the master trap for cleaning. Each trap can be removed as a complete unit, allowing users to empty and clean the traps without having to disassemble the overall system or disconnect pipes, improving ease of repair with minimal added complexity
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
Facilitates safe and easy disposal of particulate contaminants through multiple stages of trapping, prevents contaminated liquids from draining when traps are full, and simplifies maintenance by allowing easy removal and cleaning of traps, ensuring reliable contaminant separation and overflow management.
Implementation Method 1
a mushroom valve and actuator assembly... The mushroom valve is adapted to float on the liquid in the first trap and close the aperture when the liquid reaches a predetermined level
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a sink assembly that can separate particulate contaminants from a liquid in which they are suspended. The sink assembly includes a master trap and at least a first trap with a riser and valve assembly to collect particulates and prevent overflow from the master trap. The sink assembly provides a simple maintenance and cleaning solution.