Skimmer Connection Collar With Polymeric Bushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water treatment skimmer mechanisms face issues with adjustability and corrosion resistance due to metal-on-metal interfaces, which restrict relative movement and lead to corrosion over time.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment skimmer apparatus featuring a connection collar with a metallic body and a polymeric bushing, such as molybdenum nylon, that allows for relative rotation and eliminates metal-on-metal contact, enabling adjustable height changes and improved corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal-on-metal interface is used in conventional skimmer mechanisms, then structural strength is maintained, but corrosion resistance deteriorates and relative movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric bushing is introduced as an intermediary component between the metallic connection collar and the support bar. The bushing eliminates direct metal-on-metal contact, preventing corrosion while enabling smooth relative rotation. The polymeric material serves as a mediator that combines corrosion resistance with friction-reduced movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly uses a composite structure combining metallic material (connection collar) with polymeric material (bushing). This composite approach leverages the strength of metal and the corrosion resistance and self-lubricating properties of polymer, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and corrosion resistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed height configuration is used in conventional skimmers, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection collar is designed with rotational freedom around the support bar, transforming the fixed height configuration into a dynamically adjustable one. The collar can rotate to different angular positions, allowing the skimmer blade to be positioned at various heights while maintaining a simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly is segmented into distinct components (connection collar, bushing, support bar) that can independently function. This segmentation allows the collar to rotate independently for height adjustment while other components maintain their structural roles, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection collar for a water treatment skimmer apparatus includes a body comprising a first material and defining a first circular hole and a bushing comprising a second material disposed within the first circular hole, the bushing defining a second circular hole. The first material is different than the second material and the first circular hole circumscribes and is concentric with the second circular hole, according to various embodiments. The water treatment skimmer apparatus may include a support bar, the connection collar rotatably coupled to the support bar, and a skimmer blade coupled to the connection collar.