Sump Catch Basin Multi-Chamber Design for Pump Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sump systems with small cross-sectional areas at the bottom of the catch basin cause pumps to frequently transition between on and off states, reducing pump lifespan and increasing power consumption during continuous water influx, such as during rainstorms.
Innovation Solution
A catch basin design with a larger volume at the bottom relative to the top, featuring a vertical chamber and a horizontal chamber with intersecting regions, and tubes with varying cross-sectional areas to manage water storage and reduce pump activation frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the catch basin has a small cross-sectional area at the bottom, then the pump can be compact and installation space is reduced, but the pump frequently transitions between on and off states during continuous water influx
Solution Approach 1:
The catch basin transitions from a uniform cross-section design to a multi-chamber design with varying cross-sectional areas at different heights and locations. The vertical chamber has a smaller cross-sectional area to accommodate compact pumps, while the horizontal chamber provides additional storage volume, effectively using spatial dimensionality to resolve the contradiction between pump size and water storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch basin is segmented into multiple chambers (vertical chamber, horizontal chamber, and intersecting regions) with different functions. The vertical chamber receives runoff and houses the pump, while the horizontal chamber provides additional storage. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between compact pump installation and sufficient water storage.
2Device complexity
If the catch basin has a small cross-sectional area at the bottom, then structural complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases during continuous water influx
Solution Approach 1:
The design uses vertical and horizontal chambers with different cross-sectional areas at different heights, creating a multi-dimensional storage solution. This allows the system to store more water without significantly increasing structural complexity, as the additional storage is achieved through spatial arrangement rather than adding complex structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the catch basin have different cross-sectional areas optimized for their specific functions. The vertical chamber has a smaller cross-section suitable for pump installation, while the horizontal chamber has a larger cross-section for water storage. This local optimization allows the system to maintain low overall complexity while providing sufficient storage to reduce pump activation frequency and power consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If the catch basin has a larger volume at the bottom with varying cross-sectional areas, then water storage capacity is enhanced and pump activation frequency is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch basin is divided into modular chambers (vertical and horizontal) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity by allowing each chamber to be produced using standard forms and processes, while the final assembled structure provides the desired varying cross-sectional areas and enhanced water storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design achieves enhanced water storage capacity by utilizing both vertical and horizontal spaces through multi-chamber configuration. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to maximize storage volume without requiring a uniformly large structure, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while still providing sufficient capacity to reduce pump activation frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
A sump system includes a catch basin and a sump pump. The catch basin is configured to receive runoff water. The catch basin has an upper end and a bottom surface. The catch basin defines a vertical chamber and a horizontal chamber. The vertical chamber extends downward in a vertical direction from the upper end to a first portion of the bottom surface. The horizontal chamber intersects the first chamber to form an intersecting region. The horizontal chamber is defined by an upper surface and a second portion the bottom surface. The horizontal chamber extends outwardly in a horizontal direction from an outer periphery of the first chamber and has a vertical dimension that extends upward from the bottom surface to the upper surface. The upper surface is positioned below the upper end. The sump pump is disposed within the catch basin.