Sump Pump Discharge Line Ice Blockage Prevention Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sump pump discharge lines often experience ice blockage in cold weather, leading to reduced operational efficiency and potential water damage due to ice buildup at the discharge end, which can completely obstruct water drainage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a housing with pivotable doors and a U-shaped expeller segment that redirects fluid flow from a sump pump discharge line, allowing it to bypass ice blockages by switching between lower and upper openings based on ice buildup, ensuring continuous drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the discharge line terminates at an opening in the external wall, then the structure is simple and easy to install, but ice buildup at the discharge end blocks the opening and prevents water drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge line is divided into multiple segments: the main discharge line, a U-shaped expeller segment with lower and upper legs, and discharge openings. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different drainage paths when ice blocks one opening, maintaining reliability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the discharge system by creating upper and lower discharge openings at different heights. The U-shaped expeller segment connects these openings vertically, allowing the system to drain through either the lower or upper opening depending on ice blockage conditions, thus solving the reliability issue without significantly complicating the installation
2Ease of operation
If the discharge line is exposed to external environment, then installation is straightforward, but the discharged water freezes and builds up ice that covers the discharge end
Solution Approach 1:
The housing provides preliminary protection by enclosing the expeller segment and discharge openings, creating a controlled environment that prevents direct exposure to freezing temperatures. The covering with pivotable doors further protects the discharge openings when not in use, preventing ice formation before it can block the drainage path
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure between the discharge line and the external environment. It provides a protected transition zone where water can be discharged without directly exposing the critical discharge openings to freezing conditions, thereby preventing ice blockage while maintaining ease of installation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the discharge line operates in cold weather, then the system must function in icy conditions, but ice buildup reduces operational efficiency and can completely obstruct drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is designed with pivotable doors that can dynamically open and close based on operating conditions. The doors automatically pivot open when water needs to discharge and close when not in use, providing adaptive protection against ice blockage while maintaining drainage efficiency in cold weather conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the discharge path by providing both lower and upper openings at different elevations. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to varying ice blockage conditions, maintaining drainage efficiency by switching between different discharge paths based on the ice accumulation level
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
Prevents ice blockage by maintaining fluid flow through the discharge line, even in icy conditions, thereby preventing water damage and ensuring the sump pump's efficiency and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The lower door is pivotable from an at rest position at least partially covering the lower opening in the housing, and to an operating position wherein the lower door is pivoted away from the lower opening in the housing
Implementation Method 2
fluid exiting the discharge segment flows via gravity down and through the body of the expeller segment, to the lower leg of the expeller segment
Data Source
AI summary
An ice blocking apparatus for preventing ice blockage of a sump pump discharge line. The apparatus is mounted to an external wall of a building and includes a housing having lower and upper openings, a discharge line connection segment fluidly coupled with the sump pump discharge line, an expeller segment including lower and upper pipe segments fluidly coupled with discharge segment, and first and second doors pivotably mounted to the housing and covering the lower and upper openings of the housing. The lower pipe segment is fluidly coupled with the lower opening in the housing, and the upper pipe segment is fluidly coupled with the upper opening in the housing. When ice is not blocking the lower opening of the housing, fluid from a sump pump flows through the lower opening, and when ice is blocking the lower opening, fluid flows through the upper opening of the housing.