Transformable Gully Filter for Compact Inlet Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gullies face challenges with limited component size due to inlet constraints, cumbersome maintenance, and difficulty in locating and positioning cleaning hoses, leading to inefficient filtering and cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

A transformable filter for gullies that can change from an insertion state to a mounting state, allowing for a larger filtering area without increasing the inlet size, and features like a flexible material, expandable parts, and access points for easy cleaning and hose guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the filter is made larger to increase filtering area, then filtering efficiency is improved, but the filter cannot be inserted through the gully inlet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering areaVSAvoidinsertability through inlet
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is designed with transformable geometry that allows it to change shape between insertion and mounting states. During insertion, the filter adopts a compact configuration that fits through the inlet, and after insertion, it transforms to an expanded configuration that provides large filtering area when mounted in the gully pot.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The filter components are designed to nest within each other during the insertion state, allowing the filter to be compacted to fit through the inlet. Once inserted, the nested components are deployed or expanded to achieve the full filtering area in the mounted state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the gully inlet is made larger to accommodate larger components, then component size capacity is improved, but the gully structure becomes more complex and less safe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent size capacityVSAvoidgully structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter dynamically changes its size after insertion, allowing a small inlet to accommodate a large filtering component. The filter is inserted in a compact state through the standard-sized inlet, then transforms to a larger state once inside the gully pot, eliminating the need for larger inlets or more complex gully structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If the filter is made removable for easy maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but the filter may become lost or misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter removabilityVSAvoidfilter retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter incorporates engagement features that interact with the gully pot structure to secure the filter in place. These engagement features allow the filter to be easily removed for maintenance while preventing accidental loss or misplacement during normal operation, acting as an intermediary mechanism between removability and retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances filtering efficiency and simplifies maintenance by enabling larger filters and easier cleaning access, while maintaining compactness and safety through transformable designs.

Implementation Method 1

The filter is transformable from an insertion state to a mounting state. The mounting state is for mounting the filter in the gully pot. The insertion state is for inserting the filter through the inlet from outside of the gully or gully part and/or for removing the filter from the gully or gully part through the inlet.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransformable design:

Data Source

PatentEP3728750B1Gully or gully part
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 WAVIN BV
  • EP3728750B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3728750B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3728750B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

The disclosure relates to gully (1) or gully part comprising a gully pot, an inlet (2) for receiving a fluid to be drained, an outlet port (13) for being connected to a drain pipe for draining the fluid, the gully further comprising a filter (2) and/or an access part for cleaning the outlet port of the gully.