Vacuum Filtering Pan With Upright Screen for Solid-Liquid Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filtering apparatuses in sump pump systems are inadequate for effectively separating solids from fluids using vacuum systems.

Innovation Solution

A filtering apparatus comprising a base with a duct, inlet and outlet openings, a vacuum connector, and a liquid-permeable filtering screen that covers the inlet opening, allowing for efficient solid-liquid separation during fluid removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing filtering apparatuses are used in sump pump systems, then they can remove fluids, but they are inadequate for effectively separating solids from fluids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid-liquid separation effectivenessVSAvoidfiltration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous filtering screen with specifically designed pore sizes and distributions to achieve effective solid-liquid separation. The porous structure allows liquid to pass through while retaining solids, directly resolving the inadequate separation effectiveness of existing filtering apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The filtering screen is positioned at an angle relative to the fluid flow direction, creating a dimensional configuration that enhances separation effectiveness. This angular arrangement allows solids to be captured on the screen surface while liquid flows through, improving both reliability and productivity of the filtration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a filtering screen is added to improve solid-liquid separation, then filtration effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid-liquid separation effectivenessVSAvoidapparatus structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering screen is integrated with the existing sump pump structure, merging the filtration function with the fluid removal system. This combination approach adds the necessary separation capability without creating a completely separate complex apparatus, thus improving reliability while minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filtering screen serves multiple functions: it separates solids from liquids, prevents clogging of the pump system, and can be designed to allow easy cleaning and maintenance. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element by providing multiple benefits within a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the filtering screen is made more robust to improve durability, then reliability improves, but ease of cleaning and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering screen durabilityVSAvoidcleaning and maintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering screen is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily detached from the main apparatus for cleaning and maintenance. This segmentation allows the screen to be robust and durable during operation while remaining easy to access and clean by simply removing it from its position in the fluid flow path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filtering screen is positioned in a location where it can be easily accessed and removed for maintenance, and its orientation allows liquid to naturally flow through it during operation. This dynamic positioning ensures both durability during use and ease of cleaning when maintenance is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables effective filtration of solids from fluids using vacuum systems, facilitating easy cleaning and maintenance of the filtering screen.

Implementation Method 1

A filtering screen is coupled to and extends upwardly from the base. The filtering screen covers the inlet opening and is liquid permeable.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a vacuum system, comprising: a base and a duct being coupled to and extending upwardly from the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12557951B2Filtering pan apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 SAND PAUL
  • US12557951B2 patent drawing
  • US12557951B2 patent drawing
  • US12557951B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A filtering pan apparatus for filtering solids out of fluid being removed by a vacuum system includes a base and a duct being coupled to and extending upwardly from the base. The duct has an inlet opening and an outlet opening extending into the duct, with the inlet opening being positioned adjacent to the base. A vacuum connector is coupled to and extends away from the duct and is in fluid communication with the outlet opening. The vacuum connector has a connector opening in a distal end thereof relative to the duct which extends into the vacuum connector. A filtering screen is coupled to and extends upwardly from the base. The filtering screen covers the inlet opening and is liquid permeable.