Sediment Capture Syphon With Vacuum Bottom Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sediment capture apparatuses struggle to effectively remove fine sediment from water bodies, as they rely on gravity flow and surface-based systems, failing to capture sediment independently of the water surface and requiring additional filtration systems.
Innovation Solution
A sediment capture apparatus utilizing a vacuum system to lift sediment from the bottom of water bodies, comprising a containment basin, vacuum tank, separator tank, and filter assembly, with a buoyancy lift mechanism to manage sediment deposits and a solar-powered electrical system for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sedimentation-based tanks and pumps are used to remove sediments, then sediment removal capability is improved, but fine sediment cannot be completely removed and additional filtration systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sedimentation tank and filtration system into a single integrated apparatus. The sedimentation tank serves dual purposes: capturing sediment through gravity settling and filtering fine particles through its structured bottom surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate filtration systems while maintaining effective sediment removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sedimentation tank is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sediment capture zone, a filtration chamber, and a water clarification system. The structured bottom surface serves both as a support structure and as a filtration medium, allowing the single component to address both coarse and fine sediment removal.
2Ease of operation
If existing sediment capture apparatuses use gravity flow from upper tank, then simple operation is maintained, but sediment capture is limited to surface-level and cannot operate independently of water surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level gravity flow to bottom-level vacuum suction. Instead of capturing sediment only from the upper tank through gravity, the system uses a vacuum pump to draw sediment from the bottom of the water body through conduits, adding a vertical dimension to sediment capture and enabling operation independent of water surface conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a vacuum pump and pneumatic conduits to create negative pressure for sediment extraction. This pneumatic mechanism allows the apparatus to operate independently of the water surface by drawing sediment from the bottom through submerged conduits, enhancing adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated vacuum-driven extraction.
3Productivity
If multiple forces of nature are used to transport water to elevation, then water transport capability is improved, but system complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical water transport systems with a vacuum-driven pneumatic system. Instead of using multiple forces of nature (gravity, pressure, mechanical pumps) to transport water to elevation, the system uses a vacuum pump to create negative pressure that passively draws water and sediment through conduits, reducing energy requirements while maintaining transport capability.
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
The apparatus efficiently captures and lifts sediment from the bottom of water bodies, ensuring complete sediment removal without harm to aquatic life, using a vacuum-driven process that operates independently of the water surface and integrates solar power for energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum tank vacuum valve configured to pump back water through a conduit into the containment basin, thereby creating a vacuum in the vacuum tank
Implementation Method 2
uses a vacuum to lift the sediment from the bottom of the borrow site
Implementation Method 3
a containment basin pump valve configured to pump water to a vacuum tank through a conduit
Implementation Method 4
the separator tank is configured to pull the sediment deposits from a submerged filter comprising slurry using a vacuum
Implementation Method 5
a buoyancy lift mechanism to manage sediment deposits
Data Source
AI summary
A sediment capture syphon apparatus for capturing sediment from a borrow site is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a containment basin having a containment basin pump valve and a vacuum tank vacuum valve configured to pump water to a vacuum tank. The vacuum tank is connected to an anti-static pressure tank and a backwash tank via one or more valves and conduits. The containment basin is further connected to a separator tank configured to pull the sediment deposits from a submerged filter. A filter assembly is configured to deposit the sediment in the deposited location. The apparatus further includes a buoyancy lift configured to exert a buoyancy lift float mechanism to float deposit and a waterfall tank to receive water flow from the filter assembly by creating pressure. The apparatus is further connected to an electrical power source to power a battery comprising one or more switches via a wire.