Vacuum Sewer Control Mechanism for Simplified Valve Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum sewer systems have complex structures with many components that are easily disturbed and fragile, leading to malfunctions and high manufacturing and servicing costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified control mechanism with a series of chambers that utilizes partial vacuum to operate the discharge and rinse water valves, featuring a mechanically robust design that allows for provisional maintenance and continued operation even if some parts are damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex control structure with many components is used, then the system can achieve complete functionality, but the structure becomes fragile and prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a body with multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that work together to control both the discharge valve and rinse water valve through a unified vacuum-based control system, eliminating the need for separate complex control assemblies for each valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism uses the vacuum from the sewer system itself to power the valve operations. The vacuum acts on the diaphragm and valves within the control mechanism to automatically open and close the discharge and rinse water valves without requiring external power sources or complex electronic control systems.
2Volume of moving object
If small-dimensioned components are used, then the system size is reduced, but the components become fragile and easily disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is divided into separate functional chambers (first chamber for discharge valve control, second chamber for rinse water valve control, third chamber for vacuum communication) that can potentially be manufactured separately and assembled. Each chamber is designed to handle specific functions, distributing mechanical stresses and reducing the fragility of any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a diaphragm as a flexible membrane to transmit vacuum pressure changes from the third chamber to control the valves in the first and second chambers. This flexible film approach allows for compact design while maintaining robustness through the elastic properties of the diaphragm material.
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 solution provides a reliable and cost-effective vacuum sewer system with improved operational simplicity and reduced maintenance needs, ensuring consistent performance and easier maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The control means is arranged to control the opening and closing of the discharge valve and the rinse water valve by utilizing partial vacuum from the system
Data Source
AI summary
Vacuum sewer system comprising a source of sewage (101), sewer piping (102), a discharge valve (103) between the source of sewage and the sewer piping, means (104) for generating partial vacuum in the sewer piping, and a control means for controlling the operation of the discharge valve. The control means comprises a control mechanism (105) with a body part defining a series of chambers including a first end chamber and a second end chamber, wherein the first end chambers is provided with an activating means (106). The body part (12) is provided with a first port (8) for communication with a source of vacuum (102), a second port (9) for communication with the discharge valve (103) and a third port (10) for communication with an aeration means. The activating means (106) is in connection with a first valve means operating in cooperation with a second valve means, which is displaceable between a first position, providing communication between the second port (9) and the third port (10), and a second position, closing the communication between the second port (9) and the third port (10).