Vacuum wastewater device, vacuum wastewater device arrangement and method for removing wastewater from a wastewater reservoir using at least one vacuum wastewater device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum wastewater devices face issues such as incomplete extraction due to blockages, lack of visual assessment of fluid flow, manual operation, and inefficiencies in large networks, leading to customer dissatisfaction and energy waste.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum wastewater device equipped with electronic control units and multiple sensors to monitor pressure and other parameters, enabling adaptive control of fluid flow, automated operation, and communication between devices for balanced extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a predetermined extraction time is used to empty wastewater reservoirs, then the extraction process can be completed within a limited time frame, but solids may block the suction port and prevent complete extraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction timeVSAvoidextraction completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs sensor arrangements that detect pressure differences across the vacuum wastewater device to provide real-time feedback on extraction status. The electronic control unit continuously monitors these pressure values and automatically adjusts the extraction process, extending or terminating it based on actual wastewater removal status rather than fixed timing, thereby ensuring complete extraction even when solids are present

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the extraction process by continuously monitoring pressure differential values and adjusting operation accordingly. The electronic control unit modifies extraction parameters in real-time based on sensor feedback, transforming the static predetermined-time approach into a dynamic response system that reacts to actual extraction conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual operation of vacuum wastewater devices is used, then the device can be activated by user input, but there is no feedback to confirm the vacuum valve has opened or extraction is occurring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual activationVSAvoidoperation feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensor arrangements that detect pressure differences and provide real-time feedback signals to the electronic control unit. This feedback loop confirms whether the vacuum valve has opened and whether extraction is actively occurring, giving the operator definitive information about system status and operation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If multiple vacuum wastewater devices are used in large wastewater networks, then more reservoirs can be emptied simultaneously, but energy efficiency is reduced without optimized control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction throughputVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control units in multiple vacuum wastewater devices communicate and coordinate based on sensor feedback from pressure differential detection. This enables optimized control where devices can be dynamically activated or deactivated based on network conditions and extraction needs, improving energy efficiency while maintaining high throughput in large wastewater networks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically coordinates multiple vacuum wastewater devices based on real-time pressure differential measurements and extraction status. The electronic control units adjust operation timing and duration for each device optimally, transforming static simultaneous operation into dynamic coordinated control that balances productivity with energy efficiency

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

Ensures complete wastewater extraction, provides real-time feedback, and optimizes energy use through automated processes, reducing manual intervention and enhancing system reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum unit (3) supplied with electricity from an electrical network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

detect a pressure difference across the vacuum wastewater device as a first value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4700186A1Vacuum wastewater device, vacuum wastewater device arrangement and method for removing wastewater from a wastewater reservoir using at least one vacuum wastewater device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 ROEDIGER VACUUM GMBH
  • EP4700186A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4700186A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4700186A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a vacuum wastewater device, a vacuum wastewater device arrangement as well as a method for removing wastewater from a wastewater reservoir. The vacuum wastewater device (1) comprises a vacuum wastewater device inlet (4) fluidically connectable to a wastewater reservoir (2), a vacuum wastewater device outlet (5) configured to be supplied with vacuum from a vacuum unit (3), a valve unit (7) arranged between the vacuum wastewater device inlet (4) and the vacuum wastewater device outlet (5), an electronic control unit (6) configured to control the valve unit (7), thereby controlling a fluid flow from the wastewater reservoir (2) through the vacuum wastewater device (1), and a first sensor arrangement (11) configured to detect a pressure inside the vacuum wastewater device (1) as a first value. In addition, a second sensor arrangement (12) is provided configured to detect a second value related to the vacuum wastewater device (1). The electronic control unit (6) is configured to adapt control of the valve unit (7) based on the first value and/or the second value.