Vented Drain Trap for Continuous Low-Head Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage devices, such as P-traps, face issues with intermittent and non-continuous liquid drainage due to low liquid head, especially in compact designs like flush-mounted boxes, leading to undesirable liquid accumulation and odor release.
Innovation Solution
A drainage device with an actuating lever that pivots between rest and activation positions, allowing continuous liquid drainage by opening a vent opening to equalize pressure and prevent gas passage, using a closure section filled with liquid to maintain odor prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a P-trap design is used to prevent gas passage, then odor prevention is improved, but liquid drainage becomes intermittent and non-continuous due to low liquid head
Solution Approach 1:
The trap body is divided into separate functional sections: a first drop section for liquid intake, a riser section for pressure equalization, and a second drop section for drainage. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally, enabling continuous drainage while maintaining the water seal for odor prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
A vent opening connected to the riser section acts as an intermediary pressure equalization path. When liquid flows through the trap, it opens the vent to equalize pressure between the inlet and outlet, removing the pressure barrier that prevents continuous drainage while the water seal in the closure section continues to block odors.
2Volume of moving object
If the trap design is made compact to save space, then space utilization is improved, but liquid head is reduced further causing intermittent drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The trap utilizes vertical space through the riser section that rises upward to provide the necessary liquid head for pressure equalization, while the overall footprint remains compact. This vertical dimension allows sufficient drainage head without increasing horizontal space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent opening dynamically opens and closes based on liquid flow conditions. During drainage, the vent opens to equalize pressure; during idle periods, it closes to maintain the water seal. This dynamic behavior enables compact design to function effectively without requiring constant high liquid head.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a water seal is maintained to prevent gas passage, then odor prevention is improved, but liquid accumulation occurs before drainage due to static pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid flow itself provides feedback that triggers the pressure equalization process. As liquid enters the first drop section, it activates the mechanism to open the vent opening, which then equalizes pressure and enables continuous drainage. The system automatically responds to flow conditions without external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser section is pre-configured to provide a pressure equalization path that activates automatically when liquid flows. This preliminary arrangement of the vent opening and riser section ensures that pressure equalization occurs immediately upon liquid entry, preventing accumulation delays while maintaining the water seal.
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 immediate and continuous liquid drainage while effectively preventing odor release by pressure equalization, even with low liquid head, suitable for compact designs like flush-mounted boxes.
Implementation Method 1
The passage of gas between the inlet opening and the drainage opening can be prevented by filling the closure section with a liquid
Implementation Method 2
In the activation position, a gas passage between the drainage opening and the vent opening is allowed
Data Source
AI summary
A drainage device is provided that includes an inlet opening connectable to a sanitary appliance, a drainage opening connectable to a sewage pipe, and a closure section arranged between the inlet opening and the drainage opening. Passage of gas between the inlet opening and the drainage opening can be prevented by filling the closure section with a liquid. The drainage device further includes an actuating means and a vent opening. In a rest position, the actuating means closes the vent opening. In an activation position, the actuating means releases the vent opening. In the activation position, a gas passage between the drainage opening and the vent opening is allowed. Other aspects are described and claimed.