Vertical Cleanout Valve Assembly for Debris-Free Sewer Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional relief valves in sewer service lines often fail to completely seal due to debris collection, allowing rainwater and runoff to enter the cleanout conduit, leading to potential overflow and backflow issues, especially under heavy precipitation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vertically oriented cleanout conduit valve assembly with a valve discharge end angled greater than 0 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, featuring a pivotally attached valve body that maintains a liquid-tight seal under gravity, and a beveled sealing surface to prevent debris accumulation and ensure effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the discharge end is oriented horizontally, then the valve body can be spring-loaded to seal the discharge end, but paper and debris collect around the discharge end causing incomplete sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal discharge orientation to a vertical orientation. The valve body is configured to seal against a discharge end that faces upward, allowing debris to fall away from the sealing surface due to gravity rather than accumulating against it. This inversion of the discharge direction fundamentally changes how debris interacts with the sealing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal discharge plane to a vertical discharge plane, changing the dimensional orientation of the sealing surface. The valve body seals against a discharge end that is substantially vertical rather than horizontal, creating a sealing surface that extends in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows gravity to act perpendicular to the sealing surface, preventing debris accumulation.
2Reliability
If the valve body is spring-loaded in closed position, then it can seal the discharge end, but it fails to close completely when debris is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional spring-loaded horizontal sealing mechanism to a gravity-loaded vertical sealing mechanism. Instead of relying solely on spring force against a horizontal surface, the valve body uses its own weight to maintain contact with the vertical discharge end, with the spring providing additional sealing force. This inversion makes the sealing effectiveness independent of debris presence on the sealing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the valve body's weight as a counterbalancing force to the spring loading mechanism. The valve body is configured so that gravity acts to press the sealing surface against the discharge end, working in conjunction with the spring force rather than opposing it. This creates a redundant sealing mechanism where both gravity and spring force contribute to maintaining the seal.
3Device complexity
If the discharge end is horizontal, then the valve structure is simple, but precipitation and runoff can enter the relief valve under heavy precipitation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the discharge orientation from horizontal to vertical, causing precipitation and runoff to naturally drain away from the discharge end rather than pooling against it. The vertical orientation allows water to flow downward by gravity, preventing accumulation and entry into the valve internals, thereby eliminating the need for additional complex protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gravity (which causes debris to fall and potentially clog horizontal valves) into a beneficial force that prevents precipitation entry. The same gravitational force that would normally be problematic is now used to keep the vertical discharge end clear of water accumulation, as water naturally drains away from the upward-facing discharge opening.
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 effectively prevents rainwater and runoff from entering the cleanout conduit, reduces the risk of overflow, and facilitates efficient sewage discharge without requiring high flow pressure, maintaining a consistent seal even under heavy precipitation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A valve body may be pivotally attached to the valve housing at the upper discharge opening side of the valve discharge end
Implementation Method 2
The valve discharge end may have an upper discharge opening side and a lower discharge opening side sloped downwardly from the upper discharge opening side
Data Source
AI summary
Cleanout conduit valve assemblies for a cleanout conduit may include a vertically oriented valve housing. The valve housing may include a valve inlet end configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the cleanout conduit and a valve discharge end opposite to and generally above the valve inlet end. The valve discharge end may be oriented within a valve discharge plane disposed at a discharge angle of greater than 0 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane. The valve discharge end may have an upper discharge opening side and a lower discharge opening side sloped downwardly from the upper discharge opening side. A valve body may be pivotally carried by the valve housing at the upper discharge opening side of the valve discharge end. Methods of preventing precipitation and runoff on a ground surface from entering a cleanout conduit connected to a sewer service line are also disclosed.