Vertical Auxiliary Drain Pan for Humidifier Backflow Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidifier liquid overflow protection systems face challenges such as insufficient space for secondary drain pans, difficulty in constructing support frames, and drainage back-ups leading to reverse flow or backflow, which can cause damage to enclosed spaces.
Innovation Solution
A vertically installed auxiliary drain pan with a base and continuous wall, featuring first and second openings with drainage connectors for forming anti-backflow and fluid tight connections, and a support structure for securing the pan to a vertical surface, preventing reverse flow from reaching the humidifier and directing it to a secondary drain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional secondary drain pan is positioned beneath the humidifier, then liquid overflow protection is provided, but insufficient floor space is available and construction of support frame becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan is repositioned from a horizontal floor placement to a vertical wall-mounted configuration. The pan extends downward from the wall surface, utilizing vertical space instead of horizontal floor space. This dimensional change allows the drain pan to be installed in locations with limited floor area while maintaining its liquid collection function.
2Reliability
If a connection is inserted between the primary drain pan opening and the drain, then reverse flow from the drain is prevented from reaching the primary drain pan, but reverse flow may still occur through the inserted connection causing damage to adjacent structure
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful reverse flow is extracted and redirected through a separate pathway. The auxiliary drain pan with its dedicated opening and connector provides an alternative route for reverse flow to escape, preventing it from traveling through the inserted connection to damage adjacent structure. The backflow preventer further isolates the primary drain pan from reverse flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary drain pan acts as an intermediary element between the primary drain pan and the drain system. It intercepts reverse flow before it can reach the inserted connection and adjacent structure, providing a safe discharge path that protects the overall system.
3Productivity
If the primary drain pan is functioning properly, then liquid drainage is maintained, but drainage back-up can still occur causing reverse flow or backflow of liquid from the drain toward the primary drain pan
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary drain pan and backflow preventer are installed as preventive measures before drainage back-up problems occur. These components create a safety mechanism that cushions against potential reverse flow events, protecting the primary drain pan and adjacent structure even when the primary drainage system is functioning properly.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary drain pan for installation vertically below a humidifier. The pan has a base and a peripheral wall around the base and a first opening formed in the base adapted to form an anti-backflow connection with a conduit from the humidifier for directing liquid from the humidifier through the first opening and a first drainage connector, the anti-backflow connection preventing a reverse flow of liquid from the first opening into the humidifier. A second opening is formed in the pan in fluid communication with the first opening to receive the reverse flow of liquid from the first opening. The pan has a structure for supporting the base and having connecting features for connection with a vertical surface in an installed position, with the base secured in a substantially horizontal position in the installed position.