Waste Pump Using Stored Pressure to Reduce Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waste pumping devices are noisy due to the powerful pumping required to move waste through drain pipes, especially when gravitational force is insufficient, and they often allow insects to pass through, which is undesirable in residential settings.
Innovation Solution
A pumping device with a waste chamber and a separate pressure chamber that uses stored pressure to push waste through the system, reducing noise and frequency of operation, and includes valves to control flow and prevent insect passage, along with optional maceration and vacuum assistance for efficient waste handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a powerful pump is used to pump waste through drain pipes, then the waste can be moved effectively, but the device becomes noisy and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The system accumulates pressure in advance in a pressure chamber before waste needs to be pumped. This stored pressure is then released to propel the waste through the drain pipe, eliminating the need for continuous powerful pumping and reducing noise significantly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a pneumatic system with a pressure chamber, pump, and multiple valves to store and release pressure. The pump builds up pressure in the pressure chamber, which is then released through the waste chamber to move waste, replacing direct mechanical pumping with a pneumatic pressure system
2Productivity
If waste is pumped continuously to move it along the sewer drain pipe, then waste transport is maintained, but the frequency of operation increases and noise is amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores pressure in advance in the pressure chamber before waste needs to be transported. This pre-stored pressure allows for intermittent rather than continuous pumping operation, reducing both duration and frequency of pump operation while maintaining waste transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates periodically by accumulating pressure over time and then releasing it in cycles. The controller activates the pump to build pressure, then releases it to move waste, creating a periodic operation pattern that reduces overall pumping duration and noise exposure
3Device complexity
If a single valve system is used to control waste flow, then device complexity is reduced, but insect passage cannot be prevented effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into multiple independent valves (first, second, third, and fourth valves) positioned at different locations in the system. Each valve controls specific flow paths, and their coordinated operation creates multiple barriers that prevent insect passage while maintaining waste flow capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure chamber acts as an intermediary element between the pump and waste chamber. The multiple valves controlling access to this intermediary chamber create a multi-stage control system that can prevent insect passage while allowing efficient waste transport through coordinated valve operation
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 device reduces noise and frequency of operation by utilizing stored pressure, effectively disintegrates waste, and prevents insect passage, while minimizing odor release and water usage, offering a more efficient and quieter alternative to conventional pumps.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure chamber, coupled between a pressure line and the waste chamber, the pressure line being coupled to a pump, wherein the pressure chamber is arranged to store pressure generated by the pump
Implementation Method 2
the pressure chamber receives pressurised fluid generated by the pump
Implementation Method 3
A macerating toilet uses a grinding or blending mechanism to reduce human waste to a slurry
Implementation Method 4
Macerating units not for use in macerating toilets may be provided by ultrasonic devices. Ultrasound disintegration of sewage sludge is a macerating water treatment technology. The ultrasonic energy subjected to the sewage mechanically destroys both bacterial cells and difficult-to-degrade organics
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a device which uses stored pressure to pump waste and a corresponding method of use. Waste is stored in a first chamber (82) and the chamber is subsequently sealed by a valve V8 and pressurised prior to a second valve V82 opening. The pressurised waste is thereby ejected from the pressure chamber (82) down an outlet pipe (84).