Self-Supporting Wastewater Sampling Device for Shallow Trench Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wastewater sampling devices require enclosing housing structures for support, which is costly and not suitable for shallow trench installations in open fields, necessitating a device that can be freely installed without support structures.

Innovation Solution

A wastewater treatment sampling device with a base and vertically extending side walls, a collection well, and a sampling chimney, made of semi-rigid materials, allowing for installation under the ground surface without additional support, capable of channeling and filtering wastewater for collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If enclosing housing structures are used to support the sampling device, then structural stability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling device is designed to be self-supporting through its own structural elements (base with vertically extending side walls and ribs) without requiring external enclosing housing structures. The device serves itself by providing the necessary structural stability through integrated design features rather than relying on separate support systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling device utilizes a semi-rigid base made of material such as plastic that provides sufficient structural integrity without requiring rigid enclosing housing. The semi-rigid nature of the base allows it to maintain shape and support the sampling function while being easier to install than rigid concrete housings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If enclosing housing structures are used to support the sampling device, then structural stability is improved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling device provides its own structural support through integrated design features including the base with vertically extending side walls and ribs, eliminating the need for separate enclosing housing structures and reducing overall installation cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The semi-rigid plastic base provides sufficient structural stability without requiring expensive rigid enclosing housing structures like concrete, making the installation more cost-effective while maintaining necessary structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the sampling device is installed in shallow trenches without enclosing structures, then installation accessibility is improved, but structural support capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation accessibilityVSAvoidstructural support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The semi-rigid plastic base provides sufficient structural support capability for shallow trench installations without requiring enclosing structures. The material properties and design of the base enable it to maintain integrity and support the sampling function in accessible installation locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling device is divided into functional segments (base with side walls, collection well, sampling chimney) that can be installed independently in shallow trenches. This segmentation allows for easier installation in accessible locations while each segment maintains necessary structural properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables cost-effective and accessible wastewater sampling in drainage fields by preventing wastewater dispersion and allowing for easy access to collected samples without the need for rigid structures, ensuring proper system functioning and compliance with regulations.

Implementation Method 1

the side walls vertically extending above the base by a height suitable to prevent the received sampling wastewater from being conveyed outside of the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

the lower base portion may comprise a filter. The lower base portion may further comprise an opening with the filter stretching over the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11193861B2Wastewater treatment sampling device

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 11814192 CANADA INC

AI summary

A wastewater sampling device configured to collect, for sampling purposes, a portion of an effluent and/or of treated wastewater released by a wastewater treatment system. The wastewater sampling device comprises a base and sidewalls configured to receive and channel the effluent and/or treated wastewater into a collection well whereby said effluent and/or treated wastewater may be subsequently collected by means of a collection chimney. The wastewater sampling device may be installed at any depth underneath the wastewater treatment system, thus allowing for a collection of effluent and/or treated wastewater at different stages within the filtering process.