Water Box Flow Redirection for Hydraulic Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water boxes for collecting and evacuating rainwater from flat roofs face inefficiencies in hydraulic performance due to the horizontal flow of water not being effectively redirected into vertical outlets, leading to suboptimal water circulation and potential interference between water flows.
Innovation Solution
A water box design featuring a tank body with a water flow redirection device, including a receptacle with an inclined base and a partition, which intercepts and reorients the horizontal water flow towards a vertical outlet, improving entry into the descender and preventing frontal collisions of water flows, while also providing aesthetic integration with a U-shaped lid and overflow warning for saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple cylindrical drop tube is used without flow redirection, then the device structure is simple, but the hydraulic performance is poor due to ineffective water flow redirection
Solution Approach 1:
The water box is divided into functional zones: a reception zone for horizontal water flow, a redirection zone with the receptacle and inclined base, and an outlet zone with the vertical descender. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, improving hydraulic performance while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle with the inclined base acts as an intermediary element between the horizontal water flow from the parapet and the vertical descender. It mediates the transition by intercepting the horizontal flow and redirecting it vertically, solving the hydraulic performance issue without requiring complex mechanisms
2Device complexity
If the tank axis is aligned with the outlet axis, then the structure is simple and symmetric, but water flows collide frontally and interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The tank axis is deliberately offset from the outlet axis to create an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetry prevents frontal collision of water flows by directing them along different paths, eliminating the harmful interference effect while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of water flow collision is solved by introducing a spatial dimension - offsetting the axes in the horizontal plane. This dimensional change allows water flows to merge smoothly without frontal collision, resolving the interference issue without adding structural complexity
3Speed
If the base of the receptacle is extended beyond the bottom, then water circulation speed increases due to flow division, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended base creates dynamic flow patterns by dividing the water layer into multiple streams. This dynamic flow division increases circulation speed through self-induced currents and reduced boundary layer effects, achieving speed enhancement without mechanical moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The extended base structure enables the water flow itself to generate the desired effect - by dividing the flow and creating circulation patterns naturally. The system uses the water's own kinetic energy and flow characteristics to increase circulation speed, requiring no additional energy input or complex mechanisms
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
Enhances hydraulic performance by optimizing water funneling into the vertical descender, increasing water circulation speed, and preventing interference between water flows, while maintaining aesthetic integration and simplifying installation with a monobloc structure.
Implementation Method 1
A water flow redirection device is positioned in the tank body, and is intended to partially intercept the flow of water in the tank body and to direct it towards the outlet
Implementation Method 2
the base comprising an inclined face, in order to redirect the flow of water along the axis
Implementation Method 3
The axis of the tank is offset from the axis of the outlet, the axis of the tank being substantially vertical when the water box is fixed in the functional position
Implementation Method 4
a partition is arranged in the reservoir body between the upper receptacle body and the rear wall... preventing two flows of water arriving at the rear from colliding frontally and interfering with the funnel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A water box (1) intended to be fixed to an outer side of a parapet (2) comprising a reservoir body (5) for receiving rainwater runoff from the parapet, the reservoir body (5) comprising a bottom (50), a rear wall (55) for fixing to an outer side of the parapet, and at least one side wall (52) and an outlet (7) to a downpipe (8) with a longitudinal outlet axis (X). A water flow redirection device (11) is positioned in the reservoir body (5) to partially intercept the water flow in the reservoir body and direct it to the outlet (7).