Water Skimmer Flap and Float Linkage for Constant Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water surface cleaning devices face challenges in maintaining a constant water level and ensuring reliable operation, especially when exposed to earth pressure, due to complex constructions and the risk of weir jamming, which complicates the use of curved screens for effective particulate removal.
Innovation Solution
A skimmer device with a pivoting flap connected to a floating body via a rod ensures a constant water level below the curved screen, allowing for efficient particulate removal without the need for a compensating tank, and is designed to be insensitive to earth pressure by embedding the connection in a structurally simple and durable manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vertically displaceable weir connected to a float is used to maintain constant water level, then the water level below the curved screen remains constant, but the construction becomes complex and the weir may jam due to lateral pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the float mechanism from the weir structure itself, separating the water level sensing function (float) from the flow control function (flap). The float operates independently in the water to sense level changes, while the flap remains a simple pivoting element in the inlet channel, eliminating the need for complex guided displacement mechanisms and reducing jamming risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rod as an intermediary element that transmits the vertical displacement of the float to the flap without requiring direct mechanical connection or complex guidance. This simple rod linkage allows the float to control the flap position while remaining immune to lateral earth pressures, solving both the complexity and reliability issues.
2Productivity
If a rigid weir is used to route water over the curved screen, then the water flow is controlled, but a compensating tank is required to maintain constant water level, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static rigid weir with a dynamic flap mechanism controlled by a float. The flap automatically adjusts its position based on water level changes, dynamically maintaining the optimal water level for curved screen operation without requiring an external compensating tank. This dynamic adjustment ensures continuous efficient cleaning while simplifying the overall device structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the weir is embedded in the ground, then the device is stable, but the sliding guide may react to earth pressure and block the weir
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the float from the ground-embedded structure and places it directly in the water, allowing it to sense water level changes without being affected by earth pressure. The float operates freely in the water column, completely isolated from lateral soil forces, while still providing stable water level control through its buoyancy-based mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves as an intermediary that transmits only vertical motion from the float to the flap, completely isolating the control mechanism from lateral earth pressures. This simple vertical linkage ensures that ground embedding provides stability without compromising operational reliability, as the control system responds only to water level changes.
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 provides a reliable and efficient cleaning of water surfaces from particulate contamination, maintaining a constant water level and withstanding earth pressure, ensuring operational reliability and simplicity in installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the flap is in operative connection with a floating body, which is located below the curved wire
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device has an inlet channel (1), in which a freely rotable clamp (2) is arranged to regulate the extent of a water intake. The inlet channel is connected with a container (3), in which a water strainer is provided. The water strainer is formed as a curved water strainer (4), which is arranged in the container. The clamp is supported on a rod (7), which is connected with a floating body (6).