Well Flow Controller With Variable Inlet for Clog-Resistant Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies have not adequately addressed the need for a system that can efficiently control and vary the flow rate of rainwater and groundwater to prevent clogging and overflow, while ensuring efficient collection and distribution.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a flow controller with a controllable flow restrictor and a level sensor inside a well, allowing for adjustable flow rates through a variable inlet opening, controlled by an electronic or manual mechanism, to manage rainwater and groundwater flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rainwater is drained continuously from the surface level through a fixed-size outlet, then the drainage function is simple and reliable, but the outlet will be partly or completely clogged by impurities in the water and the flow rate cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate adjustabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet opening of the flow controller is designed to be variable rather than fixed, allowing the opening degree to be adjusted dynamically. This enables the flow rate of rainwater and groundwater to be controlled adaptively according to different conditions, resolving the contradiction between flow rate adjustability and system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex regulation unit with multiple components is used to control water flow, then the flow control capability is enhanced, but the system becomes more complex and harder to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential flow control function from complex regulation units and implements it through a simplified flow controller with a variable inlet opening. By removing unnecessary components while retaining the core control capability, the system achieves effective flow control with reduced complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow controller is designed to handle multiple types of water flow (rainwater and groundwater) through a single device with a variable inlet opening. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for different water sources, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatile flow control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the inlet opening of the flow controller is made variable to control flow rate, then the flow rate can be adjusted to prevent clogging and overflow, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclogging preventionVSAvoidflow controller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet opening is designed as a variable component that can be adjusted to different opening degrees. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the flow rate to be optimized to prevent clogging and overflow, enhancing system reliability. The simplicity of the adjustment mechanism minimizes the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system effectively adjusts flow rates to prevent clogging and overflow, ensuring efficient collection and distribution of rainwater and groundwater, maintaining optimal water levels in receptacles and recipients.

Implementation Method 1

the inlet of the flow controller is at a position lower than the position of the outlet from the flow controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4660388A1System and method for handling rainwater and/or groundwater
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SMARTBROEND APS
  • EP4660388A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660388A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4660388A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for handling rainwater and/or groundwater and a method for handling rainwater and/or groundwater. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for handling rainwater and/or groundwater comprising a flow controller and flow restrictor located inside a well that allows controlled and a variated flow rate of the rainwater and/or groundwater from the inlet of the well to the outside of the well.