RESIDENTIAL CONDENSED VAPOR COLLECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
The present disclosure describes related generally to water conservation systems and more specifically to water vapor recovery systems. In some embodiments the system and apparatus can comprise a collection component coupled with an elongate collection member, a support member and a storage vessel. In some embodiments, the support member can be configured to selectively and/or fixedly couple with the exterior of a structure. However, in alternate embodiments the system and apparatus can be configured to be free standing.
The present application claims the benefit of priority to prior-filed Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61749803, filed Jan. 7, 2013, the complete contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND1. Technical Field
The present device relates to the field of “green technology,” particularly vapor, and water recovery systems for water conservation.
2. Background
Recovery of liquid vapor is commonly used in such devices as stills. In these devices, a collection surface is provided upon which vaporized liquid can condense. The liquid is then channeled to a storage container.
In many regions, water conservation is critical to the environment. Collecting ambient water vapor can provide an additional source of water. In residential settings, this could be used for watering plants and other uses. Collectively, several households could contribute to significant water savings in a community. What is needed is a simple and convenient vapor-collection device for use in residential settings.
Further details of the present device are explained with the help of the attached drawings in which:
As shown in
In some embodiments, the substantially-planar component 104 can be a singular unit or multi-sectional element comprised of one or more flexible, substantially flexible, substantially-rigid or rigid materials, such as, but not limited to, polymer, nylon, metal and/or any other know and/or convenient material or materials. In some embodiments, the substantially-planar component 104 can have a substantially rectangular geometry, but in alternate embodiments the substantially planar component 104 can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. In some embodiments, the substantially-planar component 104 can be fabricated from nylon, polymer, metal and/or any other known and/or convenient material upon which water can freely slide under the influence of gravity, yet still maintain sufficient surface tension to remain in contact with the surface of 106. Additionally, in some embodiments, the substantially-planar may be substantially planar in non-Euclidean space.
In the embodiment depicted in
In the embodiment depicted in
As depicted in the embodiment shown in
As shown in
In alternate embodiments, this drainage angle can be set by making the substantially-rigid frame 106 trapezoid shaped if the elongated collection member 108 is attached to the substantially-rigid frame 106. Alternatively, if the elongated collection member 108 is attached to the substantially planar collection component 104, it can be trapezoid shaped. In still further alternate embodiments the substantially rigid frame 106 can have any known, convenient and/or desired configuration such that collected water vapor can travel towards the support member 110 under the influence of gravity.
In some embodiments, an elongated support member 110 can be adjustable. In such embodiments, a motorized or manual mechanical linkage can provide a control mechanism. An elongated support member 110 can be fabricated from metal, polymer, or any other known and/or convenient corrosion-resistant material upon which water can freely slide under the influence of gravity, yet still maintain sufficient surface tension to remain in contact with the surface.
As shown in the embodiment in
In some embodiments the cover 122 can be a rigid and/or substantially rigid element. However, in alternate embodiments, the cover 122 can be a flexible and/or substantially flexible membrane. In still further alternate embodiments, the cover 122 can be comprised of a material that allows water to pass through it in only one direction and can be coupled with the exterior surface of the support member 110. However, in alternate embodiments the cover 122 can be comprised of any known, convenient and/or desired material, can be partially coupled to and/or disengaged from the support member 110 and/or be absent.
In some embodiments, a coupling member 114 can be a clamp, but in other embodiments can be a friction-fit coupling or any other known and/or convenient device.
In some embodiments, the present device can further comprise at least one mounting bracket 116 suitable and/or adapted to and/or configured for attaching the vapor collection apparatus to a structure. In some embodiments, the at least one mounting bracket 116 can be adapted and/or configured to couple with a substantially vertical surface. However, in alternate embodiments the at least one mounting bracket 116 can be adapted and/or configured to couple with any desired component of a structure and/or may be absent and the vapor collection apparatus can be free standing.
In some embodiments the vapor collection apparatus 102 can further comprise an extension/retraction mechanism 118 adapted and/or configured to allow a user to control the relative elevation of the substantially-rigid frame 106 and substantially-planar component 104. In some embodiments, the extension/retraction mechanism can be a telescoping button-hole connector mechanism. However in alternate embodiments, motor and/or hydraulic extension/retraction mechanism can be employed. In still further alternate embodiments, any known and/or convenient mechanism adapted and/or configured to control the relative elevation of the substantially-rigid frame 106 and substantially-planar component 104 can be employed.
In the embodiment depicted in
However, in alternate embodiments the low point of the arc can be in any known, convenient and/or desired location. In still further alternate embodiments the support member attachment 204 can have any known convenient and/or desired configuration and/or geometric proportions and/or can be comprised of any known, convenient and/or desired material. Additionally, in some embodiments, a plurality of mounting brackets 116 can be employed.
In some embodiments the one or more engagement arms 302 can engage the collection component 104 via frictional engagement at a pinch point 304. However in alternate embodiments, the one or more engagement arms 302 can be selectively and/or fixedly coupled with the collection component 104 in any known convenient and/or desired manner using any known convenient and/or desired coupling mechanism, system and/or material.
In operation, water collection on the collection component 104 can pass from the surface of the collection component 104 to the channel formed by the interior surface of the collection member 108 and/or the engagement arms 302, under the influence of gravity. Although a specific configuration of the one or more engagement arms 302 is depicted in
Although
In the embodiments depicted in
In operation, the present device can be installed at an end or at any other known and/or convenient location on a roofline, using at least one mounting bracket 116, such that an elongated support member 110 and a substantially planar collection component 104 can be oriented substantially vertically. Ambient water vapor can condense along the surface of a substantially planar collection component 104. These condensed droplets can travel down the surface via gravity to an elongated collection member 108, and then continue travelling downward to the end of an elongated collection member 108 that can be adjacent to the surface of a support member 110.
Water droplets can then transfer to the surface and/or interior of a support member 110 and/or drain pipe attached to the support member 110 and continue down to the proximal end of a support member 110, where they can be collected in a storage vessel 112. In some embodiments, a storage vessel 112 can be removably connected to the proximal end of a support member 110 such that a collection vessel 112 can be conveniently removed to transfer the collected water to another location. In alternate embodiments, the storage vessel 112 can include a valve 120 to allow a user to selectively drain the collected water from the storage vessel 112.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A water vapor condensate collection device, comprising:
- a substantially planar collection component having a proximal edge, a distal edge, and an inferior edge;
- an elongated collection member having a proximal end and a distal end, attached to and having a length approximately that of the inferior edge of said substantially planar collection component;
- wherein the proximal edge of said substantially planar member is attached proximal to the distal end of an elongated support member such that an elongated collection member is inclined slightly relative to the perpendicular to an elongated support member and the proximal end of said collecting member is in proximity to the surface of said elongated support member;
- wherein the proximal end of said elongated support member is coupled to the internal base of a storage vessel via a coupling member.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 7, 2014
Publication Date: Jul 10, 2014
Inventor: Joseph W. Boudeman (Pacifica, CA)
Application Number: 14/149,731
International Classification: F25D 21/14 (20060101);