US-12624688-B2 - Sump pump system and method for operating thereof

US12624688B2US 12624688 B2US12624688 B2US 12624688B2US-12624688-B2

Abstract

A sump pump system includes a water intake port, a water accumulation reservoir, a water discharge pump, and a vacuum pump. The reservoir includes a first port, a second port connected to the water intake port and positioned above the first port, and a third port positioned above the second port. The water discharge pump is connected to the first port to empty the water accumulation reservoir. The vacuum pump is configured to decrease air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir below atmospheric pressure on a scheduled or timed basis. Low pressure forces the water to flow from the water intake port into the water accumulation reservoir. When no water is present, it causes active air ventilation in the vicinity of the water intake port, which improves a state of dryness and eliminates any small amounts of water that may still be present.

Inventors

Oleg Malyshkin

Assignees

Oleg Malyshkin

Dates

Publication Date: 20260512
Application Date: 20240416

Claims (5)

1 . A sump pump system comprising: a water intake port configured to direct water to flow only toward the sump pump system, a water accumulation reservoir comprising a first port located adjacent a lower end of the reservoir, a second port located above the first port, the second port being in fluid communication with the water intake port, and a third port located above the second port, wherein the first, second, and third ports are distinct from one another and are positioned in series along a side wall of the reservoir so that the interior volume of the reservoir communicates with an exterior of the reservoir only through the first, second, and third ports, a water discharge port in fluid communication with the first port of the water accumulation reservoir, the water discharge port located outside the water accumulation reservoir, a vacuum/compressor system in fluid communication with the third port and configured, when operated in a vacuum mode, to decrease air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir below atmospheric pressure to cause water or air to flow from the water intake port through the second port into the water accumulation reservoir, and when operated in a pressure mode, to increase air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir above atmospheric pressure to cause water to discharge from the first port and through the water discharge port, a water level sensor configured to detect a water level reaching a predetermined height above the second port and below the third port, a controller operatively connected to the vacuum/compressor system, and the water level sensor, the controller being configured to operate the vacuum/compressor system alternately in the vacuum mode and the pressure mode and not to operate vacuum and pressure functions simultaneously, to activate and deactivate the vacuum/compressor system in the vacuum mode on a predetermined time schedule without user intervention so as to periodically turn the sump pump system on and off, and to activate the vacuum/compressor system in the pressure mode when the water level sensor detects that the water level has reached the predetermined height, and a water intake assembly positioned remotely from the water accumulation reservoir and connected to the water intake port by a flexible hose, the water intake assembly comprising a weighted base, a water inlet in the weighted base configured to rest adjacent a lowest point of a surface to be drained, and a water intake check valve arranged between the water inlet and the flexible hose and configured to allow flow only toward the water accumulation reservoir, wherein periodic activation and deactivation of the vacuum/compressor system, while in the vacuum mode, aspirates water from the water inlet into the water accumulation reservoir, followed by air ventilation to achieve dryness of: (i) the water intake assembly and the flexible hose connecting thereof to the water intake port, and (ii) the surface to be drained around the water inlet of the water intake assembly.
2 . The sump pump system, as in claim 1 , wherein the air vacuum/compressor pump assembly comprises an air vacuum/compressor pump and a valve assembly configured to alternate direction of airflow from the air vacuum/compressor pump between a first direction into the water accumulation reservoir to increase air pressure therein and a second direction from the water accumulation reservoir to decrease air pressure therein.
3 . The sump pump system, as in claim 2 , wherein the air vacuum/compressor pump comprises an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the valve assembly is configured to alternate the connection of the air inlet or the air outlet to the third port of the water accumulation reservoir to correspondingly alternate the direction of airflow from and to the water accumulation reservoir.
4 . The sump pump system, as in claim 2 , wherein the valve assembly is a 4-way valve.
5 . A method of operating a sump pump system comprising the following steps: a. providing a sump pump system comprising a water intake port, a water accumulation reservoir with a first port located adjacent a lower end of the reservoir, a second port located above the first port in fluid communication with the water intake port, and a third port located above the second port, wherein the first, second, and third ports are distinct from one another and are positioned in series along a side wall of the reservoir so that the interior volume of the reservoir communicates with an exterior of the reservoir only through the first, second, and third ports, a water discharge port in fluid communication with the first port of the water accumulation reservoir, a vacuum/compressor system in fluid communication with the third port and configured to operate in a vacuum mode and a pressure mode, a water level sensor configured to detect a water level reaching a predetermined height above the second port and below the third port, a controller operatively connected to the vacuum/compressor system and the water level sensor, the controller being configured to operate the vacuum/compressor system alternately in the vacuum mode and the pressure mode and not to operate the vacuum mode and the pressure mode simultaneously, and to activate and deactivate the vacuum/compressor system on a predetermined time schedule without user intervention so as to periodically turn the sump pump system on and off, a water intake assembly positioned remotely from the water accumulation reservoir and connected to the water intake port by a flexible hose, the water intake assembly comprising a water inlet configured to rest on a surface to be drained, b. activating the vacuum/compressor system in the vacuum mode on a periodic schedule basis to decrease air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir below atmospheric pressure to cause water to flow from the water intake port through the second port into the water accumulation reservoir, or to cause air ventilation through the water inlet, the flexible hose, and in the vicinity of the water intake port to achieve dryness of (i) the water intake assembly and the flexible hose connecting thereof to the water intake port, and (ii) the surface to be drained around the water inlet of the water intake assembly, and c. causing water to discharge from the water accumulation reservoir through the first port and through the water discharge port when the water level sensor detects that the water level has reached the predetermined height by increasing air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir using the vacuum/compressor system in the pressure mode, and then stopping operation of the sump pump system until a next activation ii.

Description

BACKGROUND Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with sump pumps. More particularly, the invention describes an automatic sump pump that can be used in a variety of circumstances. Sump pumps are predominantly employed in areas susceptible to water accumulation and flooding, serving as a critical component in safeguarding these environments. Basements, being the lowest points in a building, are the most common sites for sump pump installations to prevent water ingress and the consequent damage. Similarly, crawl spaces, which are close to ground level, also benefit from sump pumps to deter moisture buildup, mold growth, and structural deterioration. Garages, especially those that are below grade or have flat surfaces, use sump pumps to avoid water damage to vehicles and stored items. In commercial settings, such as buildings with extensive basement areas or subterranean levels, sump pumps are essential for water management and flood prevention. They are equally vital in regions with high water tables or during heavy rainfall, where they prevent groundwater from encroaching into buildings. Moreover, in industrial and agricultural contexts, sump pumps play a key role in controlling water levels, thereby protecting equipment, processes, and livestock from the adverse effects of excessive water. One significant limitation of a sump pump is that it does not fully remove water, leaving the floor wet or damp. This limitation has the potential to extend water damage and facilitate mold growth. Even small amounts of standing water can seep into the floor and walls, weakening the structure over time and causing wood to rot or concrete to erode. This residual moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to flourish, which can lead to unpleasant odors, health issues, and the deterioration of indoor air quality. Moreover, incomplete water removal can attract pests such as insects and rodents that seek out damp areas. This situation can become particularly problematic in spaces like basements or crawl spaces, where unchecked moisture can go unnoticed for extended periods, leading to extensive and costly damage. Another limitation is the potential for the pump's sensors or switch mechanism to malfunction. If the pump does not activate until a certain water level is reached, or if it shuts off before all the water is removed, it may not be effective in preventing flooding or water damage during heavy rain or in high water table areas. Finally, the continuous presence of water can also lead to premature corrosion and failure of the sump pump itself, as well as other mechanical and electrical systems in the area. This not only necessitates more frequent maintenance and replacement but also increases the risk of failure when the system is most needed. For small boats, sump pumps are an essential device for managing water accumulation. They play a critical role in ensuring safety and operational efficiency. In the confined spaces of a small boat, water can accumulate rapidly due to various sources such as rain, waves splashing into the boat, or leaks from the hull or other onboard systems. This accumulation, if left unchecked, can lead to increased weight and instability, potentially causing the boat to sit lower in the water or, in extreme cases, to capsize. The sump pump generally addresses this issue by automatically detecting and removing excess water from the boat's bilge, which is the lowest compartment inside the hull. It is especially crucial in maintaining buoyancy and balance during harsh marine conditions when water ingress is more pronounced. Furthermore, in small boats, where space is at a premium and manual bailing is not always feasible or efficient, a sump pump offers a reliable and automatic solution to prevent water accumulation. By keeping the bilge dry, the pump not only helps maintain the structural integrity of the boat but also prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which can damage the boat's interior and equipment over time. The need exists, therefore, for a sump pump system that addresses the deficiencies of the current designs and achieves the state of complete dryness of the surface that it is designed to protect. SUMMARY Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome these and other drawbacks of the prior art by providing a novel sump pump system configured to improve water removal from an area at risk for water accumulation. It is another object of the present invention to provide a sump pump system configured for both water removal and air ventilation of the area prone for water accumulation. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of removal of standing water capable of preventing residual amounts of water from remaining in place and reducing the risk of mold formation as a result thereof. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide methods of reducing the risk of water