Pedestrian overpass with rainwater collection and ecological greening functions
By designing planting troughs, water troughs, and water collection devices on the pedestrian overpass, and combining them with a solar power system, the problems of poor drainage and insufficient ecological greening of the existing overpass have been solved, achieving efficient collection and utilization of rainwater and improving the aesthetics and ecological function of the bridge.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUIZHOU DAYA BAY AREA URBAN PLANNING & DESIGN INSTITUTE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
The existing pedestrian overpasses have poor drainage, which affects traffic, and lack ecological greening functions, making it impossible to effectively utilize water resources and achieve water conservation and ecological regulation.
Design a pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features. The bridge structure incorporates planting troughs and water troughs on both sides, combined with a diversion device and a water collection device. A solar power system is used to achieve efficient collection and utilization of rainwater. The planting troughs have an inner and outer double-layer structure. The bridge structure is equipped with climbing frames and a flow guiding structure. The water collection device includes solar panels, an air compressor, a condenser, and drip irrigation pipes.
It achieves efficient rainwater collection and utilization, improves drainage performance, enhances ecological regulation function, beautifies the bridge structure, reduces dependence on urban tap water, and has water-saving and ecological regulation capabilities.
Smart Images

Figure CN224259176U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of architectural design technology, specifically a pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, most existing pedestrian overpasses focus on basic passage functions, with relatively traditional structural designs and generally lacking integrated greening and planting designs. Even those overpasses that do have greening facilities often require complex pipeline systems for irrigation, which not only affects the aesthetics of the bridge but also leads to reliance on municipal tap water sources and low water resource utilization, making it difficult to meet water conservation requirements. In addition, the drainage design of these overpasses is often inadequate, and large water flows can easily occur on the steps during heavy rainfall, affecting normal pedestrian passage.
[0003] In terms of function, existing pedestrian overpasses are singular in purpose and lack a positive contribution to the urban ecological environment, especially failing to alleviate the increasingly prominent heat island effect. As modern urban construction increasingly emphasizes ecological sustainability and the integration of green spaces,
[0004] There is a need for a new type of pedestrian bridge structure that can improve drainage performance, avoid water accumulation problems, achieve efficient and self-sustaining use of water resources, and enhance ecological regulation functions. Utility Model Content
[0005] Based on this, this solution provides a pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features. It is aesthetically pleasing, has good drainage, is planted with greenery, can regulate the surrounding environment, and can provide moisture to the greenery through rainwater or by absorbing moisture from the air.
[0006] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:
[0007] A pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features includes: a bridge structure, piers, and a passageway structure. The bridge structure is connected to at least one passageway structure. The piers are located at the bottom of the bridge structure and the passageway structure to support them. Water troughs are provided on both sides of the bridge structure along its length, and these troughs are connected to a water diversion device. Planting troughs are provided on both sides of the bridge structure and the passageway structure along their length, and these planting troughs are connected to the water diversion device and also to the urban drainage system. The bridge structure is also connected to an elevator to facilitate passage for people with disabilities. The passageway structure has a ramp to allow pedestrians carrying large items to pass. The bridge structure also has a water collection device.
[0008] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, both the bridge structure and the passage structure are provided with canopies to provide shade for pedestrians and to divert rainwater into the water trough.
[0009] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the planting trough adopts a double-layer structure, which consists of a planting area and a water flow area.
[0010] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the planting area is suspended, and the outer side of the planting area is connected to the water flow area.
[0011] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the side of the bridge pier is provided with a plant climbing frame for planting climbing plants.
[0012] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the planting trough is provided with a gap on the outer side along its length to quickly drain excess rainwater in the form of a water curtain.
[0013] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the bridge structure is provided with a wide bridge deck area and a narrow bridge deck area.
[0014] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the passage area on the channel structure adopts a structural design that is high in the middle and low on both sides, and multiple inclined guide structures are provided on both sides of the passage area, with the guide structures extending to the planting troughs on both sides of the channel structure.
[0015] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the water collection device includes a solar panel, an air compressor, a condenser, a water collection bottle, and a water pump. The air compressor and the water pump are powered by solar energy. The water collection bottle is located below the condenser and is connected to the water pump. The outlet of the water pump is connected to a drip irrigation pipeline, which is located on the planting trough.
[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening provided by this utility model has the following characteristics:
[0017] Planting troughs are provided on both sides of the bridge structure and the passageway structure for planting greenery. When there is heavy rainfall, a water curtain can be formed on the outside of the planting troughs. Combined with the greenery in the planting troughs, it can achieve both aesthetic appeal and rapid drainage.
[0018] The passageway structure is equipped with ramps for pedestrians carrying heavy objects. It also features a drainage system that quickly directs rainwater into planting troughs for downward drainage, preventing the passageway from being covered by water and affecting passage. The bridge structure includes wide and narrow deck sections, allowing for additional design options to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the bridge surface, making it more visually appealing for all travelers. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the planting trough in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the water tank in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the flow diversion device in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0024] Attached reference numerals: 1. Bridge structure; 101. Shallow pool; 2. Channel structure; 201. Ramp; 202. Staircase; 3. Canopy; 301. Water trough; 4. Pier; 5. Planting trough; 502. Planting area; 501. Flowing water area; 503. Gap; 6. Elevator; 7. Diversion box; 701. Inlet; 702. Outlet; 703. Filter basket; 704. First float; 705. Second float; 706. Drain hole; 707. Detailed Implementation
[0025] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. The technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below.
[0026] It should be understood that the same or similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of the embodiments correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms describing positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting this patent. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.
[0027] Example 1
[0028] Because existing pedestrian overpasses have insufficient drainage and most are only reinforced concrete structures, they are not aesthetically pleasing and do not meet the requirements of ecological greening construction. Therefore, a pedestrian overpass that is energy-saving, water-saving, and conforms to ecological greening requirements is designed. The specific scheme is as follows:
[0029] like Figure 1-4 As shown, a pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features includes: a bridge structure 1, piers 4, and a passageway structure 2. The bridge structure 1 is connected to at least one passageway structure 2. The piers 4 are located at the bottom of the bridge structure 1 and the passageway structure 2 to support them. Water troughs 301 are provided on both sides of the bridge structure 1 along its length, and the water troughs 301 are connected to diversion devices. Planting troughs 5 are provided on both sides of the bridge structure 1 and the passageway structure 2 along their length, and the planting troughs 5 are connected to the diversion devices and the urban drainage system. The bridge structure 1 is also connected to an elevator 6 to facilitate passage for people with disabilities. A water collection device is also provided on the bridge structure 1. The elevator 6 requires external power supply. If the building area is large enough, the elevator 6 can be omitted and replaced with a gentle slope structure, so that the pedestrian bridge does not require external power supply.
[0030] In this embodiment, taking a pedestrian overpass spanning both sides of an intersection as an example, there is a bridge structure 1 and two passage structures 2, which are C-shaped when viewed from above, and elevators 6 are installed at both ends of the bridge structure 1.
[0031] Both sides of the bridge structure 1 and the passage structure 2 are equipped with railings to ensure safety. The top of both the bridge structure 1 and the passage structure 2 is equipped with a canopy 3 to provide shade for pedestrians and to divert rainwater to the water trough 301. Solar panels can be installed on the canopy 3 to generate electricity for the pedestrian overpass, such as for lighting. The water trough 301 is located on both sides of the canopy 3 and is hidden at the edge of the canopy 3. The solar panels are installed on the canopy 3, and the water diversion device is installed on the top of the elevator 6.
[0032] The diversion device includes a diversion box 7, which is divided into a filtration zone and a diversion zone. A filter screen separates the filtration zone and the diversion zone. The filtration zone has an inlet 701, and the diversion zone has an outlet 702 at the top and a diversion outlet 703 at the bottom. The diversion outlet 703 is one-third the size of the inlet 701, allowing for temporary water storage within the diversion box 7. The filtration zone also includes a hanging basket filter screen to intercept debris in rainwater. A drain hole 707 in the diversion zone communicates with the diversion outlet 703. A float structure passing through the drain hole 707 is located in the diversion zone. The float structure includes a first float 705 positioned above the drain hole 707 and a float 705 positioned below the drain hole 707. The second float 706 below 07 is connected to the first float 705 in a straight line. When the rainfall is small, rainwater is discharged from the basket-type filter and the diversion outlet 703 in the middle box of the drain hole 707. When the rainfall is large, the liquid level in the diversion box 7 rises, causing the first float 705 to float, which in turn causes the second float 706 to float, blocking the drain hole 707. Then the rainwater is discharged through the outlet 702. The discharged rainwater is relatively clean and is discharged towards the planting trough 5. After flowing through the planting trough 5, it is discharged into the urban drainage system. In this embodiment, the diversion device is located at the top of the elevator shaft 6, and an integrated baffle is provided on the outside to improve the aesthetics.
[0033] The planting trough 5 adopts a double-layer structure, consisting of a planting area 502 and a water flow area 501. The bottom of the planting area 502 is suspended, and the outer side of the planting area 502 is connected to the water flow area 501. Specifically, the double-layer structure of the planting trough 5 serves two purposes: firstly, when there is too much water in the planting area 502, it can overflow or drain from the bottom to the water flow area 501, preventing the plants from being over-soaked; secondly, the outer side of the planting area 502 is integrally connected to the outer side of the water flow area 501; and thirdly, the suspended bottom allows cleaning and maintenance personnel to directly clean the expected mud and sand in the water flow area 501 from the bridge surface or the passage structure 2 without structural interference, making cleaning work more convenient and efficient. The maximum height of the planting area 502 is slightly lower than the outer wall height of the water flow area 501, so that only the green leaves and flowers of the plants are visible from the outside, making it more visually appealing. The planting trough 5 has a smooth, curved transition with the ground of the bridge structure 1 and the passage structure 2, enhancing its visual appeal.
[0034] The sides of pier 4 are equipped with plant climbing frames for planting climbing plants. The climbing frames are arranged around the pier and can be used to plant plants such as ivy, which can further improve the greening level and also absorb the dust brought by vehicles passing by on the road.
[0035] The planting trough 5 has a gap 503 on the outer side along its length to quickly drain excess rainwater in the form of a water curtain. Specifically, when the water trough 301 in the water flow area 501 cannot meet the drainage needs, the gap 503 can form a water curtain along the edge of the entire planting trough 5, directly draining excess water to the road surface and then into the urban drainage system. Lights can also be installed at the gap 503 to give the water curtain a lighting effect.
[0036] The bridge structure 1 has a wide bridge deck area and a narrow bridge deck area. Specifically, multiple connected wide bridge deck areas and narrow bridge deck areas can be set up according to the overall size of the pedestrian overpass. The multiple wide bridge deck areas can be planned for different functions, so that the pedestrian overpass can achieve a "sky garden" effect and improve the pedestrian experience. In this embodiment, the bridge structure 1 has a wide bridge deck area, and a shallow pool 101 is set in the center of the wide bridge deck area. The surrounding ring planting area 502 of the shallow pool 101 serves to prevent pedestrians from entering the shallow pool 101 and also serves an aesthetic purpose.
[0037] The passage area on the passage structure 2 adopts a structure design that is high in the middle and low on both sides. Multiple inclined guide structures are provided on both sides of the passage area. The guide structures extend to the planting troughs 5 on both sides of the passage structure 2. In this embodiment, a ramp 201 is set in the middle of the passage area, and stairs 202 are set on both sides of the ramp 201, which can be used for pedestrians to walk or push bicycles, strollers, etc.
[0038] The water collection device includes a solar panel, an air compressor, a condenser, a water collection bottle, and a water pump. The air compressor and water pump are powered by solar energy. The water collection bottle is located below the condenser and is connected to the water pump. The outlet of the water pump is connected to a drip irrigation line, which is located on the planting trough 5. Specifically, all major components are small in size. The solar panel is located above the planting trough 5 on both sides to provide power to the air compressor. The air compressor draws in the surrounding air and sends it to the condenser, where it is condensed into water and collected in the water collection bottle. When the plants need watering, the water pump draws water to irrigate them. This eliminates the need for a city water supply and ensures the normal growth of the plants. Multiple water collection devices can be installed to meet the watering needs of plants on a large pedestrian overpass.
[0039] Explanation of principles:
[0040] The roof 3 serves as a rainwater collection area. After rainwater comes into contact with the roof 3, it flows to the water troughs 301 on both sides. The water troughs 301 guide the rainwater to the diversion device. Some of the rainwater flows into the shallow pool 101 in the center. When the rainfall is heavy, the excess rainwater flows from the outlet 702 of the diversion device into the shallow pool 101. The excess rainwater in the shallow pool 101 also flows into the planting troughs 5 on both sides. Rainwater exceeding the flow limit of the planting troughs 5 flows out from the gaps 503 and is discharged to the ground, and finally flows into the urban drainage system.
[0041] Regarding the diversion device, in the initial stage of rainfall, pollutants in the air and dust accumulated on the roof 3 will be washed down, making the rainwater quite dirty. If used directly for irrigation, it may clog the drip irrigation system or harm the plants. Therefore, the diversion device is needed to filter this portion of rainwater before it is discharged directly into the urban drainage system through the diversion outlet 703. Due to the small water volume and low liquid level in the diversion box 7, the first float 705 cannot rise, and the second float 706 cannot block the drain hole 707. The initially dirty rainwater is discharged through the diversion outlet 703.
[0042] As the water volume increases, the liquid level in the diversion box 7 rises, and the first float 705 generates sufficient buoyancy to lift the second float 706 via the connecting rod, blocking the drain hole 707. Meanwhile, the relatively clean rainwater from the middle and later stages overflows from the upper outlet 702 and flows towards the planting trough 5 and the shallow pool 101, either being directly discharged or stored to replenish the water for the green plants.
[0043] In the absence of rain, the plants in planting trough 5 are replenished with water from shallow pool 101, which in turn is replenished by a water collection device that collects water from the air daily, eliminating the need for additional water supply.
[0044] The pedestrian bridge in this design features a double-layered planting trough 5. The suspended bottom of the planting area 502 ensures smooth drainage and prevents water accumulation and root rot. The structure of the water flow area 501 is hidden, only displaying the lush greenery to enhance visual appeal. In the event of extreme rainstorms, if the planting trough 5 cannot drain water in time, the water curtain gaps 503 serve as a second drainage system to quickly remove water from the bridge structure. Combined with lighting, the drainage process is transformed into a dynamic landscape.
[0045] Climbing frames are installed on the four sides of the bridge piers for greening, which increases the green coverage rate. The plants also have the effect of absorbing dust, noise, and reducing the heat island effect.
[0046] Equipped with a water collection device, it can still replenish the greenery and shallow pool 101 of the overpass during the dry season. The water collection device is powered by solar energy and does not require external power supply, thus achieving environmental protection and energy saving.
[0047] Example 2
[0048] In this embodiment, the structural design of the pedestrian bridge is basically the same as that in Embodiment 1, except that the wide bridge deck area is circular. A shallow pool 101 is located in the center of the wide bridge deck area, and multiple water collection nets are installed in the shallow pool 101. The water collection nets replace the original water collection device design. The water collection nets include an inner ring-shaped cylindrical fine wire mesh structure and an outer support grid for supporting and fixing the wire mesh. Trees can be planted in the center of the shallow pool 101 to provide shade for the shallow pool 101 and reduce evaporation. The shallow pool 101 can be used to store water to provide moisture for the planting troughs 5 on both sides, and can also directly collect rainwater. Some small ornamental fish can also be raised in the shallow pool 101 to improve the ornamental value and prevent rainwater from breeding mosquitoes and other insects. When there is little rain, water in the air can be condensed through the water collection nets to replenish the water supply. This does not require reliance on urban water supply and does not consume electricity, thus meeting the requirements of ecological greening.
[0049] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features, characterized in that, include: The bridge structure comprises a bridge body structure, piers, and a passageway structure. The bridge body structure is connected to at least one passageway structure. The piers are located at the bottom of the bridge body structure and the passageway structure to support them. Water troughs are provided on both sides of the bridge body structure along its length, and these troughs are connected to diversion devices. Planting troughs are provided on both sides of the bridge body structure and the passageway structure along their length, and these planting troughs are connected to the diversion devices and the urban drainage system. The bridge body structure is also connected to an elevator for the convenience of people with disabilities. The passageway structure has ramps to facilitate passage for pedestrians carrying large items. The bridge body structure also includes a water collection device.
2. A pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Both the bridge structure and the passageway structure are equipped with canopies to provide shade for pedestrians and to allow rainwater to be drained through the water channels.
3. A pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The planting trough has a double-layer structure, consisting of a planting area and a water flow area.
4. A pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bottom of the planting area is suspended, and the outer side of the planting area is connected to the water flow area.
5. A pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sides of the bridge piers are equipped with plant climbing frames for planting climbing plants.
6. A pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features according to claim 1, characterized in that: The planting trough has a gap on the outer side along its length to quickly drain excess rainwater in the form of a water curtain.
7. A pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bridge structure includes a wide deck area and a narrow deck area.
8. A pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features according to claim 1, characterized in that: The passageway features a design with a high center and low sides. Multiple inclined guide structures extend to the planting troughs on both sides of the passageway.
9. A pedestrian bridge with rainwater harvesting and ecological greening features according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water collection device includes a solar panel, an air compressor, a condenser, a water collection bottle, and a water pump. The air compressor and water pump are powered by solar energy. The water collection bottle is located below the condenser and is connected to the water pump. The outlet of the water pump is connected to a drip irrigation pipeline, which is located on the planting trough.