Above-Grate Coir Filter Mat for Inlet Sediment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing erosion and sediment control systems for inlet grates, such as filter bags, are cumbersome to install, clean, and maintain, especially during heavy water flow periods, and often lead to backups of unfiltered water due to clogging, which defeats their primary filtration intent.
Innovation Solution
An above-grate based inlet filter system using a coir fiber filter mat secured around the grate with magnets or double-sided tape, featuring high flow holes and undulating edges for increased surface area and sediment capture, along with removable dewatering plugs for bypass during high flow situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter bags are used for erosion and sediment control, then filtration of water and sediment is achieved, but installation, cleaning, and maintenance become cumbersome especially during heavy water flow periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the filter material above the grate instead of below it. The filter fabric is positioned on the upper surface of the grate, allowing sediment to accumulate on top where it can be easily accessed and removed, eliminating the need to lift heavy graters for maintenance while maintaining effective filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the filter material from the conventional below-grate position and relocates it to an above-grate position. This separation allows the filter to be independently accessible without moving the grate structure, significantly simplifying installation and maintenance operations during heavy flow periods.
2Reliability
If filter bags are used for sediment containment, then sediment filtration is improved, but clogging occurs quickly leading to backups of unfiltered water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating undulating edges on the filter material that increase surface area in specific locations. These undulating edges provide additional filtration capacity at critical areas where sediment accumulation is most likely, allowing the filter to handle higher water flows without clogging while maintaining effective sediment containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a flat filter surface to a three-dimensional undulating structure. This dimensional change increases the effective filtration surface area without increasing the plan view footprint, enabling the filter to process more water while maintaining effective sediment separation and reducing clogging frequency.
3Reliability
If filter bags are installed below the grate, then sediment collection is effective, but removal and cleaning require heavy machinery and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the filter above the grate rather than below it. This inversion places the sediment-collecting filter material in an easily accessible position on top of the grate, allowing maintenance personnel to remove and clean the filter quickly without needing to lift heavy graters or use specialized machinery, dramatically reducing maintenance time.
4Productivity
If overflow features are added to prevent water backup, then water flow capacity is improved, but unfiltered water is discharged defeating the filtration intent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the filter system adaptable to varying flow conditions. The undulating edges and increased surface area allow the filter to dynamically adjust its capacity based on water flow rate, maintaining effective filtration during normal flows while handling peak flows without requiring unfiltered overflow discharge.
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 filters water and sediment, reduces the likelihood of street flooding, and allows for easy maintenance without the need for heavy machinery, while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly, with a lifecycle that spans multiple rain events and months of operation.
Implementation Method 1
an above grate based inlet filter system using a coir fiber filter mat secured around the grate
Implementation Method 2
secured around the grate with magnets or double-sided tape
Data Source
AI summary
An above grate based inlet filter system for erosion and sediment control comprises a filter mat configured to extend beyond the perimeter of the grate and a securing mechanism, such as magnets, configured to securing the filter mat around the perimeter of the grate. The system may include a filter berm secured in vicinity to the mat, and a rectangular array of magnets coupling the filter mat to the grate. The natural fiber filter mat may effectively be formed of vertically aligned coir fibers or alternatively of reticulated foam. Multiple side edges of the mat are undulating having a pattern of repeating recesses. The mat includes a plurality of high flow holes extending into the mat and which are closed at a bottom surface thereof. The mat includes at least one removable dewatering plug configured to allow for selective mat bypass.