Bioretention Fixture Cells with Integrated Bypass

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bioretention systems face challenges in processing large quantities of storm water during peak flow periods without flooding and efficiently removing gross pollutants, requiring additional space, design, and maintenance costs, while also needing to maximize water storage in limited areas with variable weight loads.

Innovation Solution

A modular bioretention system with an integrated high flow bypass structure and pre-filter chamber that includes a top and bottom weir, allowing excess water to bypass treatment during peak flow and incorporating a pre-filter screen to remove gross pollutants, with modular configurations to fit various site requirements and accommodate utility structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an external high-flow bypass mechanism is added to increase fluid flow capacity, then the upper limit for fluid flow is increased, but additional space, design costs, manufacturing costs, installation costs, and maintenance costs are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow capacityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass structure is merged with the bioretention system by integrating it into the sidewall, combining two previously separate structures (bioretention container and bypass mechanism) into a single unified system, thereby eliminating the need for external bypass structures and reducing space and cost requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass structure is nested within the bioretention system's sidewall, with the bypass channel formed as an internal feature of the sidewall structure itself, allowing the bypass function to be contained within the main system boundaries rather than requiring external accommodation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If an external high-flow bypass mechanism is added to increase fluid flow capacity, then the upper limit for fluid flow is increased, but additional space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow capacityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass structure is merged with the bioretention system by integrating it into the sidewall, combining two previously separate structures (bioretention container and bypass mechanism) into a single unified system, thereby eliminating the need for external bypass structures and reducing space and cost requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass channel is formed as a vertical or inclined feature within the sidewall structure, utilizing the vertical dimension and wall thickness rather than requiring horizontal expansion, thereby increasing flow capacity without proportionally increasing the system's footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If pre-treatment apparatus is incorporated to remove gross pollutants, then pollution removal efficiency is improved, but land usage and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegross pollutant removalVSAvoidland usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-filter chamber is merged with the bioretention system by integrating it into the sidewall structure, combining pollutant removal function with the existing system boundaries, thereby eliminating the need for separate pre-treatment structures and reducing land usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-filter chamber is nested within the sidewall structure of the bioretention system, with the filter screen positioned as an internal feature of the wall, allowing gross pollutant removal to occur within the system's existing footprint rather than requiring additional land area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 manages storm water runoff during peak periods, reduces maintenance needs, and optimizes space usage by integrating the bypass structure within the system, enhancing water treatment efficiency and reducing costs through modular design and flexible installation.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a pre-filter screen to remove gross pollutants

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the bioretention media captures particulate matter, including ultra-fine and dissolved pollutants

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

the bioretention media captures particulate matter, including ultra-fine and dissolved pollutants

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 4

allows the treated storm water to percolate through the system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfiltration: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS9469981B2Fixture cells for bioretention systems
Publication Date: 2016.10.18 OLDCASTLE INFRASTRUCTURE INC
  • US9469981B2 patent drawing
  • US9469981B2 patent drawing
  • US9469981B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides structures, methods, and assemblies for incorporating fixtures and appliances, such as a tree, street lamp, or light pole, into a bioretention system. The invention also provides methods, filtration modules, and additional structures that are useful for managing storm water flow and inhibiting the flow of pollutants, debris, and other contaminants into drainage systems.