Yieldably Deformable Cable Gate for Storm Drain Debris Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm water control systems fail to effectively manage debris entry into curbside storm drains during heavy rainfall, leading to flooding and property damage, as prior solutions like automatic fluid channel screens often jam and are unsatisfactory.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus featuring an elongated, yieldably deformable cable under tension with pivotally movable flow control vanes that can adjust resistance to fluid flow and debris entry, allowing for easy installation in various drain constructions and accommodating directional flow, preventing debris entry during low to moderate rainfall while allowing free flow during heavy rainfall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If prior art automatic fluid channel screens are used to control debris entry, then debris blocking is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to jamming in locked position causing flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The gate assembly transitions from a static locked/unlocked system to a dynamic system where the gate can pivot between closed (debris blocking) and open (flow passage) positions. The yieldably deformable cable provides continuous tension control, allowing the gate to respond dynamically to flow conditions without jamming in a fixed locked position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the tension parameter in the yieldably deformable cable to control gate behavior. By adjusting cable tension, the system can maintain the gate in different positions - sufficiently tensioned to block debris while allowing flow, or relaxed to permit full opening during heavy rainfall, preventing jamming.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If drain gates remain closed during city periods to prevent debris entry, then debris blocking is improved, but fluid flow capacity deteriorates during heavy rainfall events
Solution Approach 1:
The gate assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable between closed and open positions. During normal conditions, the gate remains closed to block debris. During heavy rainfall, increased flow force pivots the gate open, automatically increasing flow capacity without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the kinetic energy of the flowing water itself to trigger gate opening. When flow exceeds a threshold, the water force automatically pivots the gate open, allowing the system to self-regulate between debris blocking and flow capacity modes without external control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flow control vanes are held in fixed position to block debris, then debris blocking is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to adjust for varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control vanes are replaced with a pivotable gate assembly that can dynamically adjust its position. The gate pivots on a pivot rod, allowing it to transition between closed (debris blocking) and open (flow passage) positions based on real-time flow conditions, providing adaptability without complex controls.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If solid plate structures are used over drains to trap debris, then debris blocking is improved, but device complexity and structural integrity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gate assembly is segmented into discrete components: multiple flow control vanes, a support structure, a pivot rod, and a yieldably deformable cable. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and simplified, reducing overall structural complexity compared to solid plate structures while maintaining debris blocking effectiveness.
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 apparatus effectively controls fluid flow and debris entry, preventing jamming and ensuring structural integrity, allowing higher water flow volumes than prior devices, and can be easily adjusted for varying conditions without obstructing travel or affecting the drain's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated, yieldably deformable support in the form of a cable under tension
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a water diversion system such as a curbside storm drain.