Underground Water Storage Column Support With Load-Spreading Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underground storm water storage systems using stacked plastic modules are costly and over-engineered for some applications, requiring a more efficient and cost-effective support structure for internal vertical support.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising a column member with outwardly tapered foot and head spreader modules, reinforced with ribs, to distribute loads over a greater area, formed from materials like polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate, which are integrally molded as single pieces, and secured using clips for enhanced stability and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stacked plastic modules are used to form underground storage structure, then the structure is strong enough to support overlying ground surface and transport vehicles, but the structure is costly to manufacture and over-engineered for some applications
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate functional components: column members for vertical support and spreader modules for load distribution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining required strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader modules are designed with varying thickness and reinforcing ribs in specific locations to distribute loads effectively. This local reinforcement approach uses material only where needed, avoiding over-engineering while maintaining load-carrying capacity.
2Reliability
If traditional support structures are used, then adequate support is provided, but material usage is excessive and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader modules incorporate reinforcing ribs and varied thickness profiles that concentrate material in high-stress areas while reducing material in low-stress regions. This localized material placement maintains support stability while minimizing overall material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure uses plastic materials with optimized molecular orientation and composite reinforcement strategies to achieve high strength-to-weight ratios, reducing material quantity needed while maintaining reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If column members are used with spreader modules, then load is distributed over greater area, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader modules are designed as universal components that can be used at both the top and bottom of column members, performing the same load-distribution function in different orientations. This standardization reduces the number of unique parts and simplifies assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements and spreader functionality are merged into integrated units that attach to column members as complete assemblies, reducing the number of separate connection steps required during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for providing internal vertical support within an underground water storage system, including a column member, a foot spreader module adapted for fitting to a lower end of the column member to support the column member in a substantially vertical orientation on an underlying surface, and a head spreader module adapted for fitting to an upper end of the column member to support an overlying surface relative to said underlying surface, whereby the column member with said foot and head spreader modules fitted thereto forms a column support for supporting a ground surface above the water storage system.