V-Shape Curb Inlet Filter with Gusseted Compression Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curb inlets struggle to prevent unwanted debris, sediment, and pollutants from entering storm water drainage systems while allowing storm water runoff to flow unimpeded, especially during construction and extreme flooding events.
Innovation Solution
A curb inlet filter with a V-shaped or U-shaped design using permeable fabric layers and gussets that captures debris while allowing water to pass through, utilizing a compression fit to secure the filter in place and prevent unwanted matter from entering the drainage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sandbags are used to block curb inlets, then the entry of unwanted sediment and foreign material is prevented, but the flow of storm water into the curb inlet is also prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a filter medium with porous structure that allows water molecules to pass through while blocking larger particulate matter such as sediment, debris, and foreign objects. The porous material enables selective permeability based on particle size, resolving the contradiction between filtration and water flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite filtering structures that combine multiple materials with different properties to achieve both effective debris capture and maintained water flow. The composite structure includes the filter medium, support elements, and framing components that work together to balance filtration efficiency with hydraulic performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is installed in the curb inlet, then debris and sediment are captured, but the filter may become clogged during extreme flooding events
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system incorporates dynamic elements that allow the structure to adapt to varying flow conditions. During normal operation, the filter captures debris effectively. During extreme flooding events with high flow velocities, the system allows increased passage of material to prevent clogging, maintaining reliability across different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium and structural parameters are designed to change their effective properties based on flow conditions. The system transitions between different operational states, adjusting its filtration characteristics to match the intensity of the storm event, thereby preventing clogging during extreme flooding while maintaining effective filtration during normal conditions.
3Volume of stationary object
If a V-shaped or U-shaped filter structure is used, then debris capture volume is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs V-shaped or U-shaped curved structures to define the filter volume. These geometric forms naturally maximize the enclosed volume for debris capture while using simple, continuous curves rather than complex angular joints or multiple flat surfaces. The curvature provides structural efficiency and simplifies fabrication compared to polyhedral alternatives.
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
Effectively prevents the entry of sediment, hydrocarbons, pollutants, and foreign objects into storm water systems while allowing storm water to flow freely, ensuring the integrity of the drainage system and facilitating easy removal of captured debris.
Implementation Method 1
A curb inlet filter with a V-shaped or U-shaped design using permeable fabric layers that captures debris while allowing water to pass through
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a compression fit to secure the filter in place and prevent unwanted matter from entering the drainage system
Data Source
AI summary
A curb inlet filter adapted to work in conjunction with a curb inlet comprised of permeable filter fabric fashioned generally in a V cross section, comprising an upper and lower fabric layer separated by one or more gussets. A user inserts the curb inlet filter into a curb inlet and may apply pressure to push the filter into the curb inlet causing the gussets to compress as the invention enters the curb inlet and resulting in a press fit between the gussets supporting the upper and lower permeable filter fabric layers. The compression fit retains the inlet filter into place and the curb inlet. Water may pass through the permeable filter fabric, while the permeable filter fabric prevents sediment and other unwanted debris from entering the storm water drainage system.