Deformable Sump Insert for Storm Drain Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm drain maintenance methods are inefficient due to the difficulty in removing accumulated debris from deep and narrow catchbasins, which often require expensive vacuum trucks or labor-intensive manual removal, and are hindered by small inlet openings.
Innovation Solution
A deformable sump insert with a filter basket structure, made from water-permeable and flexible textile materials, that captures debris and can be removed through the inlet opening using a capture device, allowing for easy disposal of accumulated debris without obstructing the outlet pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional rigid sump structure is used, then debris can be captured effectively, but the sump cannot be removed through the small inlet opening and requires expensive vacuum trucks for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The sump insert transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamically deformable structure made of flexible textile material. The insert can be deformed into a compact configuration for removal through the small inlet opening, then expanded to its full functional shape for debris capture, enabling easy maintenance without expensive equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sump insert is constructed from flexible textile material that allows it to be deformed and compressed into a compact form for removal through the inlet opening. This flexible shell structure maintains its functional integrity while enabling easy insertion and removal for maintenance purposes.
2Ease of operation
If the sump insert is made from rigid material, then structural strength is maintained, but it cannot be deformed for removal through the inlet opening
Solution Approach 1:
The sump insert uses flexible textile material that provides both structural integrity and deformability. The material strength is sufficient to contain debris while allowing the insert to be deformed into a compact configuration for removal through the small inlet opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert material properties are optimized to balance strength and flexibility. The textile material maintains adequate structural strength for debris containment while possessing the flexibility to be deformed during insertion and removal operations through the constrained inlet opening.
3Ease of operation
If the inlet opening is enlarged to facilitate manual debris removal, then maintenance becomes easier, but debris capture effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The debris capture function is separated from the maintenance removal function. The sump insert captures debris within its enclosed structure, then the entire insert with trapped debris is removed as a single unit through the inlet opening, eliminating the need for manual debris removal while maintaining capture effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sump insert is extracted as a complete unit containing all trapped debris through the inlet opening. This extraction approach removes the need to manually access and remove debris through the opening, maintaining both capture effectiveness and ease of maintenance.
4Quantity of substance
If most of the sump volume is utilized for debris collection, then debris capacity is increased, but the outlet pipe may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The sump insert is designed with differentiated zones: an upper portion that expands to maximize debris capture capacity and a lower portion that maintains clearance around the outlet pipe. This local quality differentiation allows the insert to utilize most of the sump volume for debris collection while preventing obstruction of the outlet pipe.
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
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective debris removal from storm drains by allowing the sump insert to be captured and removed through the inlet opening, reducing the need for expensive equipment and manual labor, while preventing obstruction of the outlet pipe.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient frame flexes to contain debris within the filter basket
Implementation Method 2
made from water-permeable and flexible textile materials
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible, water-permeable filter basket may be used to collect and remove debris from a sump in a drain-entry structure (e.g., a catch-basin). The filter basket includes a basket floor having a perimeter of substantially the same size and shape as a sump floor, at least one basket sidewall corresponding to at least one sump sidewall, and one or more handles collectively affixed to the at least one basket sidewall, the at least one basket sidewall collectively including a resilient frame. The filter basket may be used as a deformable sump insert to collect debris falling into a drain-entry structure for removal without use of a vactor truck.