Dual-Frame Storm Drain Debris Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storm drain debris filtering systems are unsightly, labor-intensive to install and maintain, and prone to clogging, leading to flooding and vehicular hazards due to the use of mesh sheets and sandbags.

Innovation Solution

A dual-frame apparatus with interconnected filter members, where a smaller upper filter directs overflow into a larger lower filter, utilizing foraminous sheet material to efficiently collect debris while allowing water to flow, with easy installation, maintenance, and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mesh sheet with sand bags is used to collect debris at the storm drain, then debris collection is achieved, but the installation and maintenance become labor-intensive and the structure becomes unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris collection effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance labor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus divides the debris collection system into modular components: a frame structure, mesh sheet, and removable containment bag. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed, maintained, or replaced, significantly reducing labor intensity compared to the monolithic mesh-sheet-with-sandbags approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The containment bag is nested within the frame structure, which itself is positioned within the storm drain opening. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functions (filtering, containment, support) into a compact integrated unit that is easier to install and maintain than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If sand bags are used to hold the mesh sheet in place, then the mesh sheet is secured, but street maintenance is interfered with and vehicular accidents can occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh sheet positioning stabilityVSAvoidstreet maintenance interference and safety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sand bags are extracted and replaced with a frame structure that uses mechanical support (arms and positioning members) to secure the mesh sheet. This eliminates the need for sand bags protruding into the street, removing the associated maintenance interference and safety hazards while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure acts as an intermediary between the storm drain opening and the mesh sheet, providing a stable mounting mechanism that does not require sand bags. The frame transfers and distributes the load, maintaining mesh sheet stability without the harmful external effects of sand bag placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single mesh sheet is used to filter debris, then debris collection is simplified, but clogging occurs readily causing water and debris backup into the street

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering system simplicityVSAvoidanti-clogging performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a dynamic debris removal mechanism where the containment bag can be periodically removed and emptied. This dynamic maintenance approach prevents clogging by regularly clearing accumulated debris, maintaining reliable water flow while keeping the overall system design relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the mesh sheet is placed under the grating, then debris is collected, but retrieval and emptying is difficult and debris spillage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris collection effectivenessVSAvoidretrieval and emptying ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The containment bag is pre-configured with attachment mechanisms to the frame structure before deployment. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when retrieval is needed, the entire assembly can be easily removed as a unit without manual manipulation of the mesh sheet, preventing debris spillage and simplifying emptying operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides efficient debris filtration with reduced labor costs, prevents flooding, and minimizes vehicular hazards by ensuring easy removal and maintenance, maintaining the cleanliness of storm drain systems.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing foraminous sheet material to efficiently collect debris while allowing water to flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS7524414B1Apparatus for filtering out and collecting debris at a storm drain

Publication Date: 2009.04.28 BARRAGAN CANDELARIO

AI summary

Apparatus for filtering out and collecting debris at a storm drain includes upper and lower assemblies, each including a frame member and a filter member. Water passing through or alongside the filter member of the upper assembly is directed into the filter member of the lower assembly.