Flared End Ramp Geometry for Debris-Shedding Stormwater Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stormwater management systems face challenges in efficiently removing debris and preventing its accumulation on the interior surfaces of chamber end caps, leading to clogs and damage during maintenance, which conventional cleaning methods like jetting and vacuuming are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flared end ramp apparatus within the chamber end caps of the stormwater management system that directs and distributes the debris and sediment into the chamber, which is configured to attach to or be placed within the chamber, which is designed to facilitate debris and sediment and sediment to be removed from the chamber, thereby enhancing the ease of chamber maintenance, and prevents debris from collecting on the interior surface of the chamber end caps, leading to clogs and damage during maintenance, which conventional cleaning methods like jetting and vacuuming are inadequate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional inspection methods (visual inspection, video cameras, sonar) are used, then some level of inspection capability is provided, but the systems are expensive, time-consuming, and do not provide real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-monitoring sensors distributed throughout the stormwater infrastructure that automatically detect and report issues without requiring manual inspection. Sensors monitor parameters such as flow rate, water level, temperature, and structural integrity continuously, enabling the infrastructure to self-diagnose problems and trigger alerts when thresholds are exceeded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection methods (visual inspection, video cameras, sonar) with electronic sensor-based monitoring systems. This substitution enables continuous automated monitoring through digital sensors that transmit data wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual inspection teams and providing real-time information on infrastructure conditions.
2Reliability
If traditional inspection methods are used, then some inspection capability is achieved, but the cost and time requirements are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-monitoring sensors distributed throughout the stormwater infrastructure that automatically detect and report issues without requiring manual inspection. Sensors monitor parameters such as flow rate, water level, temperature, and structural integrity continuously, enabling the infrastructure to self-diagnose problems and trigger alerts when thresholds are exceeded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection methods (visual inspection, video cameras, sonar) with electronic sensor-based monitoring systems. This substitution enables continuous automated monitoring through digital sensors that transmit data wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual inspection teams and providing real-time information on infrastructure conditions.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring is implemented using distributed sensors, then continuous monitoring capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into modular sensor units that can be independently deployed at different locations within the stormwater infrastructure. Each sensor unit is a self-contained module with standardized interfaces, allowing for incremental deployment and simplified maintenance. The segmented architecture reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the monitoring function into manageable, interchangeable components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual inspection methods are used, then existing infrastructure can be monitored, but productivity is low and response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection methods (visual inspection, video cameras, sonar) with electronic sensor-based monitoring systems. This substitution enables continuous automated monitoring through digital sensors that transmit data wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual inspection teams and providing real-time information on infrastructure conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Stormwater management systems, methods, and apparatuses for containing and filtering runoff may be provided. In one implementation, a flared end ramp for managing flow of material into a stormwater chamber may be provided. The flared end ramp may include an inlet end configured for connection with a pipe, a side wall of the flared end ramp having a rounded profile at the inlet end; an outlet end configured for placement within the stormwater chamber; and an inclined surface extending between the inlet end and the outlet end of the flared end ramp and configured to deliver material from the pipe into the stormwater chamber. The outlet end of the flared end ramp may have a larger width than the inlet end of the flared end ramp such that the inclined surface is angled laterally outward from the inlet end toward the outlet end.