Building Floor Drainage System with Threshold Troughs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor drainage systems in buildings are inadequate in containing and removing unwanted water, leading to water damage and flooding, especially in areas far from elevator drain channels, where water can bypass and overwhelm existing drainage systems, causing damage to floors and spreading to lower levels.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive floor drainage system that includes threshold plates with apertures connected to drains, stairwell troughs and drains, and hoistway troughs and drains, which capture and direct water to prevent it from passing between floors, using damper mechanisms to manage fluid communication and maintain air pressure in stairwells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elevator drain channels are installed at hoistway thresholds, then water capture capability is improved, but coverage area is limited and water can bypass in areas far from elevators
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is divided into multiple independent drainage assemblies, each serving specific thresholds (stairwells, elevators, ramps, doors). This segmentation allows water capture at multiple distributed locations rather than relying on a single centralized drain, thereby expanding coverage area while maintaining reliable water capture at each threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage system transitions from point-based drainage (elevator drains only) to linear drainage along threshold perimeters. Troughs are installed along the entire length of thresholds, creating a continuous drainage path that captures water across the full area adjacent to thresholds, not just at discrete elevator locations.
2Ease of manufacture
If drain channels are placed at specific locations, then installation complexity is reduced, but water can overwhelm and bypass the drainage system
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can be installed at various threshold types (stairwells, elevators, ramps, doors) using the same basic configuration. Each assembly includes a trough, threshold plate, and drain connection that performs the same water capture function regardless of location, simplifying installation while ensuring reliable drainage effectiveness at every threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
Each drainage assembly is customized to its specific threshold location and function (e.g., stairwell thresholds versus elevator thresholds versus door thresholds), with apertures and trough configurations adapted to local water flow patterns and threshold geometries. This local optimization ensures each assembly is highly effective at its specific location while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Reliability
If comprehensive drainage coverage is provided throughout the building, then water containment capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive drainage system is segmented into multiple independent drainage assemblies at different thresholds (stairwells, elevators, ramps, doors). Each assembly operates independently with its own trough, threshold plate, and drain connection, allowing modular installation and maintenance. This segmentation provides comprehensive water containment coverage while managing system complexity through standardized repeatable units.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple drainage functions are merged into a single integrated threshold assembly that combines the trough, threshold plate with apertures, and drain connection into one coordinated unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation while achieving comprehensive water capture at each threshold location.
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 contains and removes unwanted water, preventing damage and spreading to other floors, reducing the risk of catastrophic flooding and water damage, and offering a more comprehensive solution than traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of apertures extend through the first portion. The apertures are positioned to receive water passing over the threshold plate.
Implementation Method 2
The stairwell trough is in fluid communication with the stairwell drain, whereby water from the one floor that enters the stairwell threshold is at least partially captured by the stairwell trough and directed to the stairwell drain.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a floor drainage assembly for inhibiting water from passing from an upper floor of a building to lower floors of the building. The floor drainage assembly includes a stairwell drain and a stairwell trough connected to the drain. The stairwell trough extends along the stairwell threshold. Water from the upper floor entering the stairwell threshold is at least partially captured by the stairwell trough and directed to the stairwell drain. The assembly inhibits the water from damaging lower floors thereby. An angled threshold plate that is isosceles trapezoid shaped in cross-section may extend across the stairwell drain. The floor drainage assembly may also include a hoistway drain and a hoistway trough extending along the hoistway threshold. Water from the upper floor entering the hoistway threshold is at least partially captured by the hoistway trough and directed to the hoistway drain.