Modular Green Roof Module with Partitioned Water Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing green roof systems are difficult to maintain, repair, and reuse, especially on temporary or short-term structures, as they require complete dismantling and rebuilding, leading to loss of the green roof and associated materials.
Innovation Solution
A modular green roof system featuring a load-bearing frame tub divided into a water ascension tank and a planting section, with a partition that allows for easy installation, maintenance, and relocation, incorporating a water catchment system for rainwater management and hydroculture, and a durable metal construction for stability and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If green roof is permanently attached to roof surface, then stability and fixed installation are improved, but maintenance and repair become difficult requiring complete dismantling
Solution Approach 1:
The green roof system is divided into separate modular components: a supporting frame, a tray with dividing wall creating upper and lower sections, planting material in the upper section, and water collection tank in the lower section. This segmentation allows individual components to be accessed, removed, or replaced without dismantling the entire structure, resolving the contradiction between installation stability and maintenance ease.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If green roof is permanently installed on temporary buildings, then immediate greenery coverage is improved, but reusability and waste generation worsen upon demolition
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting frame is designed with detachable connections allowing the entire green roof module to be easily assembled and disassembled. This dynamic design enables the system to be installed quickly for immediate coverage while also being easily removed and reused on other structures, eliminating waste and adapting to different temporary building needs.
3Quantity of substance
If water collection tank is added for rainwater management, then water retention and reuse are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water collection tank is integrated into the same supporting frame structure as the planting tray, with the dividing wall serving dual purposes as both a structural separator and a support for the planting material. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate water management structures, maintaining water retention capability while minimizing additional complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If planting material is placed directly on roof surface, then installation simplicity is improved, but root rot and waterlogging risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided by a vertical dividing wall into an upper section for planting material and a lower section for water collection. This segmentation creates physical separation between the planting medium and standing water, allowing excess water to collect in the lower section without directly contacting plant roots, thereby preventing waterlogging and root rot while maintaining installation simplicity.
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
Enables efficient maintenance and reuse of the green roof, effective rainwater management, and additional cooling and insulation benefits through evaporation and condensation processes, while preventing root rot and reducing waterlogging risks.
Implementation Method 1
The lower section close to the ground forms a water collection tank
Implementation Method 2
The partition is permeable to water, allowing water to pass from the water collection tank to the planting material
Implementation Method 3
additional cooling and insulation benefits through evaporation and condensation processes
Implementation Method 4
additional cooling and insulation benefits through evaporation and condensation processes
Data Source
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AI summary
A roof greening module (1) is disclosed, comprising a trough formed within a supporting frame (2) and bounded by side walls (3, 4) and a base (5). The trough is divided by a partition (11) into a lower section (15) near the ground and an upper section (14). The lower section (15) forms a water collection tank, and the upper section (14) serves to hold planting material. The roof greening module (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the partition (11) has three wall sections (12, 13): an uninterrupted side section (12) adjoining each of two opposing side walls (3) in cross-section, and a central section (13) having a plurality of openings. Furthermore, the side sections (12) extend inclined from the two opposing side walls (3) towards the central section (13) in the direction of the base (5).