Hexagonal Stormwater Cell with Fluid Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stormwater management systems lack an efficient and effective configuration for retaining or detaining stormwater, particularly in a manner that allows for fluid communication between cells to prevent pooling and facilitate smooth flow.
Innovation Solution
A stormwater management system comprising a plurality of hexagonal cells arranged in a honeycomb configuration, with each cell having an internal region and windows for fluid communication, allowing stormwater to flow between cells, and a manufacturing method using mold components to form the cells from suitable materials like concrete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stormwater management systems are used, then stormwater retention is provided, but fluid communication between cells is insufficient causing pooling and poor flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the stormwater management function into multiple hexagonal cells arranged in a honeycomb configuration. Each cell is a separate modular unit with its own internal region, allowing independent construction and maintenance while collectively providing enhanced stormwater retention through distributed storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
Windows are introduced as intermediary structures in the wall portions of each cell. These windows create controlled fluid communication pathways between adjacent cells, allowing stormwater to flow smoothly from one cell's internal region to another while preventing uncontrolled pooling and maintaining regulated flow throughout the system
2Ease of operation
If hexagonal cells with windows are used, then fluid communication and flow smoothness are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cell structure is segmented into distinct components: corner columns, wall portions, and windows. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standardized processes and then assembled into the complete hexagonal cell, reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hexagonal cell design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural containment for stormwater storage, creates fluid communication pathways through windows, and forms interlocking honeycomb patterns for system stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components
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 system effectively retains or detains stormwater by allowing fluid communication between cells, preventing pooling and ensuring smooth flow, while the manufacturing method enables efficient production of the stormwater management modules.
Implementation Method 1
The window is adapted to permit passage of stormwater into and out of the internal region
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of cells is in fluid communication with one another to allow stormwater to flow from the internal region of one of the plurality of cells to the internal region of another of the plurality of cells
Data Source
AI summary
A cell for a stormwater management system adapted for retaining or detaining stormwater. The cell comprises a body portion and an internal region. The body portion comprises a plurality of corner columns spaced from each other, a plurality of wall portions, and a window. Each wall portion extends from one of the corner columns to another of the corner columns. Each wall portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of each wall portion is curved. The window is through at least one of the wall portions. The window is adapted to permit passage of stormwater into and out of the internal region of the cell.