Linear Elevated Rainwater Tanks for Gravity Flow and Frost Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rainwater harvesting systems face challenges such as contamination, visual impact, frost damage, and inefficient water treatment due to storage methods, and they often require excavation or compromise the building's structure and design.
Innovation Solution
A rainwater harvesting system that stores water in gutters connected to plumbing systems, allowing for gravity flow and temperature control, with external maintenance and filtration, and uses horizontal pipe systems and liners to prevent debris entry, while also providing insulation to prevent frost and ice accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water is stored in vessels above ground level, then gravity flow is enabled, but the system is prone to frost and Ultra Violet light damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the storage vessels within the building structure (attic or roof space), nesting the water storage system inside the protected building envelope. This allows the vessels to benefit from the building's thermal mass and insulation, protecting them from frost while maintaining elevated positioning for gravity flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces insulation material as an intermediary between the storage vessels and the external environment. This insulation layer protects the vessels from frost and UV damage while allowing the vessels to remain in elevated positions that enable gravity flow to building fixtures.
2Quantity of substance
If water is stored in large volumes in vessels, then storage capacity is increased, but the water becomes stagnant and requires treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple smaller vessels distributed throughout the building structure, rather than using a single large tank. This segmentation prevents stagnation by allowing better circulation and access to all water volumes, while collectively providing the required storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates filtration and treatment components at the point of water entry into the storage vessels, performing preliminary cleaning before water is stored. This prevents contamination from accumulating in large volumes and reduces the need for extensive treatment of stagnant water.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If excavation is performed to position holding vessels below ground level, then storage is protected from weather, but the installation becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing vessels below ground level as in conventional systems, the patent inverts the approach by positioning vessels above ground but within the building's protected structure (attic or roof space). This eliminates the need for excavation while still providing weather protection through the building envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the building's existing structure (attic or roof space) for dual purposes: as part of the building envelope and as housing for the water storage vessels. This multi-functional use of space provides weather protection without requiring separate excavation or dedicated underground storage infrastructure.
4Quantity of substance
If tanks are positioned to provide large storage volume, then water capacity is increased, but the weight may compromise the support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from concentrated vertical storage to distributed storage throughout the building's three-dimensional structure. By placing multiple smaller vessels in the attic or roof space at different locations, the system achieves large total storage volume while distributing the weight load across multiple support points rather than concentrating it in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the building's existing structural framework (roof trusses, attic framework) to counterbalance and support the weight of the water vessels. The distributed positioning of vessels allows the building's own structure to provide support, eliminating the need for additional heavy-duty support infrastructure.
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
This system ensures clean, treated water with reduced maintenance needs, no visual impact, and efficient use of space, while preventing frost and ice damage, and allows for large storage volumes without compromising the building's structure or design.
Implementation Method 1
Harvesting water at this location gives you the benefits of gravity flow to any site sought within the building
Implementation Method 2
In the event of severe weather this may be the case... providing insulation to prevent frost and ice accumulation
Implementation Method 3
The invention describes how the gutter is connected to plumbing systems in the building to enable it the water to benefit from convected air
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention related to a rainwater harvesting system behind and below gutters known as the projection, comprising tanks located in area of a structure that gives some unique features. Water stored in linear tanks, taking into account, weight and volume of the stored liquid. The distance from source where rainwater is to be harvested from allows for easy access for maintenance and improvements of harvesting system (silt and other debris remain in the gutter). Large volumes can be achieved by utilising the building design and structure without large excavations or large support structures being undertaken. Water is always available by gravity flow, taking into account the location. Water is always at a level to obtain same, in any type of building, single to multi storey. System can be fitted on a phased basis (one side, or all-round the building for more storage). Water does not become stagnant due to collection method and usage. (Stacking systems; water moves through the system from one level to another). This means that water is available at all locations that need to be serviced. Creates a fire check at the location between windows and roof area when in-situ. Due to location, weather elements can be controlled. Does not interfere with design of the property (cross contamination will not take place). Works in harmony with other systems. When tanks are full the gutter works as normal. Takes into account building regulations and specifications.