Storm Water Delay Device Using MMVF Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storm water delay systems are costly, structurally unstable, require frequent maintenance, and are not environmentally friendly, with a high likelihood of contamination and the need for manual or automated water release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A storm water delay device utilizing a man-made vitreous fibre substrate (MMVF) with embedded conduits, where water flows through the substrate, delaying its arrival at a collection point without manual intervention, and is designed to be easily installed and environmentally acceptable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water attenuation tanks made of concrete or steel are used to store and gradually release storm water, then water storage capacity is improved, but installation cost and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive concrete or steel attenuation tanks with a disposable geotextile bag filled with lightweight aggregate. This geotextile container is much cheaper to manufacture and install, while still providing effective water attenuation through its porous structure that allows gradual water release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible geotextile bag instead of rigid concrete or steel structures. The geotextile material is a porous fabric that allows water to pass through while containing the lightweight aggregate, providing both flexibility during installation and structural functionality for water attenuation.
2Extent of automation
If automated systems are used to release water from attenuation tanks, then water release timing is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regulating mechanism where the geotextile bag's porous structure naturally controls water release based on hydrostatic pressure. As water fills the bag during storms, the increasing pressure automatically regulates the outflow rate through the geotextile material, eliminating the need for automated control systems or manual intervention.
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 MMVF substrate effectively delays water arrival, reduces contamination risks, and is economically viable, providing a stable and efficient solution for managing storm water without the need for manual or automated release mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The sides and top of the container are waterproof so that unfiltered water cannot seep out the container but must pass through the filter to exit the container
Implementation Method 2
A further solution is to provide a device containing a pipe which takes a long route through the device by undulating back and forth through the device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device comprising a coherent manmade vitreous fibre substrate (MMVF substrate) and at least one first conduit (2) and at least one second conduit (3), each conduit having first and second open ends, wherein the MMVF substrate (1) comprises man-made vitreous fibres bonded with a cured binder composition, wherein the first open end of the first conduit and the first open end of the second conduit are each independently in fluid communication with the MMVF substrate, wherein the first conduit is at a greater height than the second conduit, wherein at least a portion of the MMVF substrate is disposed between the first and second conduits. The MMVF substrate provides for an increased water storage ability due to the hydrophilic behaviour of the substrate and its increased surface.