Modular Concrete Storm Water Modules with Aligned Passages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storm water retention and detention systems in urban settings lack flexibility, ease of installation, and efficient water and air handling capabilities, particularly in high-cost land areas where traditional systems are less desirable.

Innovation Solution

A modular storm water retention and detention system composed of square concrete modules with aligned water and air passages, allowing for adaptive configuration and improved water containment, featuring circular water passages that cover less than 60% of the module's side area and integrated air passages for efficient air handling, with optional access ports for maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional pond or reservoir systems are used for storm water retention, then water containment capacity is achieved, but land usage increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater containment capacityVSAvoidland usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the storm water retention function into multiple modular concrete units, each capable of independent water containment. These modules can be stacked vertically and configured in various arrangements, achieving significant water storage capacity without requiring large horizontal land areas like traditional ponds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom-designed concrete systems are created to fit specific land spaces, then adaptability to land configuration is improved, but installation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to land spaceVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses standardized modular concrete units that can be pre-fabricated and then assembled on-site in various configurations. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different land spaces while maintaining consistent, efficient installation procedures for each module, reducing overall installation time compared to custom-designed systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The concrete modules are pre-cast with integrated features such as water passages, air passages, and connection elements during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of structural and functional elements eliminates time-consuming on-site construction activities and allows for rapid assembly and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If modular systems with water passages are used, then water flow between modules is improved, but wall space for water containment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater flow efficiencyVSAvoidwater containment capacity per module

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The water passages are strategically positioned and sized to provide adequate flow capacity only where needed for hydraulic connectivity between modules. The majority of each module's wall area maintains full water containment functionality, achieving a balance between flow efficiency and storage capacity through localized optimization of passage placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11639600B2Storm water retention or detention system and module therefore

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 JARRETT CONCRETE PROD

AI summary

A storm water retention or detention system is constructed to fit a desired land area from square shaped concrete modules. Each of the modules has at least one water passage and one air passage, and the water passages and air passages of adjacent concrete modules are in alignment to allow the free flow of water and air therebetween. The water passage may be circular, have a cross-sectional area less than 60% of the total area of a side of module, and be slightly above the bottom inside surface of the modules.