Modular Conduit Unit for Stormwater Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional underground stormwater chamber solutions face challenges in spatial constraints and optimal orientation, requiring irregular configurations that compromise efficiency in stormwater retention and diffusion.

Innovation Solution

A modular conduit unit with a domed structure and four-leg design, allowing for self-standing, multi-directional pathways and adjustable configurations to accommodate various spaces, which can be connected to form extended passageways for utility line routing and stormwater management systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional underground stormwater chamber solutions are used, then stormwater retention function is provided, but spatial footprint is large and configuration is irregular due to land constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestormwater retention functionVSAvoidspatial footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stormwater management system is divided into multiple modular conduit units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled on-site. Each unit contains its own hollow chamber for stormwater retention, eliminating the need for large continuous chambers and allowing flexible adaptation to constrained spatial footprints while maintaining reliable retention function through modular replication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit units utilize vertical dimension with domed-shaped structures and multi-level openings to maximize retention capacity within limited horizontal footprint. By stacking chambers vertically and using three-dimensional space efficiently, the system achieves adequate stormwater retention without requiring large land area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular conduit units are connected to form extended passageways, then routing flexibility for utility lines is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each conduit unit is designed as a universal module with standardized openings and connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple utility line routing configurations. The same basic unit structure serves both stormwater retention and utility routing functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the versatility of connection arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Utility lines are routed through hollow passageways within the conduit unit structure itself, nesting the utility routing function inside the stormwater retention structure. This eliminates the need for separate external routing structures and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining routing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9371938B2Modular construction conduit unit

Publication Date: 2016.06.21 XERXES CORP

AI summary

A modular conduit unit system and method for exemplary uses in routing utility lines and storage management of fluids. The modular conduit units may include independent dome-shaped structures including four orthogonally oriented openings and internal chambers. On connection of many conduit units, multiple passageways are created for routing utility lines through the modular structure. Closure panels may be selectively installed to close off the conduit units and passageways for underground storage of fluids or other materials. The modular units are capable of being encased by materials including concrete for underground and concrete floors and walls of commercial buildings.