Modular Ditch Covering Element for Path Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of paths for light vehicles like bicycles and pedestrians is challenging due to space constraints and high costs, especially when using existing infrastructure like ditches and streams, which requires labor-intensive and expensive casing that disrupts natural drainage and requires additional drainage systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a ditch element with a filtration device and a permeable covering element that forms a pathway, allowing for the retention of natural drainage functions while creating a buffer for water storage, and accommodating public pipes, with features like permeable sections and separate chutes for rainwater management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ditches and streams are cased to construct paths, then path construction is enabled, but natural drainage function is disrupted and additional drainage systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The covering element incorporates permeable sections that allow water to pass through while supporting the pathway structure. This enables the pathway to maintain natural drainage functionality by allowing water infiltration through the covering element into the ditch below, eliminating the need for additional drainage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the pathway, allows water permeation for drainage, and creates a buffer zone for water storage. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling path construction while preserving and even enhancing drainage capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If ditches are cased with traditional methods, then path construction is achieved, but construction becomes labor intensive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The pathway structure is divided into modular components: ditch elements and covering elements that can be manufactured separately and assembled in place. This segmentation enables pre-fabrication of components, reducing on-site construction labor and time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the ditch structure and pathway covering into an integrated module where the covering element is designed to fit directly over the ditch element. This merging of functions into a single constructible unit simplifies the construction process and reduces overall labor requirements compared to traditional separate construction methods.
3Reliability
If space is allocated for separate drainage systems, then drainage function is ensured, but available space for path construction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function and pathway structure are merged into a single integrated system. The ditch element handles drainage while the covering element creates the pathway, eliminating the need for separate drainage infrastructure and maximizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering element performs multiple functions: it supports the pathway, allows water permeation, and creates buffer storage zones. This multi-functionality enables the system to provide both pathway and drainage capabilities within the same spatial footprint, avoiding the need for additional dedicated drainage space.
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 modular system simplifies and reduces maintenance costs, enhances water treatment through separation, promotes rainwater infiltration, and optimizes space usage by combining drainage and path construction, reducing the risk of flooding and enabling better water storage and management.
Implementation Method 1
The ditch element includes a filtration device
Implementation Method 2
a permeable covering element that forms a pathway, allowing for the retention of natural drainage functions
Implementation Method 3
a module that slows down the flow of water in ditches and streams, creating at the same time a buffer tank that can store a large amount of water
Implementation Method 4
The ditch element may contain at least one separate chute to collect rainwater
Data Source
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AI summary
The module has a ditching element (1) that is arranged in a ditch or watercourse, where water from the ditch or water course flows into the ditching element. A covering element (2) closes an upper part of the ditching element for forming a road and/or footpath on the watercourse. The covering element comprises permeable a lateral raised part (10) and a lateral draining part (11) that protect users of the road and/or footpath. The ditching element is provided with a filtration device formed of filtering tissues. An independent claim is also included for a method for construction of a road or footpath on a watercourse.