Modular Drainage Module With Geotextile Filter For Sediment Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for managing storm water runoff and erosion are inadequate, particularly in areas prone to flooding, as they fail to effectively control water flow and prevent sediment entry into drainage systems.

Innovation Solution

Modular water drain tank or channel systems comprising a novel supporting structure and geotextile material that allow for controlled water release and sediment restriction, enabling easy assembly and portability for installation in trenches or underground use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional drainage systems are used, then water flow control is limited, but sediment entry cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater flow controlVSAvoidsediment entry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage system is divided into modular units with distinct functional zones: an upper chamber for sediment trapping and a lower chamber for water storage and controlled release. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of sediment filtration and regulated water flow control through separate mechanical mechanisms in each zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A geotextile material serves as an intermediary layer between the sediment source and the drainage chambers. This mediator filters sediment particles while permitting water passage, preventing sediment entry into the drainage system while maintaining water flow control capabilities through the modular chambers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fixed drainage structures are installed, then water retention is achieved, but assembly and portability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater retentionVSAvoidassembly and portability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage system comprises multiple identical modular units that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each module contains complete functional elements (chambers, flow control mechanisms, sediment traps), enabling reliable water retention when assembled while maintaining ease of transport and assembly through standardized interfaces and portable individual unit sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design creates universal units that can be configured for different water retention capacities and flow control requirements by varying the number and arrangement of modules. The same basic module structure serves multiple functions: sediment trapping, water storage, and controlled release, while maintaining portability and assembly ease through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple drainage channels are used, then construction is easy, but water flow control capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidwater flow control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses simple-to-manufacture modular units with basic geometric shapes and standardized components that are easy to construct. Each module incorporates integrated flow control mechanisms and sediment trapping chambers that, when assembled, provide sophisticated water flow control capabilities without requiring complex individual component manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple simple functional elements are merged within each modular unit: sediment filtration layers, flow control valves, water storage chambers, and structural supports are combined into single manufacturable modules. This merging maintains construction simplicity at the module level while achieving complex water flow control when modules are assembled into the complete drainage system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 modular systems effectively manage storm water runoff, prevent sediment entry, and provide versatile, site-assembled drainage solutions that control water flow and retention, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The modules comprise a novel supporting structure to provide versatility in assembling both the modules themselves and assemblies of modules to create effective drainage channels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Water drain tank or channel module... to temporarily hold or divert water, typically storm water... and to control water drainage at least out of the modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP1818463B1Water drain tank or channel module
Publication Date: 2011.11.02 BRENTWOOD IND INC
  • EP1818463B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP1818463B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2
  • EP1818463B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A water drain tank or channel module (10) includes a structure having a top platen (20) and a bottom platen (22), a plurality of generally vertical support members (26) for supporting at least the top platen (20), the support members (26) being retained in sockets (28) on at least one of the bottom platen (22) and the top platen (26), and optional side walls (19) each including a water-permeable lattice member (24) that is adapted to support an impermeable membrane (32) or water-permeable geotextile material (30) that is capable of controlling the flow of drain water at least out of the module (10) and restricting sediment from entering the module (10). An assembly (11) of such modules (10, 10', 10", 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) to form a drain tank, channel or storage reservoir is also disclosed.