Modular Rainwater Filtration for Easier Installation and Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-point pollutant processing devices are difficult to install and maintain in concrete waterways and road slopes, and are prone to damage from foreign materials, leading to deterioration of filtering functionality.

Innovation Solution

A rainwater filtering device with a modular design using compression rods for easy installation and removal, incorporating sensors for monitoring and a control system to manage maintenance, and a pre-treating unit with overflow prevention and filtration units, along with a monitoring system for remote management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a non-point pollutant processing device is installed in a concrete waterway or road slope, then the filtering function is provided, but the device is difficult to install and remove, and may be damaged by foreign materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering functionVSAvoidinstallation and removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering device is divided into multiple modular units that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each module contains specific filtering components, allowing the device to be installed and removed in sections rather than as a single complex structure, thereby improving installation ease while maintaining filtering reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow it to adapt to different installation environments and be easily repositioned or removed. The dynamic structure enables the device to be installed on various surfaces including concrete waterways and road slopes without permanent fixation, facilitating easy removal and relocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a non-point pollutant processing device is installed in a concrete waterway or road slope, then the filtering function is provided, but the device is prone to damage from foreign materials such as earthy materials, traffic accident residues, and other foreign materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering functionVSAvoiddamage from foreign materials
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates protective structures and shock-absorbing elements that cushion against impacts from foreign materials before they can cause damage. The design includes reinforced protective barriers and flexible components that can withstand strikes from debris, earthy materials, and traffic accident residues, preventing damage to critical filtering components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses flexible protective coverings and durable thin-film materials that can absorb and distribute the impact forces from foreign materials. These flexible protective layers prevent direct contact between harmful debris and the filtering mechanisms, maintaining device integrity while allowing the filtering function to continue operating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If traditional filtering devices are used, then basic filtration is provided, but maintenance is difficult and timely monitoring of cleaning needs and strainer replacement is not available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates sensors and monitoring systems that continuously track the filtering performance, strainer condition, and pollutant accumulation levels. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about when cleaning or strainer replacement is needed, enabling proactive maintenance scheduling and reducing the difficulty of maintaining optimal filtering operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system is designed to automatically detect and report maintenance needs without requiring manual inspection. The device essentially monitors itself, providing alerts and status information that guide maintenance activities, thereby simplifying the maintenance process and ensuring timely intervention before filtering effectiveness deteriorates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates easy installation and removal of the device, enhances maintenance efficiency by providing timely alerts for cleaning and strainer replacement, and ensures effective filtration of pollutants from rainwater.

Implementation Method 1

a first overflow preventing unit supported by a compression rod and installed above the filtering unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a filtering unit including a strainer therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a weight sensor measuring a weight of the strainer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight detection:

Implementation Method 4

a water level sensor measuring a water level of the filtering unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition measurement:

Implementation Method 5

a rainwater amount sensor measuring an amount of rainwater introduced into the filtering unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVolume measurement:

Implementation Method 6

a temperature and humidity sensor measuring a temperature and a humidity around the filtering unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Implementation Method 7

a communication unit transmitting rainwater amount information, weight information, water level information, temperature information, and humidity information measured by the sensor unit to the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal transmission:

Data Source

PatentEP3828353B1Rainwater filtering device and monitoring system therefor
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 LANDROAD INC
  • EP3828353B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3828353B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3828353B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There are provided a rainwater filtering device and a monitoring system therefor. The rainwater filtering device includes: a filtering unit including a strainer therein; a first overflow preventing unit supported by a compression rod and installed above the filtering unit; a pre-treating unit installed in front of an inlet of the filtering unit in order to pre-treat rainwater introduced into the filtering unit; and a second overflow preventing unit supported by a compression rod and installed above the pre-treating unit.