Modular Storm Water Retention System Without Porous Backfill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storm water retention systems face challenges such as limited spatial configuration, high costs due to the use of porous materials like stones, and inefficiencies in space utilization, leading to increased installation expenses and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A modular storm water retention system featuring interconnected conduit units with horizontal support surfaces that eliminate the need for porous backfill materials, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced footprint, and enabling efficient storm water management through the soil column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If conventional storm water retention systems use porous materials like stones to fill excavation void space, then the system provides structural support and storm water filtration, but the available void space for storm water retention is significantly reduced (60-70% occupation)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the porous backfill material (stones) from the traditional storm water retention system. The modular chambers are designed to function without requiring stone fill, thereby recovering the 60-70% void space that was previously occupied by stones for both retention capacity and cost reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular chambers that can be independently configured and assembled. This segmentation allows the chambers to support themselves and each other without requiring external porous fill material, while maintaining structural integrity and storm water retention functionality
2Strength
If large amounts of stone are used to fill excavation void space, then structural support is provided, but installation costs increase due to purchase, transport, storage, and equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The modular chambers are designed to be self-supporting structures that provide their own structural integrity. The chambers can be stacked and connected to form stable configurations without requiring external stone fill for structural support, eliminating the need for heavy equipment and reducing installation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite construction combining durable materials (such as high-density polyethylene or concrete) to create chambers that are both structurally strong and lightweight enough for manual or mechanical handling without heavy equipment, replacing the need for stone fill while maintaining strength
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional systems use stone fill around retention chambers, then the system is stable, but the footprint and storage requirements at the jobsite increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular chambers that can be stacked vertically and connected horizontally to form stable configurations. This modular approach provides system stability through interlocking designs and weight distribution without requiring extensive horizontal spread of stone fill, reducing jobsite storage footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal expansion (requiring large stone fill areas) to vertical stacking of modular chambers. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve stability through height rather than width, significantly reducing the jobsite storage footprint and material quantity required
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 system significantly reduces the need for porous materials, increases available void space for storm water retention, decreases installation costs, and enhances the flexibility and performance of storm water management systems.
Implementation Method 1
serve as a storm water retention chamber for the gradual diffusion of stormwater runoff through the soil column which recharges the aquafer system
Data Source
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AI summary
The application concerns a modular storm water retention system and a method of constructing the retention system whereby the system includes a plurality of modular retaining units (1040) which are selectively connected together to form an interior chamber volume (1106) for collecting storm water run-off directed into the chamber volume. A plurality of modular trays (1180) are engaged with the top portions of the respective retention units to prevent relative movement of the retention units and eliminate, or substantially reduce, the need for porous material to be installed in and around the retention units greatly increasing the excavation void space usable for water collection and retention. The trays further support the backfill material and prevent passage of the backfill material into the void space below the trays.