Modular Trickle Filter Containers for Rapid Wastewater Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trickling filter systems for wastewater treatment are not designed for rapid and cost-effective installation, especially in remote or temporary settings, and lack modularity and mobility.

Innovation Solution

A modular trickling filter system comprising transportable packing containers and a rotary sprinkler container, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, with all containers having the same dimensions for standardized use of commercially available containers, and featuring openable structures for efficient wastewater distribution and drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional trickling filter systems are used, then wastewater treatment function is provided, but installation complexity and construction effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trickling filter system is divided into separate functional modules: packing element containers, rotary sprinkler unit, and container base. Each module can be manufactured and transported independently, then assembled on-site by simply placing containers onto the base structure, eliminating complex construction efforts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized shipping containers serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, contain packing elements, facilitate transportation, and enable modular assembly. The universal container design allows the same standard units to be used throughout the system for both structural and functional purposes

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If standardized large-capacity tanks are used, then portability is improved, but adaptability to different application areas is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication area flexibilityVSAvoidcontainer size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment system is segmented into multiple smaller container modules that can be arranged in different configurations. This allows the system to be scaled and adapted to various application areas from small temporary installations to larger permanent facilities, while maintaining portability through standardized container sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows flexible arrangement of containers in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. Containers can be placed side-by-side or stacked, enabling adaptation to different space constraints and application requirements without changing the fundamental container size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If modular container design is used, then installation speed is improved, but structural stability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidcontainer assembly stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The container base is designed with a level, stable foundation structure that provides uniform support for all container modules. This equipotential base ensures structural stability while allowing rapid placement of containers without complex leveling or anchoring procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple container modules are combined and secured together to form a unified stable structure. The containers can be locked or fastened to adjacent units and to the base, creating a stable integrated system that maintains mobility while ensuring structural integrity during operation

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

Enables rapid, cost-effective, and mobile wastewater treatment with modular design, suitable for temporary installations like military bases or refugee camps, ensuring efficient wastewater distribution and drainage.

Implementation Method 1

The rotary sprinkler container (3) is at least partially open on both sides to allow rotation of the rotary sprinkler (4) to at least partially sweep over the packing containers (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

have a wastewater-permeable support structure for the packing elements at the bottom

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3969680B1Trickle filter apparatus with containers
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 BRENTWOOD EUROPE GMBH
  • EP3969680B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3969680B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a trickling filter system comprising at least three transportable filler material containers (2), which are arranged one next to the other and which are filled with filler material, are open at the top, and have a wastewater-permeable support structure at the bottom for the filler material, and comprising a transportable rotary sprinkler container (3) which receives a sprinkler (4). The trickling filter system is designed to be modular, and the containers containing the filler material are placed directly next to one another in a tightly packed manner on a corresponding underlying surface at the operating location. The rotary sprinkler container (3) is assembled on the middle filler material container (2).