Modular Underground Filtration System with Segmented Chambers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional filtration systems for liquid run-off from buildings are not modular, leading to maintenance issues, clogging, and high replacement costs, as they lack interchangeable components and effective debris removal mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A modularized underground filtration system composed of pre-cast concrete panels that form adjustable chambers with a filtering mechanism using layers of materials like crushed stone and filter fabric, allowing for easy replacement of damaged parts and efficient debris filtration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If conventional non-modular filtration systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but maintenance is difficult and replacement costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration system is divided into separate modular chambers (screen chamber, filter chamber, clear well chamber) that can be independently accessed, maintained, and replaced. Each chamber functions as an independent module, allowing targeted maintenance without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design enables individual chambers to be removed, replaced, or upgraded independently. Damaged or clogged chambers can be discarded and replaced with new modules, while functional chambers remain in service, reducing overall system downtime and replacement costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If conventional filtration systems are used, then the system is less complex, but clogging occurs frequently requiring frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering consistencyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates debris collection and filtration functions into distinct chambers. The screen chamber captures large debris while the filter chamber handles fine particulates, preventing cross-contamination and reducing clogging frequency in each individual chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different chambers are designed with specialized filtering mechanisms appropriate to their function. The screen chamber uses coarse screening while the filter chamber uses fine filtration media, optimizing each local zone for its specific filtering task and improving overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional filtration systems are used, then the system design is simpler, but the system cannot be adjusted to fit specific construction requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidmodular design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system consists of standardized modular chambers that can be configured in different arrangements to suit various construction sites. Chambers can be added, removed, or repositioned to accommodate different flow rates, site constraints, and filtration requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular chambers are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions, allowing them to be used in various configurations and applications. The same basic chamber design can serve different purposes depending on arrangement and internal configuration.

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

4Ease of repair

If conventional filtration systems are used, then the system is less modular, but damaged portions require replacement of the entire device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent replacementVSAvoidmodular configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration system is divided into separate modular chambers (screen chamber, filter chamber, clear well chamber) that can be independently accessed, maintained, and replaced. Each chamber functions as an independent module, allowing targeted maintenance without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design enables individual chambers to be removed, replaced, or upgraded independently. Damaged or clogged chambers can be discarded and replaced with new modules, while functional chambers remain in service, reducing overall system downtime and replacement costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 system provides a cost-effective, environmentally sound solution by allowing for modular adjustments and replacements, effectively filtering contaminants and debris from liquid run-off while reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

a filtering mechanism incorporated into the filtration system for filtration of liquid run-off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS7833413B1Underground filtration system
Publication Date: 2010.11.16 ROTONDO JOHN
  • US7833413B1 patent drawing
  • US7833413B1 patent drawing
  • US7833413B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A modularized underground liquid run-off filtration system, where a plurality of matingly engaged panels define a storage chamber, a filter chamber and a clear well chamber. The filter chamber includes a first filter chamber section and a second filter chamber section, the first filter chamber section being in fluid communication with the storage chamber. A filter mechanism is positioned within the second filter chamber section for filtering liquid passing from the storage chamber thereto. The clear well chamber is in fluid communication with the second filter chamber section for receiving filtered liquid.