Modular Water Storage Tanks with Vertical Stacking and Plumbing Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water storage solutions face challenges such as space inefficiency, weight, difficulty in accessing stored water, and the need for frequent treatment to maintain water potability, leading to low adoption rates for emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A modular water storage system that integrates with plumbing, featuring interchangeable interface components, flow control, and venting systems to optimize space, facilitate easy filling and draining, and ensure water usability during emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is stored in large tanks or barrels, then water storage capacity is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides water storage into multiple interconnected tanks (first tank, second tank, third tank) arranged vertically. Each tank can be filled and emptied independently through separate inlets and outlets, allowing flexible water management while maximizing vertical space utilization in the utility room.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal space occupation to vertical space utilization by stacking tanks one above another. The first tank is positioned highest, followed by the second tank, then the third tank at the lowest position, effectively using the vertical dimension to increase storage capacity without expanding floor space.
2Quantity of substance
If water is stored in large tanks, then water storage capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments water access into multiple independent pathways with separate inlets and outlets for each tank. This allows selective filling and emptying of individual tanks, making operation easier by enabling partial water retrieval without draining the entire storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple filling sources (city water main, well, rainwater collection) and multiple discharge points (garden hose, shower head, bathtub spout) in advance. This preliminary arrangement of connections enables quick and easy water access during emergencies without requiring complex setup or assembly.
3Quantity of substance
If water tanks are filled to maximum capacity, then water storage capacity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides total water storage into three separate tanks that can be independently filled and emptied. This segmentation allows the system to store large total volumes (165 gallons combined) while enabling selective water retrieval, reducing the need to move or handle the entire weight of all tanks simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging tanks vertically with the first tank highest, second tank in the middle, and third tank lowest, the system utilizes gravitational potential energy for automatic water flow. This vertical arrangement eliminates the need for pumps to move water between tanks, reducing mechanical complexity and energy requirements.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If water is stored for extended periods, then emergency preparedness is improved, but water quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments water storage into multiple tanks that can be independently managed with separate inlets and outlets. This allows selective emptying and refilling of individual tanks, enabling frequent water rotation and renewal without wasting the entire water supply, thereby maintaining water quality over extended storage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes multiple water sources (city water main, well, rainwater collection) and multiple treatment options (shower head for filtration, bathtub spout for dispensing). This preliminary arrangement enables flexible water management and quality control, allowing users to switch between sources and treatment methods to maintain water potability.
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 allows for efficient, space-saving water storage and easy access to potable water, reducing the burden of frequent treatment and weight issues, thereby encouraging water storage for emergency preparedness.
Implementation Method 1
a venting component that is configured to vent air from within the upper inter-tank connection
Implementation Method 2
a flow control component for enabling water to flow from the water source into the first tank
Implementation Method 3
a support system to maximize space utilization and to possibly provide seismic protection
Data Source
AI summary
Water storage systems are provided to facilitate storing water for use when a primary source of water becomes unavailable. These water storage systems can be configured to connect into a home's or a building's plumbing to enable the water tanks of the system to be easily filled and regenerated. The water storage systems may include a support system to maximize space utilization and to possibly provide seismic protection.