Modular Weir Assembly for Stormwater Crate Solids Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stormwater management crate systems face challenges in effectively isolating debris and solid contaminants, requiring intensive labor for installation, being cumbersome to assemble, and lacking efficient methods for containing and cleaning these contaminants within the crate array.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modular weirs configured to fit within the space between internal columns of stormwater management crate units, featuring a flat bottom for sediment collection, column grooves for alignment, and connection mechanisms for easy assembly, allowing for efficient isolation and containment of debris and solid contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional stormwater management systems are used, then debris and solid contaminants can pass through the system, but the system lacks effective isolation capability for contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the stormwater management function into separate modules: solids retention system, modular weirs, and crate array. Each module handles specific tasks (debris capture, flow isolation, water storage), improving contaminant isolation without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
Modular weirs act as intermediary components between the solids retention system and the crate array. These weirs provide the critical isolation function by containing debris and solid contaminants within the crate array while allowing stormwater to pass through to the drainage system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If intensive labor is used for installation, then proper isolation of contaminants can be achieved, but assembly becomes cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented, modular components that can be assembled in discrete units. The modular weirs and crate array sections can be installed independently and connected systematically, reducing installation complexity and labor requirements while maintaining effective contaminant isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-configured with alignment features and connection mechanisms during manufacturing. The modular weirs include pre-formed structures for containing contaminants, and the crate array sections come pre-assembled with connection points, enabling faster on-site assembly without compromising isolation effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If modular weirs are added to isolate contaminants, then labor and assembly costs are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular weir itself is segmented into standardized sections that repeat throughout the system. Each section has identical connection interfaces and structural features, simplifying manufacturing and assembly despite the overall system complexity. The repetition of standardized modules reduces the complexity burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular weirs are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions: containing contaminants, directing water flow, providing structural support, and enabling system expansion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, offsetting the complexity increase with functional consolidation.
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 weirs reduce labor and assembly costs, facilitate easier installation, and provide effective isolation and cleaning of debris and solid contaminants within the stormwater management crate array, enhancing the efficiency and efficacy of fluid runoff management systems.
Implementation Method 1
a flat bottom configured to collect the suspended solids from the flow of water
Data Source
AI summary
Weir systems, methods, and apparatuses for containing and filtering runoff may be provided. In one implementation, a modular weir may be used to isolate suspended solids from a flow of water in a stormwater management crate array. The modular weir may include a plurality of weirs configured to isolate the flow of water from the stormwater management crate, a plurality of column grooves along the one or more weirs configured to extend around a plurality of columns in the stormwater management crate, an inlet located at a first end of the plurality of weirs configured to receive the flow of water within the stormwater management crate, and a cap located at a second end of the plurality of weirs configured to contain the flow of water within the modular weir.