Multi-tube Stormwater Filter Sock with Separated Web
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stormwater filter socks with large tubes that contact each other have poor lateral flexibility, limiting their ability to be easily positioned around non-linear structures.
Innovation Solution
The development of multiple-tube stormwater filter socks with side-by-side joined tubes separated by a web, allowing for improved lateral flexibility and non-linear positioning, filled with absorbent media to filter out pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and nutrients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If large tubes are sewn or bonded to form adjacent touching tubes, then the filter sock can be filled with absorbent media, but the lateral flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter sock is divided into multiple separate tubes (first tube, second tube, third tube, fourth tube) that are joined at specific locations rather than forming continuous adjacent tubes. This segmentation allows each tube to maintain independence and flexibility while still providing structural integrity through strategic joining points.
Solution Approach 2:
Joining elements (sewn or bonded connections) are used as intermediaries to connect the tubes at specific locations. These joining elements provide structural stability where needed while leaving other portions of the tubes free to move laterally, thus resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and lateral flexibility.
2Reliability
If tubes are joined to form a multi-tube structure, then filtering effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is segmented across multiple tubes, each potentially containing different absorbent media for different pollutants. This segmentation improves filtering effectiveness by allowing specialized treatment of different contaminants while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of standard joining elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-tube structure serves multiple functions: each tube can contain different absorbent media for different pollutants (heavy metals, hydrocarbons, nutrients), allowing the system to handle multiple contaminants simultaneously. This multi-functionality is achieved without proportionally increasing complexity through the use of standardized tube and joining element designs.
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 multiple-tube design enhances flexibility and effectiveness in filtering pollutants from stormwater runoff, allowing for easy installation around various structures and achieving significant removal of contaminants like heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and nutrients.
Implementation Method 1
filled with absorbent media to filter out pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and nutrients
Implementation Method 2
the multiple-tube stormwater filter socks may be used to mitigate drips and spills of hydrocarbons such as motor oils, may be used to contain nutrients, and may be used to contain zinc, copper, lead, chromium, cadmium and other heavy metals
Data Source
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AI summary
Multiple-tube stormwater filter socks may be used to mitigate stormwater environmental runoff of sediment, hydrocarbons and heavy metals. The stormwater filter socks comprise at least two tubes that are spaced apart by a separator web, and are filled with different types of absorbent media. The stormwater filter socks may be placed around the top grate of a storm drain chamber, and around other environmental runoff sources such as trash bins, roof downspouts and outdoor material stockpiles. The multiple-tube stormwater filter socks may be used to mitigate drips and spills of hydrocarbons such as motor oils, and may be used to contain zinc, copper, lead, chromium, cadmium and other heavy metals.