Offset Grid Geo-Membrane Layers for Liquid Contamination Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for hazardous and waste liquid collection and containment are inadequate in separating contaminants from water, leading to environmental pollution and inefficient water reuse, particularly in vehicle washing and indoor plant growing facilities, where contaminated water is not effectively filtered or recycled.
Innovation Solution
A modular cleaning system featuring a non-porous base layer with offset grid layers of geo-membranes that filter out contaminants and oils from water, allowing for the separation and recycling of water, which includes a series of layers with angled grids to separate pollutants based on specific gravity, and a drainage system for efficient collection and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If contaminated water is allowed to runoff into ground or sewer systems, then the disposal process is simple, but environmental pollution occurs and water cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the containment area into multiple segmented layers (impermeable base layer, first permeable layer, second permeable layer) that work together to filter and contain contaminants. Each layer performs a specific function in the filtration process, transforming the simple runoff disposal into a multi-stage treatment system that prevents pollution while enabling water reuse.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of corrugated membranes are added to separate contaminants, then water separation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous permeable layers (first and second permeable layers with corrugated membranes) that allow water to pass through while trapping contaminants. The porous structure provides natural filtration capability without requiring complex mechanical components, achieving effective separation while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines different material properties in a composite structure: an impermeable base layer for containment, followed by permeable layers with corrugated membranes for filtration. This composite approach integrates multiple functions (containment, filtration, separation) into a unified system that achieves high separation efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Loss of substance
If water is collected and filtered for reuse, then water waste is reduced and cost savings are achieved, but the collection and filtration system requires more space and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional surface runoff to three-dimensional multi-layer filtration by stacking permeable and impermeable layers vertically. This vertical dimensionality allows the system to achieve effective water separation and containment within a compact footprint, reducing the horizontal space required while enabling comprehensive water reuse.
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 effectively separates contaminants from water, allowing for the reuse of clean water in vehicle washing and plant irrigation, reducing environmental pollution and water waste, while also providing a cost-effective solution for recycling water in areas with limited rainfall or during drought conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a series of layers with angled grids to separate pollutants based on specific gravity
Implementation Method 2
a non-porous base layer with offset grid layers of geo-membranes that filter out contaminants and oils from water
Implementation Method 3
a drainage system for efficient collection and disposal
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cleaning system for living plants rests on a surface covered by a non-porous material. A plate layer covering the non-porous layer has two or more layers, each layer having runners arranged in a grid. The grid of each successive layer is offset at an angle with respect to the grid of a previous layer. An upper layer covers the plate layer and has a plurality of holes for the passage of liquids into the liquid cleaning system. As the living plants are watered or cleaned, excess liquids containing water and oils that were excreted by the living plants enter the liquid cleaning system through the holes, the liquid traverses the grid layers, flowing towards a drain. Contaminants within the liquid collect within the grid of the layers of the plate layer for later disposal.