Open-Bottomed Stormwater Biofiltration System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tree box filter systems are limited by their closed design, which restricts root growth, reduces infiltration efficiency over time due to root interference, and lacks direct infiltration of treated stormwater into the groundwater system, leading to potential stunting of tree health and reduced pollutant removal efficacy.
Innovation Solution
An open-sided and open-bottomed stormwater treatment system with a filter media amended by manufactured products or reconstituted rock-based materials, allowing for unrestricted root growth and direct infiltration of treated water into surrounding soils, enhancing nutrient pollutant removal and infiltration capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a closed tree box filter system is used, then the structure provides containment and organization, but root growth is restricted and infiltration efficiency decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bottom wall from the closed container structure, extracting the restrictive element that prevented root growth and direct infiltration. This modification allows roots to extend freely into the surrounding soil while maintaining the container's other containment functions for organizing filter media and providing structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure is segmented by removing the bottom wall, creating a hybrid structure that is closed on three sides but open at the bottom. This segmentation allows different zones to serve different functions: the container walls provide containment for media organization, while the open bottom enables unrestricted root growth and direct infiltration pathways.
2Strength
If roots are confined within a closed container, then the system maintains structural integrity, but tree health deteriorates due to restricted root growth
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall is extracted from the container structure, eliminating the physical barrier that confined roots. This allows the tree root system to expand naturally into the surrounding soil, improving tree health and accessibility to water and nutrients while the remaining three-sided container structure maintains sufficient structural integrity for its containment function.
3Ease of operation
If treated stormwater is discharged to surface water bodies, then the system meets regulatory discharge requirements, but groundwater recharge is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The open-bottom container structure acts as an intermediary between the treated stormwater and the groundwater system. Instead of direct discharge to surface water, the treated water percolates through the filter media and container walls into the surrounding soil, serving as a mediator that enables gradual infiltration and groundwater recharge while still achieving treatment objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural infiltration capacity of the surrounding soil and the gravity-driven percolation of treated water through the filter media. The open bottom design allows the system to self-service by enabling passive recharge of groundwater without requiring additional active discharge infrastructure or energy input.
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 promotes healthy tree growth, increases pollutant removal efficiency, and allows for greater infiltration of treated stormwater into the groundwater system, addressing the limitations of conventional tree box filters while maintaining effective pollutant treatment.
Implementation Method 1
removing and remediating pollutant constituents entrained in the water by way of physical, chemical, and biological processes
Implementation Method 2
have a chemical affinity to 'sorb' (adsorb/absorb) and collect, or, 'hitch a ride,' onto sand particles, sediment, or other non-aqueous matter
Implementation Method 3
allows direct infiltration of treated water into surrounding soils, enhancing nutrient pollutant removal and infiltration capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A stormwater treatment system and method for removing sediment, chemical pollutants, and debris from stormwater runoff by utilizing bioretention practices including physical, chemical and biological processes. Stormwater is directed into a primarily open-bottomed, multi-dimensional container whereby entrained sediment and other transportable materials are filtered and treated through a media filter layer consisting of inorganic and/or organic materials. A live plant (preferably a tree) situated within the container with roots resident in the media filter layer with the ability for expansion beyond the perimeter of the container through openings in one or more sidewalls. The treated water may be further conveyed beyond the perimeter of the container by additional openings and/or piping. A vertically positioned overflow/bypass/clean out piping apparatus may be included within the stormwater treatment system to provide additional water conveyance. Additional ancillary conveyance, filtration and storage facilities may be connected to the described stormwater treatment system as conditions warrant.