Over Grate Filter with Soft Fasteners for Storm Water
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional storm water filtering systems require the removal of storm water grates for installation, are labor-intensive, pose safety hazards, and do not effectively treat pollutants like metals and hydrocarbons, while their fasteners can damage vehicles and pose tripping risks.
Innovation Solution
An over-grate filter system using customizable filtration media with auxiliary treatment layers, secured by soft plastic or rubber fasteners that do not require grate removal, allowing for easy installation and maintenance, and incorporating stabilizing mesh to prevent distortion and tripping hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional filtering systems are installed by removing the grate, then effective filtration is achieved, but labor requirements and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing the grate to install the filter underneath, the invention inverts the approach by placing the filter on top of the grate. The filter assembly sits above the grate surface and secures to the grate's upper side, eliminating the need for grate removal while maintaining filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a subsurface installation approach (under the grate) to a surface-level installation (over the grate). By utilizing the vertical dimension above the grate, the system achieves both effective filtration and ease of installation without requiring grate removal.
2Strength
If traditional filtering systems use metal fasteners, then secure attachment is achieved, but safety hazards are created for vehicles and pedestrians
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the fasteners from metal to soft plastic. This parameter change maintains the fastening function and attachment security while eliminating the harmful effects of broken metal fasteners on vehicle tires and pedestrian safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of hard metal fasteners into benefit by using soft plastic material. The softness of the plastic fasteners provides the same securing function while preventing damage to vehicles and reducing tripping hazards, effectively turning a potential safety risk into a safety feature.
3Reliability
If traditional filtering systems are installed underneath the grate, then filtration is effective, but installation requires more equipment and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the installation approach by placing the filter assembly on top of the grate rather than underneath. This inversion simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need to remove and handle heavy grates, requiring no special equipment, and allowing straightforward attachment from the accessible upper side.
4Area of stationary object
If the filter extends past the grate edge, then complete coverage is achieved, but tripping hazards may be created
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the filter edge from rigid to flexible. The flexible material allows the filter to conform to the grate edge and bend away from creating rigid protrusions, thereby maintaining complete coverage while reducing tripping hazards for pedestrians.
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 filters storm water pollutants without removing the grate, reducing labor and safety risks, and provides effective treatment of metals and hydrocarbons while being safe for vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Implementation Method 1
fabric that may be either a woven or non-woven filtration media made from monofilament, slit film, or fiber yarns
Implementation Method 2
extra activated charcoal filters, heavy metal filters and hydrocarbon filters
Implementation Method 3
extra-absorbent layers
Data Source
AI summary
An over grate filter for covering a grate and filtering storm water runoff is claimed and described. The over grate filter of the invention helps to control the flow of waterborne sediment and pollutants into the storm water grate, and it also serves to reduce the amount of sediment entering drainage systems. The invention may be fabricated from any filtration fabrics, including woven and non-woven fabrics. The selection of the specific filter fabric used in the invention depends on the anticipated storm water flow velocities, the anticipated pollutant volume and the expected maintenance schedule. The over grate filter of the invention may comprise multiple layers of filter material and a supporting inner core that enables the filter to lie flat on the storm water grate, providing improved wear resistance against foot and vehicle traffic and street sweeping activity over the prior art methods for filtering storm water.