Pervious Panel Tree Box Filter for Stormwater Infiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bioretention systems face challenges in accommodating infiltration, processing high stormwater volumes during peak flow periods, and effectively removing gross pollutants, leading to increased material handling costs, space requirements, and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A bioretention system with an inlet chamber, treatment chamber filled with biofiltration material, and an outlet chamber, featuring pervious panels that allow infiltration and a recessed bottom slab for increased storage, along with a high flow bypass mechanism and pre-treatment screen to manage excess stormwater and pollutants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an open bottom structure is used to allow infiltration, then infiltration capacity is improved, but the ability to hold bioretention media and container materials is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom structure is segmented into modular panels that can be configured in different patterns (open, closed, or hybrid) to balance infiltration and material retention needs. The panels create a configurable matrix that allows water passage while retaining media through strategic opening arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bottom structure have different properties - some areas have open panels for infiltration, while adjacent areas have closed or partially closed panels for media retention. This local variation in quality allows simultaneous achievement of both infiltration capacity and material holding ability.
2Ease of operation
If bioretention media is stored separately before installation, then material handling flexibility is improved, but additional space, time, and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bioretention media is merged with the container structure by integrating it into the modular panels during manufacturing. This combination eliminates the need for separate storage, handling, and installation of media, reducing time and labor while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bioretention media is pre-installed into the modular panels during manufacturing before delivery to the site. This preliminary action ensures media is already positioned and secured, eliminating on-site material handling steps and reducing installation time and labor requirements.
3Productivity
If the bioretention system capacity is increased to handle peak flows, then stormwater processing capability is improved, but the risk of surface pooling during exceedance is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic overflow mechanisms that automatically activate when peak flow capacity is exceeded. These mechanisms include adjustable overflow weirs and removable panels that can be configured to provide emergency overflow paths, dynamically adapting to flow conditions to prevent surface pooling.
4Productivity
If an external high-flow bypass mechanism is added, then peak flow processing capability is improved, but space requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high-flow bypass mechanism is merged with the container structure by integrating overflow weirs and bypass channels directly into the modular panel design. This integration eliminates the need for separate external bypass structures and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining peak flow processing capability.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If pretreatment screens are installed to remove gross pollutants, then pollutant removal effectiveness is improved, but maintenance frequency and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pretreatment screens are designed as removable and replaceable components that can be quickly discarded when clogged and replaced with pre-cleaned screens. This approach simplifies maintenance by eliminating complex cleaning procedures and allowing rapid screen replacement, improving ease of repair while maintaining pollutant removal effectiveness.
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 enhances infiltration capacity, reduces material handling costs, efficiently processes peak stormwater flows, and effectively removes gross pollutants, while simplifying design and construction, thereby optimizing space and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom member comprises a substantially pervious region embedded within a substantially impervious region... allowing for infiltration to the subgrade
Implementation Method 2
the bioretention media captures particulate matter, including ultra-fine and dissolved pollutants
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides structures, methods, and assemblies for bioretention systems, including tree box filters with substantially permeable panels integrated into a bottom portion of the tree box filter. The invention also provides methods and additional structures that are useful for managing stormwater flow and inhibiting the flow of pollutants, debris, and other contaminants into drainage systems.