Planar biofiltration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biofiltration systems lack the use of natural substrates, promote the use of fertilizers that interfere with microbial development, are often hydroponic and dependent on constant water flow, are not modular, and lack three-dimensional configurations which lead to deformation issues.
Innovation Solution
A planar biofiltration system comprising three-dimensional structures made of polyethylene or polypropylene filled with a substrate, covered by a hydrophilic fabric that allows uniform watering and air passage, with modular design and natural substrates to promote microorganism growth, and includes a watering system with an exudative tube to prevent obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural substrates are used to promote microorganism growth, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular panels that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each panel contains a substrate layer with microorganisms, allowing the complex biofiltration function to be segmented into manageable units that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining purification effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
A hydrophilic fabric is introduced as an intermediary layer between the substrate and the external environment. This fabric facilitates water distribution and air passage while protecting the delicate substrate-microorganism system, thereby maintaining purification effectiveness without requiring direct complex interaction between all system components
2Duration of action of moving object
If fertilizers are used to support plant growth, then plant development is improved, but microbial development is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the chemical parameters of the substrate environment by using natural, fertilizer-free substrates. This parameter change creates an environment that is favorable for microbial development while still supporting plant growth through alternative nutrient pathways, thereby resolving the contradiction between plant development and microbial development
3Duration of action of moving object
If hydroponic systems with constant water flow are used, then plant growth is maintained, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic fabric serves itself by automatically distributing water through capillary action without requiring external pumping systems. The fabric's inherent properties enable it to draw and distribute water uniformly across the substrate, maintaining plant growth while eliminating the energy-consuming constant water flow requirements of traditional hydroponic systems
4Ease of manufacture
If non-modular structures are used, then assembly simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and ease of installation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modular panels that can be easily manufactured individually and then assembled in various configurations. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for each unit while providing great adaptability for different installation locations and requirements through modular assembly
5Quantity of substance
If two-dimensional planar structures are used, then material usage is reduced, but deformation and structural stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional panel structure with internal chambers and layered components. This dimensional change provides structural rigidity and stability while maintaining efficient material usage through the optimized three-dimensional arrangement of substrate, fabric, and support elements
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 exposes the rhizosphere to contaminated air, facilitating contaminant removal by microorganisms, reduces resource consumption, and allows for the creation of modular, three-dimensional structures that maintain functionality, enhancing air purification in urban environments and buildings.
Implementation Method 1
A hydrophilic fabric that closes the sides and the base of the first three-dimensional structure
Implementation Method 2
A second three-dimensional structure made of polyethylene, polypropylene or any other stable material with support or gripping elements depending on the subsequent placement thereof, secured to the assembly formed by the first three-dimensional structure and the hydrophilic fabric covering the base and sides of the first three-dimensional structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A system comprising a first three-dimensional structure (1) that is filled with a substrate, a hydrophilic fabric (3) that closes the sides and the base of the first three-dimensional structure (1), a second three-dimensional structure (2) secured to the assembly formed by the first three-dimensional structure (1) and the hydrophilic fabric (3) covering the base and sides of the first three-dimensional structure, resulting in a planar system which has high substrate ventilation, is modular, made of three-dimensional structures that do not deform, can be suspended when used, can be covered with different materials and attachments, and, most importantly, promotes contact between the rhizosphere and the air and therefore promotes its detoxification and biofiltration function.