Underground Rainwater Storage Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage and infiltration systems for rainwater have a predetermined fill level, leading to uncontrolled seepage and contamination risks, as well as wastage of usable water, due to the inability to manage fluid flow effectively between storage and infiltration components.
Innovation Solution
A combined underground storage and infiltration system with a fluid-tight storage body and an infiltration area connected via a valve, allowing controlled flow of rainwater from the storage body to the infiltration area, utilizing a hydrostatic gradient and a processing device with rain sensors to optimize water management based on weather data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the storage body has a predetermined fill level, then the storage body can be easily designed and installed, but the storage volume cannot be fully utilized and fresh rainwater cannot be collected when the storage is full
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the system adaptable and flexible through the valve mechanism. The valve allows the system to dynamically adjust between storage mode (when dry) and infiltration mode (when full), enabling the storage body to fully utilize its volume while preventing uncontrolled seepage. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by allowing maximum storage volume utilization without requiring complex predetermined fill level designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the flow state parameter through the valve. The valve changes the flow parameter from blocked (storage mode) to open (infiltration mode) based on the fill level condition. This parameter change enables the system to transition between different operational states, allowing full storage volume utilization while controlling when infiltration occurs, thus resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and control complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If the storage body is completely filled with rainwater, then maximum storage capacity is achieved, but subsequent rainwater cannot be absorbed and seeps away in an uncontrolled manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing the valve as a mediating component between the storage body and the infiltration area. The valve acts as a controlled gateway that prevents uncontrolled seepage while allowing intentional infiltration. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling maximum storage capacity while preventing harmful uncontrolled seepage and contamination through the valve's flow control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the fill level condition as a trigger for valve operation. When the storage body reaches full capacity, the system detects this condition and activates the valve to redirect subsequent rainwater to the infiltration area. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by automatically switching from storage mode to infiltration mode when full, preventing uncontrolled seepage while maintaining maximum storage capacity utilization.
3Productivity
If rainwater is directly infiltrated without prior use as process water, then infiltration function is simple, but usable water is wasted and climate protection goals are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by prioritizing the use of stored rainwater for process water applications before allowing infiltration. The valve is configured to maintain storage mode (blocked flow) during periods when water can be utilized, ensuring that usable water is extracted first. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by maximizing water usage efficiency through process water application while maintaining simple infiltration capability when storage is full.
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
This solution enables efficient storage and controlled infiltration of rainwater, minimizing contamination risks and maximizing water usage by allowing the storage body to fully utilize its volume and ensuring that fresh rainwater is collected and used effectively, while preventing bacterial growth and soil contamination.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a hydrostatic gradient and a processing device with rain sensors to optimize water management based on weather data
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to the arrangement of a storage and infiltration system (1) for a fluid (2) in the ground, comprising a storage body (3) and an infiltration area (4) connected to the storage body (3), wherein the storage body (3) is designed to receive the fluid (2) for temporary storage and to release it to the infiltration area (4) for infiltration, the infiltration area (4) is designed to release the fluid (2) to the ground (5) surrounding the storage and infiltration system (1) for infiltration, and the storage and infiltration system (1) has a valve (6) with which the flow of the fluid (2) from the storage body (3) to the infiltration area (4) can be controlled.