Inclined Ramp Apparatus for Stormwater Chamber Debris Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stormwater management systems face challenges in maintaining chamber efficiency due to debris accumulation on the interior surface of dome-shaped end caps, which is difficult to remove using conventional methods, and cleaning devices often get lodged or damaged during maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A ramp apparatus is attached to the interior surface of the end cap, featuring an inclined surface that allows debris to exit through the end cap, preventing accumulation and facilitating easy removal during maintenance, while being non-obtrusive and compatible with existing chamber configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If conventional cleaning methods are used to remove debris from the interior surface of dome-shaped end caps, then debris removal is attempted, but the debris is difficult to remove and cleaning devices get lodged or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of debris removalVSAvoiddifficulty of cleaning operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to pull debris out from the dome-shaped end cap interior, the invention inverts the approach by providing a ramp that actively pushes debris toward the exit. The ramp apparatus transforms the cleaning mechanism from a extraction-based approach to a propulsion-based approach, where debris is pushed along the inclined surface and out of the chamber rather than being pulled or scooped out.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp apparatus serves as an intermediary element between the debris and the chamber exit. Rather than directly interacting with debris through complex cleaning mechanisms, the ramp provides a simple inclined surface that mediates the movement of debris from its accumulated position on the end cap interior to the exit point, eliminating the need for complex cleaning devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If debris is allowed to accumulate on the interior surface of end caps, then chamber structure remains simple, but chamber efficiency decreases and clogs occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechamber efficiencyVSAvoidchamber structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp apparatus is installed in advance within the chamber structure to prevent debris accumulation before it occurs. By providing the inclined ramp surface during chamber assembly, debris is continuously directed toward the exit during normal operation rather than accumulating on the end cap interior, thereby maintaining chamber efficiency without requiring complex active cleaning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber structure performs its own maintenance function through the ramp apparatus. The inclined ramp continuously directs debris toward the exit during normal water flow operations, allowing the chamber to self-clean and maintain efficiency without external intervention or complex additional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of repair

If a ramp apparatus is added to the chamber to improve debris removal, then debris removal effectiveness increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal effectivenessVSAvoidchamber component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp apparatus is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently installed and removed from the chamber. This segmentation allows the debris removal function to be added without redesigning the entire chamber structure, and the ramp can be easily replaced or maintained without affecting other chamber components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp apparatus is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. Rather than investing in complex, expensive cleaning mechanisms, the invention uses a simple ramp structure that achieves effective debris removal at minimal cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 ramp apparatus enhances chamber function by ensuring complete debris removal, preventing clogs, and reducing maintenance time and costs by allowing for effective cleaning without damaging the filter fabric or end cap components.

Implementation Method 1

In use, debris and fluid exit the chamber by traversing the ramp and passing through an exit defined by the end cap of the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11028569B2Systems, apparatus, and methods for maintenance of stormwater management systems

Publication Date: 2021.06.08 ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Stormwater management systems, methods, and apparatuses for containing and filtering runoff may be provided. In one implementation, a stormwater management system may include a stormwater chamber configured for placement underground; a flared end ramp at the inlet of the stormwater chamber that is configured to receive runoff containing sediment and to distribute the sediment across a width of the stormwater chamber; and a filtration fabric situated beneath the stormwater chamber, the filtration fabric being configured to capture sediment from the runoff in the stormwater chamber while the runoff flows out of the stormwater chamber.