Removable Catch Basin Filter Insert for Stormwater Pollution Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stormwater pollution capture devices in catch basins are inadequate in capturing smaller pollutants and are often costly and difficult to maintain, leading to clogging of storm sewer systems and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A removable catch basin filter insert with a filtration system that routes stormwater through a container-like device with small holes to capture pollutants like cigarette butts and sediment, allowing water to pass through at a normal flow rate, and can be easily removed and cleaned using a side-loading garbage truck mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filtration system with small holes is used to capture smaller pollutants, then pollution capture effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes more prone to clogging and harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The filter insert is designed as a removable, modular component that can be easily extracted from the catch basin for cleaning or replacement. This segmentation allows the filtration system to be maintained without disrupting the entire catch basin structure, resolving the contradiction between effective filtration and maintenance difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter insert can be completely removed and replaced with a new one when clogged, while the captured pollutants are disposed of separately. This approach prioritizes maintaining effective filtration over complex cleaning mechanisms, addressing the contradiction between capture effectiveness and maintenance ease.
2Ease of operation
If a removable filter insert is used to facilitate easy maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but the structural complexity of the catch basin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch basin is divided into two main components: the permanent basin structure and the removable filter insert. This segmentation enables easy maintenance access without requiring complex disassembly mechanisms, thus improving ease of operation while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter insert serves multiple functions: filtration, pollutant capture, and easy removal for maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving maintenance accessibility without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
3Reliability
If large trash capture devices are installed to remove debris, then pollution capture capability is improved, but the cost and equipment requirements for installation and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pollution capture system is segmented into a compact, pre-fabricated filter insert that can be manufactured independently and installed as a single unit. This reduces installation costs and equipment requirements compared to large, custom-built trash capture devices while maintaining effective pollution capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter insert is designed as an economical, replaceable component that can be manufactured at low cost. When clogged, it can be replaced with a new inexpensive insert rather than requiring expensive maintenance operations, thus improving pollution capture capability while reducing installation and maintenance costs.
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 solution effectively captures a wide range of pollutants, including nicotine, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals, while allowing water to flow unimpeded, reducing the likelihood of toxic leachates and facilitating on-demand maintenance, thus protecting natural waterways and conserving resources.
Implementation Method 1
a filtration system that routes stormwater through a container-like device with small holes to capture pollutants
Data Source
AI summary
A removable catch basin filter insert includes a filter container is fitted into a catch basin in the ground at the location where the stormwater exits the gutter and enters the stormwater sewer system. The removable catch basin filter provides pollution capture from stormwater while being easily cleaned. A hinged cover is included at the top of the filter insert to allow the captured pollutants to be evacuated through the use of a vehicle or being tipped nearly upside down by a mechanical arm. A hinged trap door is included at the bottom of the filter insert to allow captured pollutants to be evacuated through the bottom of the device and into a container. By capturing the pollutants with the removable catch basin filter insert before the pollutants enter the mainline storm drain system, clean storm drain systems are provided allowing for cleaner waterways.