Resistance Hanging Screen for Storm Drain Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm drain filtration systems have a high failure rate due to an open configuration bias, which allows debris to enter the system during low to moderate water flow, rendering them non-operative for their intended filtering function.
Innovation Solution
The design of resistance hanging screens with a center of gravity positioned to bias the screen towards a closed position during low to moderate water flow, using hanging pivots and counterbalance weights to ensure the screen remains closed under these conditions, and automatically opens during moderate to high water flow to allow increased water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the screen is designed with an open configuration bias, then the screen allows water flow during low to moderate flow conditions, but debris enters the storm drain system during these same conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterbalance weight mechanism to create a closed configuration bias that opposes the natural open bias. The counterbalance weight, positioned on the downstream side of the screen, generates a closing moment that keeps the screen closed during low to moderate flow conditions, preventing debris entry while allowing the screen to open during high flow when water pressure overcomes the counterbalance force
2Reliability
If the screen occupies a closed position during low to moderate water flow, then debris is impeded from entering the storm drain, but water flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic screen mechanism that automatically transitions between closed and open positions based on water flow conditions. The screen is hinged and responds to changes in water pressure, remaining closed during low to moderate flow to filter debris, then automatically opening during high flow events to prioritize water conveyance and prevent flooding
Solution Approach 2:
The screen system changes its operational parameter (open/closed position) in response to changes in water flow rate. During low to moderate flow, the screen maintains a closed position for filtration; during high flow, the increased water pressure changes the parameter to an open position, allowing unrestricted water flow while the counterbalance mechanism resets the position when flow decreases
3Productivity
If the screen occupies an open position during high water flow, then flooding is prevented, but the screen fails to filter debris during high flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The screen operates in periodic cycles, alternating between closed filtration mode during low to moderate flow and open conveyance mode during high flow. This periodic action between the two states allows the system to fulfill both filtration and flood prevention functions at different times, with the screen automatically transitioning between positions based on flow conditions
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 screens reliably maintain a closed position during dry conditions and low to moderate water flow, effectively impeding debris, while opening during high water flow to prevent flooding and ensure the storm drain's primary functions are met, thereby enhancing the filtration system's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A center of gravity of the resistance hanging screen is located in a space between a surface of a frontward side of the front screen and a plane that: i. runs parallel to the frontward side of the front screen, and ii. bisects the first hanging pivot and the second hanging pivot. And the location of the center of gravity results in the resistance hanging having a bias towards occupying a closed position
Implementation Method 2
The first and second hanging pivots are configured to swingably mount the resistance hanging screen into the storm drain or the component of the storm drain
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide resistance hanging screens, configured for installation into a storm drain or a component of a storm drain, that comprise a front plate and first and second hanging pivots. The combination of the location of the center of gravity of the resistance hanging screens and the first and second hanging pivots confers a bias of the resistance hanging screens to occupy a closed position when the resistance hanging screen is installed in the storm drain or the storm drain component.