Retention Module with Spacers for Green Roof Water Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drainage elements in surface constructions, such as green roofs and gravel areas, have limited water retention capacity, leading to rapid water drainage into sewer systems during rainfall events, which puts pressure on the sewer system and does not allow for substantial water storage or reuse.
Innovation Solution
A retention module with a water-permeable support surface and protruding spacers creates a retention storage space between the building surface and the support surface, allowing for substantial water storage, and includes a filter layer and capillary devices for controlled water drainage and reuse, with connecting devices for modular arrangement and expansion compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional drainage elements are used, then water drainage is enabled, but water retention capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage element is divided into multiple functional layers: a first drainage layer with through-openings for initial water collection, a retention layer with spacer elements creating storage cavities for water retention, and a second drainage layer for controlled water release. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve water retention and drainage functions that conventional single-layer elements cannot provide.
2Quantity of substance
If water retention is increased, then sewer system strain is reduced, but water release control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retention layer with spacer elements creates passive water storage cavities that automatically retain water during rainfall events. The system self-regulates water release through the second drainage layer's controlled permeability, eliminating the need for active pumping or complex control mechanisms while maintaining substantial water storage capacity.
3Productivity
If drainage element permeability is increased, then water drainage is improved, but water retention is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the drainage element have different permeability characteristics: the first drainage layer has high permeability with through-openings for rapid water intake, the retention layer has intermediate permeability for water storage, and the second drainage layer has controlled permeability for regulated water release. This local differentiation of permeability properties allows simultaneous optimization of both drainage efficiency and water retention volume.
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 retention module effectively increases water retention, reducing sewer pressure during heavy rainfall and enabling controlled water reuse, while maintaining structural integrity and allowing for efficient drainage and modular installation.
Implementation Method 1
water can be recirculated to the surface or another (green) area using a pump or a capillary device, particularly a capillary fleece
Data Source
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AI summary
Retention module (1) for spacing a support (16), in particular a roof greening, gravel surface and/or pedestrian and/or vehicular surface, from a building surface (17), wherein the retention module (1) has at least one support surface (2) facing the support (16), in particular a water-permeable surface, for placing the support (16), wherein a plurality of spacers (3) project from the at least one support surface (2) in a direction away from the support (16), preferably wherein the support surface (2) is surrounded by a frame (7), preferably continuous and/or rectangular.