Rigid Frame Mesh Erosion Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional erosion control devices, such as fiber rolls and erosion control blankets, deteriorate over time, making them unsuitable for permanent solutions, and existing storm water runoff management practices have limitations in effectively filtering contaminants from entering waterways.
Innovation Solution
The use of a rigid frame covered with mesh material filled with biochar or activated carbon, configured as wattles or compact filters, to intercept and filter sediment and contaminants from surface water, providing long-term erosion control and improved storm water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional fiber rolls or erosion control blankets are used, then erosion control is achieved for short-term use, but the filling materials deteriorate with time making them unsuitable for permanent erosion control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from organic, biodegradable materials (straw, coconut fiber) to inorganic, durable materials (PVC, polypropylene mesh) that do not deteriorate over time, enabling permanent erosion control applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining rigid PVC frame elements with flexible polypropylene mesh, integrating the advantages of both materials to provide structural integrity and filtration capability for long-term use
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional wattles filled with straw or coconut fiber are used, then sediment is left behind reducing topsoil loss, but the materials deteriorate making them unsuitable for permanent use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from organic materials that biodegrade to synthetic materials (PVC, polypropylene) that maintain their structural properties and filtration capability indefinitely, ensuring long-term sediment control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of polypropylene mesh to provide continuous filtration of sediment particles while allowing water flow, maintaining erosion control effectiveness over extended periods
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing storm water runoff management practices are used, then some contaminants are removed, but they are limited in effectively filtering fine particles and contaminants from entering waterways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs polypropylene mesh with specific pore sizes to physically filter and trap fine particles and contaminants while allowing water to pass through, achieving effective contaminant removal through simple physical filtration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the wattle as an intermediary device placed at strategic locations (drain inlets, contour lines) to intercept and filter storm water runoff before it reaches waterways, simplifying the overall storm water management system
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 described devices effectively reduce soil erosion and storm water runoff by filtering out fine particles and contaminants, offering a durable and efficient solution for both short-term and permanent applications, enhancing the effectiveness of existing Best Management Practices.
Implementation Method 1
the filtration material comprises biochar or activated carbon
Implementation Method 2
a rigid frame covered by a layer of mesh material
Data Source
AI summary
A storm water runoff and erosion control device includes a rigid frame covered by a layer of mesh material. The frame defines an interior space that is filled with filtration material. The device may be configured as a wattle having an elongated frame with a triangular cross-section. The wattle may be extended along the contour of a hill to reduce erosion, or it may be placed at the entrance to a drainage inlet to slow the velocity of, and filter sediment and contaminants from, water entering the inlet. Alternatively, the device may be a compact filter that is a cube, cylinder, sphere, or other suitable geometry. A plurality of these compact filters may be placed in the basin of a storm water drain, and piled sufficiently high to cover the outlet from the basin. Thus, all the water in the basin must pass through the compact filters before exiting.