Scaffold Fabric Basin for Rainwater Capture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Construction scaffolding often deprives trees of water, leading to mortality due to the inability to effectively capture and direct rainwater runoff, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A water collector and drain system for scaffolding that includes a fabric basin attached to horizontal beams, a filter, and a drainage hose connected to a vertical beam, directing rainwater into a storage tank and then to tree planters, utilizing adjustable cables and beam clamps to ensure efficient water collection and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If scaffolding is erected near or over trees, then construction work can proceed, but trees are deprived of water leading to mortality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction work capabilityVSAvoidtree water deprivation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent captures the harmful rainwater runoff that would otherwise be wasted and redirects it to irrigate trees. The fabric basin collects rainwater from the scaffolding structure, and the drain system delivers this water to tree planters, converting the harmful effect of water deprivation into a beneficial irrigation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary drainage system consisting of a fabric basin, drain exit, and hose as a mediator between the scaffolding structure and the trees. This intermediary system captures rainwater from the scaffolding and delivers it to the trees, resolving the conflict between construction needs and tree survival.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a fabric basin is attached to horizontal beams, then water collection efficiency improves, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater collection efficiencyVSAvoidscaffolding structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric basin serves multiple functions: it acts as a collection surface for rainwater, a storage container, and a channeling structure. By making the basin multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity while maintaining high water collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a fabric basin made from flexible material that can be attached to the existing scaffolding structure. This flexible shell approach allows the basin to conform to the scaffolding geometry without requiring rigid, complex structural modifications, thus improving water collection while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a filter is added to the drainage system, then water quality for irrigation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirrigation water qualityVSAvoiddrainage system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter in the patent appears to be a simple, potentially replaceable component that can be easily maintained or replaced. By using a simple, possibly disposable filter rather than a complex filtration system, the patent improves water quality for irrigation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity and maintenance burden.

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 system effectively captures and directs rainwater from scaffolding to tree planters, reducing urban street tree mortality by providing a reliable irrigation source during construction, while being adaptable to various scaffolding structures and rainfall conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a water collector and drain for a scaffolding... a fabric basin coupled to the at least one horizontal beam, the fabric basin having an open end and a concaved end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a drain exit fluidly connected to the fabric basin at the concaved end... directing rainwater into a storage tank and then to tree planters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20240081205A1Modular Attachment to Construction Scaffold Systems

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 DRAKE SUSANNAH C

AI summary

A water collector and drain for a scaffolding, having: the scaffolding having at least one horizontal beam and at least one vertical beam; a fabric basin coupled to the at least one horizontal beam, the fabric basin having an open end and a concaved end; a drain exit fluidly connected to the fabric basin at the concaved end; and a connection arrangement for attaching the fabric basis to the at least one horizontal beam such that the open end at least partially extends past the horizontal beam of the scaffolding.