Serpentine Influent Treatment Module for Compact Wastewater Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional septic systems for treating sewage and wastewater are inefficient in minimizing installation costs, extending system life, and maximizing treatment surface density within a filter field, while also ensuring even distribution and easy maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular, portable influent liquid treatment system featuring a bladder with a treatment module and distribution conduit, where the treatment module includes an elongated core structure wrapped in fabric, arranged in serpentine or ladder shapes, and a frame with support members to enhance treatment efficiency and portability, allowing for easy installation and inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional septic systems use traditional leach fields with stone or sand trenches, then the system can treat wastewater, but the installation costs increase and the filter field area becomes unnecessarily large
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the filter field into multiple modular treatment modules, each containing an elongated member with distribution conduits. These modules can be independently installed and configured, reducing overall installation complexity and cost while maximizing treatment surface density within a compact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated members are arranged in three-dimensional configurations (serpentine, ladder, or grid patterns) within the treatment modules, transforming the traditional two-dimensional leach field layout into a multi-dimensional structure that increases treatment surface area without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional systems discharge effluent into traditional leach fields, then wastewater treatment occurs, but the treatment surface density is reduced and distribution uniformity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution conduits within each elongated member are designed with varying outlet configurations and flow distribution mechanisms tailored to local conditions. This ensures uniform effluent distribution across different zones of the filter field while maximizing the effective treatment surface area in each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment modules with elongated members serve multiple functions: they distribute effluent uniformly, provide structural support for the filter medium, define treatment zones, and facilitate maintenance access. This multi-functionality increases treatment surface density without compromising distribution uniformity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If subsurface components are buried for aesthetic or permanent installation reasons, then the system is stable, but post-installation location detection and inspection become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated members or associated components incorporate detectable markers or contrasting materials that allow for easy visual detection and location identification after installation, even when buried. This maintains installation stability while enabling simple post-installation inspection and maintenance access.
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 treats non-potable water by maximizing treatment surface density, reducing maintenance costs, and enabling easy detection and inspection, while ensuring even distribution and efficient treatment of influent liquids across the filter field.
Implementation Method 1
filter field medium disposed about open areas defined by the predetermined configuration of the elongated member
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating influent liquid includes a treatment module having an elongated member arranged in a predetermined configuration. The elongated member has a core structure wrapped in a fabric configured for the passage of the influent liquid therethrough. Filter field medium is disposed about open areas defined by the predetermined configuration of the elongated member and is configured for receiving the influent liquid from the elongated member and passing the influent liquid therethrough. A bladder containing the treatment module has an outlet for providing treated influent liquid passing through the filter medium. A distribution conduit is coupled to the bladder and has an outlet for distributing the influent liquid to the elongated member.