Slotted Semi-Cylindrical Sewer Bar for Overflow Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combined sewer systems face challenges with sewage overflow during heavy rainfall, leading to environmental pollution and health hazards due to untreated sewage mixing with stormwater, blockages from debris, and adverse effects on local ecosystems.
Innovation Solution
A semi-cylindrical plastic mold with slits is used to manage water flow, allowing normal water to enter the sewer system while diverting excess water to surface runoff or overflow channels, filtering out debris, and preventing blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If combined sewer systems are used to collect sewage and stormwater, then wastewater management is achieved, but sewer overflow occurs during heavy rainfall causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the water flow path by providing separate inlet openings for sewage and stormwater, and separate outlet openings for each type of water. This segmentation allows the system to handle different water types separately, preventing mixing and overflow of untreated sewage into environmental water bodies during heavy rainfall.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts excess stormwater from the combined sewer flow by providing a dedicated stormwater outlet opening that is separate from the sewage outlet. This extraction allows stormwater to be discharged independently, preventing it from contributing to sewer overflow and environmental pollution.
2Productivity
If combined sewer systems collect debris such as hygiene products and plastics, then comprehensive waste collection is achieved, but blockages occur in the sewer system
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by providing different inlet opening configurations - a first inlet opening for sewage and a second inlet opening for stormwater. This local differentiation allows debris to be directed to appropriate outlets, with the stormwater inlet being more open to accommodate debris while the sewage inlet remains controlled, preventing blockages in the sewage transport system.
3Productivity
If excess rainwater enters the sewer system, then comprehensive water drainage is achieved, but sewer capacity is exceeded causing overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs asymmetry by providing a first inlet opening with a specific configuration for sewage and a second inlet opening with a different configuration for stormwater. The asymmetric design allows the system to handle variable water volumes efficiently, directing excess stormwater through the dedicated outlet while maintaining sewage flow control, thereby preventing capacity exceedance.
4Productivity
If debris is flushed into the sewer system, then complete waste disposal is achieved, but blockages and pollution of natural water bodies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device acts as an intermediary by providing a dedicated stormwater outlet opening that serves as an intermediate discharge point for stormwater and debris before they reach the sewer system. This intermediary outlet allows debris to be discharged separately from the sewage system, preventing it from contaminating natural water bodies while maintaining waste disposal efficiency.
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 device regulates water flow, prevents sewer overflows, filters debris, and maintains ecosystem health by directing excess water away from the sewer system, enhancing the efficiency and functionality of combined sewer systems.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of slits of same or different dimensions are disposed (i.e., spaced) along the semi-cylindrical bar, each slit extends across longitudinal edges of the semi-cylindrical bar and orients transversely to the length of the semi-cylindrical bar. Each slit is adapted to enable water to pass therethrough to a sewer system
Data Source
AI summary
A sewer system overflow prevention device is disclosed. The device features a semi-cylindrical bar with an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface, extending between two ends. A plurality of customizable slits, ranging from 3 mm to 10 mm in width, are transversely oriented along the bar, enabling water to pass while filtering debris. Under normal flow conditions, the slits permit water therethrough to enter a sewer system. During heavy rainfall, some of the water passes through the slits and excess water passes along the bar to surface runoff management systems or overflow channels, preventing sewer overflows. The device is made from corrosion-resistant materials and includes apertures for secure attachment to existing or new sewer systems.