Stackable Water Storage Module With Gravity Overflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rainwater collection systems, such as large water butts, are complex and costly to manufacture, difficult to transport and store, pose safety hazards, and have inconvenient single outlet taps and ineffective wicking arrangements for irrigation, which are further compromised by high water pressures and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A stackable water storage system comprising modular base and lid portions with independent water reservoirs, allowing for overflow between modules, facilitating easy assembly, reduced manufacturing complexity, and providing multiple outlets for convenient watering, while minimizing drowning risks and enhancing aesthetics through foliage masking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a large water butt is used to store rainwater, then the storage capacity is increased, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to high water pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage system is divided into multiple separate water butts stacked vertically, with each butt storing a portion of the total water volume. This segmentation allows each individual butt to be manufactured with lower pressure requirements, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high overall storage capacity.
2Volume of stationary object
If a large water butt is used to store rainwater, then the storage capacity is increased, but the transport and storage difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple smaller water butts instead of one large butt. These smaller units are easier to transport and store when not in use. The modular design allows for flexible arrangement and easier handling during installation and maintenance while achieving the same total storage capacity.
3Volume of stationary object
If a large water butt is used to store rainwater, then the storage capacity is increased, but the safety hazard increases due to drowning risk
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the total water volume into multiple separate butts, the depth of water in each individual container is reduced. This segmentation eliminates the drowning hazard associated with deep water bodies while preserving the overall water storage capacity needed for rainwater harvesting.
4Device complexity
If a conventional water butt with single outlet tap is used, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the convenience of use decreases due to single outlet location
Solution Approach 1:
Each water butt in the stacked system is equipped with its own outlet tap positioned at convenient heights. This segmentation of outlet functions allows multiple access points at different locations, significantly improving convenience for users while maintaining simple individual butt designs.
5Extent of automation
If a wicking arrangement is used for plant irrigation, then the automated watering function is provided, but the system reliability decreases when water level drops
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system is segmented so that each water butt has its own independent wicking arrangement connected to planters on that specific butt. This ensures that if the water level drops in one butt, the wicking system in that butt simply stops operating while other butts continue to provide irrigation, maintaining overall system reliability.
6Device complexity
If a single large water butt is used, then the structure is simplified, but the aesthetic appeal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacked arrangement of multiple water butts creates a visually interesting vertical structure that can be aesthetically pleasing in garden settings. The segmentation allows for creative configurations and the addition of planters on each level, enhancing aesthetic appeal while maintaining relatively simple individual butt structures.
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 modular system allows for efficient water distribution, reduced manufacturing costs, improved safety, and enhanced aesthetics by enabling easy stacking, versatile assembly, and convenient watering, while avoiding high water pressures and complex sealing issues.
Implementation Method 1
the lid portion has a lid reservoir overflow adapted for water to overflow from the lid reservoir to the base reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the base portion has a base reservoir overflow adapted for water to overflow from the base reservoir to a lid reservoir of a further lid portion
Implementation Method 3
The intention is that the wick should conduct water from within the water butt up to the growing medium
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A stackable water storage module (100) comprising a base portion (102) and a lid portion (104), wherein the base portion (102) is adapted to receive a lid portion (104), the base portion (102) has a base reservoir (106) for receiving water and a base reservoir overflow (110) adapted for water to overflow from the base reservoir (106) to a lid reservoir (116), the lid portion (104) is adapted to receive a base portion (102), the lid portion (104) has a lid reservoir (116) for receiving water and a lid reservoir overflow (124) adapted for water to overflow from the lid reservoir (116) to a base reservoir (106), and the lid portion (104) is adapted to receive a planter (118) in fluid communication with the lid reservoir (116).