Storm Drain Gate with Sensor-Integrated Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm water control systems fail to effectively manage fluid flow and debris entry into curbside drains, especially during heavy rainfall, and lack the ability to sense contaminants in the fluid.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus featuring yieldably deformable support cables and pivotally movable flow control vanes that can adjust tension to regulate fluid flow and block debris, combined with sample collection assemblies to sense contaminants like hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and pesticides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If plates are placed over drains to trap debris, then debris entry is reduced, but water flow capacity is insufficient during heavy rainfall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic gate system that can change its state based on rainfall intensity. The gate remains closed during dry periods to block debris, but automatically opens during heavy rainfall events to maximize water flow capacity, thus resolving the contradiction between debris blocking and drainage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The gate's opening degree is adjusted as a variable parameter based on rainfall conditions. During moderate rainfall, the gate opens partially to allow water flow while still blocking debris. During heavy rainfall, the gate opens fully to maximize drainage capacity, dynamically adapting to different operational requirements
2Object-affected harmful factors
If curbside drain gates remain closed during dry periods, then debris is blocked, but water flow is restricted during moderate to heavy rainfall
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect rainfall intensity and provide feedback to the gate control mechanism. Based on this feedback, the gate automatically adjusts its position - remaining closed during dry periods to block debris, and opening progressively during moderate to heavy rainfall to restore water flow capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The gate system operates autonomously based on environmental conditions without requiring manual intervention. The sensor-based control mechanism automatically determines when to open or close the gate, making the system self-regulating and adaptable to changing weather conditions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flow control vanes are used to regulate fluid flow, then debris entry is controlled, but the system cannot sense contaminants in the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single gate assembly: the flow control vanes continue to regulate fluid flow and block debris, while newly added sensor assemblies enable contaminant detection. This multi-functional design allows the same structure to simultaneously perform mechanical flow control and environmental sensing functions
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 apparatus effectively controls fluid flow and debris entry during low to moderate rainfall while allowing free flow during heavy rainfall, senses contaminants, and can be easily installed in various drain configurations without affecting structural integrity, providing higher water flow volumes and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated, yieldably deformable support in the form of a cable under tension that substantially spans the fluid flow channel
Implementation Method 2
yieldably deformable support in the form of a cable under tension
Implementation Method 3
a material capable of removing from the fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel contaminants selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, including fertilizers and wastes from humans and animals, heavy metals and pesticides
Implementation Method 4
sample collecting media comprises a material capable of removing from the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a conventional curbside storm drain of the character having spaced apart side walls that define a fluid flow channel through which fluid flows. Additionally, the apparatus senses the nature and extent of contaminants contained within the fluid.