Adjustable Storm Drain Grate with Filter Bag and Overflow Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storm sewer systems are compromised by pollution from urban runoff, leading to environmental damage and clogging, as unfiltered water enters the system, carrying debris and chemicals, which requires effective filtration solutions to address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A storm drain filtering system comprising a funnel, hanger, and filter bag with adjustable components to accommodate various catch basin configurations, utilizing a filter media with mesh sizes and scavengers like magnets to capture pollutants, and a diverter to manage overflow, allowing for efficient filtration of runoff before it enters the storm sewer network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a grate is used to cover the storm drain inlet, then the structural strength and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the filtration effectiveness deteriorates due to large openings allowing debris passage
Solution Approach 1:
The grate structure is segmented into multiple bars with spaces between them, allowing the integration of filter bags within the grate framework. This segmentation enables both structural strength and filtration functionality to coexist by dividing the grate into load-bearing bars and filtration zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Filter bags are nested within the grate structure, placing the filtration element inside the framework of the grate bars. This nesting allows the filter bags to be protected and supported by the grate while the grate maintains its load-bearing function, solving the contradiction between strength and filtration.
2Measurement precision
If a fine mesh filter is used to capture small pollutants, then the filtration precision is improved, but the clogging risk increases due to accumulation of fine particles
Solution Approach 1:
The filter media exhibits varying mesh sizes at different locations and layers, with finer mesh near the inlet for capturing small pollutants and coarser mesh toward the outlet for preventing clogging. This local variation in quality optimizes both filtration precision and clogging resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh size parameter of the filter media is changed progressively from the inlet to the outlet, creating a gradient structure that transitions from fine to coarse. This parameter change allows the system to capture small pollutants effectively while preventing fine particle accumulation that causes clogging.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the grate structure is made rigid to maintain shape and support load, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different drain configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grate structure incorporates adjustable and removable components, allowing the configuration to be dynamically changed to适应 different catch basin shapes and sizes. The filter bags can be positioned and secured in various arrangements while maintaining structural integrity under load.
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 pollutants and debris, reducing environmental impact and preventing clogging of storm sewer systems by filtering runoff at the source, ensuring cleaner water enters the storm sewer network.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a filter media with mesh sizes and scavengers like magnets to capture pollutants
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a filter media with mesh sizes and scavengers like magnets to capture pollutants
Data Source
AI summary
A stormwater capture and filtration system may include a capture portion including attachment mechanisms, a funnel, various supports, and a filter hanger designed and calculated to capture all water entering a stormwater inlet and directing it toward a bag filter. An adjustable overflow gap is provided between a funnel and filter hanger in order to provide accommodation for overflow, while an anti-backflow skirt on the filter bag resists flushing of captured pollution out of the bag in overflow condition. Components of the filtration system may be adjustable, for example, an adjustable frame, an adjustable funnel, an adjustable hanger, and the like.