Storm Sewer Insert with Filtration and Mosquito Barrier

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Storm water runoff from developed areas contaminates water bodies with heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and debris, and storm sewers become infested with mosquitoes due to accumulated pollutants and debris, which poses environmental and health risks.

Innovation Solution

A storm sewer insert system with a collection basin, filtration structure, adjustable mounting, and insect barrier that filters storm water and reduces mosquito infestation by using modular filtration cartridges and self-cleansing insect barriers to prevent pollutant and insect passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If storm sewers are designed with collection chambers to drain water, then water accumulation is reduced, but the chambers remain partially full of old water and organic debris attracting mosquitoes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater drainage efficiencyVSAvoidmosquito infestation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The collection chamber is segmented into multiple compartments by partitions, with each compartment containing a filter cartridge. This segmentation allows continuous filtration while maintaining water flow, preventing stagnant water accumulation that attracts mosquitoes while preserving drainage efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Filter cartridges are introduced as intermediary elements within the collection chamber. These cartridges act as mediators that separate clean water from polluted water, allowing the chamber to maintain its drainage function while eliminating the stagnant water conditions that create mosquito breeding grounds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If filtration structure is added to remove pollutants, then water quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollutant removal effectivenessVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cartridges serve multiple functions simultaneously: they filter pollutants from stormwater, provide structural support within the collection chamber, and prevent debris accumulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining effective pollutant removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The filtration system is nested within the existing collection chamber structure. The filter cartridges are positioned inside the chamber compartments, utilizing the existing spatial configuration. This nesting approach integrates filtration functionality without requiring a complete redesign of the storm sewer infrastructure, thus limiting complexity increases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Speed

If the collection chamber drains from the side, then water flow is efficient, but old water and organic debris remain accumulated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater flow rateVSAvoidorganic debris accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cartridges are positioned to perform preliminary filtration as water enters the collection chamber compartments. By filtering water before it can accumulate old debris, the system prevents organic material buildup while maintaining efficient water flow through the side drainage configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Effectively removes heavy metals and hydrocarbons from storm water and significantly reduces mosquito infestation in storm sewers, enhancing environmental and public health by ensuring secure and adaptable installation and effective filtration and insect control.

Implementation Method 1

filtration structure positioned in the lower opening of the collection basin for filtering storm water that is held by the collection basin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

an insect barrier for reducing insect passage through the bypass opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS8012346B2Storm sewer insert for filtering and treating stormwater

Publication Date: 2011.09.06 FABCO INDS

AI summary

A storm sewer insert for use in a storm water drainage system includes a collection basin that has an upper inlet opening, a lower outlet opening and at least one overflow bypass opening defined therein. A filter assembly is preferably positioned in the lower opening of the collection basin for filtering storm water that is held in the collection basin. Advantageously, adjustable mounting structure is provided for mounting the collection basin to an inlet opening of a storm sewer or catch basin. In addition, a mosquito barrier is preferably provided for reducing mosquito passage through the bypass opening.