Stormwater Box Pyramidal Bracing for High Void Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stormwater box structures, particularly rectanguloid boxes, require complex strengthening features to resist loads and are not economically efficient in manufacturing, shipping, and assembly, lacking the simplicity and strength of corrugated arch shape chambers.
Innovation Solution
A rectanguloid thermoplastic box with internal bracing in the form of a multiplicity of hollow pyramids, preferably forming a complex irregular polyhedron structure, is designed for efficient assembly and shipping, featuring living hinges and integral pyramids that meet near the center, providing structural support and allowing for easy assembly on-site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If rectanguloid box structures are used for stormwater detention, then greater void volume for water per unit area of footprint is achieved, but numerous complex strengthening features are required to resist loads
Solution Approach 1:
The internal bracing is segmented into multiple hollow pyramidal elements arranged in a polyhedron structure, where each pyramid is a separate geometric unit. This segmentation allows the complex bracing function to be achieved through repeated simple geometric forms, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pyramidal geometric forms with angled surfaces that distribute loads more efficiently than flat planar bracing. The pyramidal shapes create triangular load paths that naturally strengthen the box walls without requiring additional complex strengthening features, resolving the contradiction between volume and structural complexity.
2Strength
If complex strengthening features are added to rectanguloid boxes, then structural strength to resist loads is improved, but manufacturing and shipping economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The internal pyramidal bracing elements are merged with the box wall structure itself, with pyramids formed as integral parts of the molded box walls. This merging eliminates the need for separate strengthening components, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the required structural strength to resist soil and vehicle loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The box structure combines the box wall material with integrated pyramidal bracing elements formed from the same thermoplastic material. This composite approach creates a unified structure with enhanced strength-to-weight ratio, improving structural strength without adding manufacturing complexity or cost.
3Ease of operation
If pre-fabricated parts of stormwater box systems are used, then assembly at point of use is required, but shipping and storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The box structures are designed to nest within each other during shipping and storage, with smaller boxes fitting inside larger boxes or boxes stacking in nested configurations. This nesting capability dramatically improves shipping and storage efficiency by reducing the volume occupied by inventory while maintaining the ability to assemble complete systems at the point of use.
4Strength
If numerous strengthening features are incorporated into box structures, then structural integrity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pyramidal bracing elements use angled surfaces and geometric shapes that provide structural strength through shape rather than through addition of material. The pyramidal geometry creates inherent structural rigidity and load distribution, achieving high structural integrity with minimal weight compared to traditional flat bracing or reinforcement methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A rectanguloid shape six-walled thermoplastic box for receiving and dispersing stormwater, when part of an array of like boxes that is buried in media, has interior bracing in the form of an irregular polyhedron structure comprised of up to six hollow pyramids. The truncated apexes of the pyramids meet near the center of the box. The base of each hollow pyramid is contact with, attached to, or integral with a wall at the location of an opening within which is a grate. A box may be injection molded as a single piece molding with living hinges. Alternatively, the pyramidal polyhedron structure may be formed as a separate element and placed within the walls of a box.