Stormwater Basin Sediment Intake with Wrapper

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stormwater management systems fail to effectively control sediment pollution in stormwater basins, as conventional outlets are not sized appropriately and do not efficiently separate particulate sediment from water, leading to sediment being drained into sewer pipes and causing downstream damage.

Innovation Solution

A stormwater pollution management apparatus featuring a sediment water intake assembly with a hollow inverted T-shaped connector, axially elongated intake, and wrapper to create an energy differential, allowing for efficient separation of particulate sediment from water, with modular components for sizing and replacement, and a hollow riser for viewing water quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional L-shaped perforated tube outlets are used in stormwater basins, then water flow can be drained from the basin, but sediment is also drained through the outlet into the sewer pipe causing downstream damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater drainage efficiencyVSAvoidsediment pollution downstream
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a screen section for sediment capture, a wrapper section for creating energy differential, and a discharge section for clean water release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function in separating sediment from water before discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screen acts as an intermediary barrier that physically separates sediment particles from water flow. The wrapper serves as an intermediary that creates an energy differential between incoming sediment-laden water and the screen, enhancing the separation process before water is discharged through the outlet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the outlet size and opening dimensions are not designed according to basin size, then the outlet can be universally applied, but it fails to operate efficiently and effectively over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet applicability to different basinsVSAvoidoperational efficiency over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet assembly incorporates adjustable and replaceable components, particularly the screen and wrapper sections, that can be adapted to different basin sizes and flow conditions. The modular design allows the outlet to dynamically adjust to varying operational requirements while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet assembly allows for parameter changes in screen opening size, wrapper configuration, and overall outlet dimensions to match specific basin characteristics. These parameter adjustments ensure optimal performance across different basin sizes and sediment loads while maintaining universal applicability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If temporary water outlets are used during construction, then stormwater can be controlled in the basin, but the outlets must be removed upon completion of construction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestormwater control during constructionVSAvoidoutlet service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet assembly is designed as a temporary, cost-effective solution suitable for construction phases. The modular and simple construction allows for easy installation and removal, making it economically viable as a short-term solution that does not require long-term durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet assembly can be easily removed and potentially reused in other construction projects. The modular components, particularly the screen and wrapper sections, can be recovered and redeployed, reducing waste and maintaining ease of operation across multiple construction sites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 water flow and separates sediment from water, reducing downstream pollution and maintaining efficient operation even under peak flow conditions, thereby addressing the inefficiencies of conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

A wrapper is operably joined to and extends along and about the generally horizontal intake for creating an energy differential between the sediment water flowing into the water intake assembly and the water in the stormwater basin thereby affecting separation of particulate sediment from the water flowing into the water intake assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy differential: Bernoulli Effect

Implementation Method 2

a stormwater pollution management apparatus arranged in a stormwater basin for treating stormwater runoff through gravitational separation of the sediments therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational separation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

A hollow riser extends upwardly from the connector and generally normal to the axis extending between the first and second ends of the water intake assembly. A terminal end of the riser extends a predetermined distance below an emergency overflow level of the stormwater basin. Moreover, the hollow riser defines a passage for viewing water quality flowing toward the second end of the water intake assembly.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS7473373B1Stormwater pollution management apparatus and method of using same
Publication Date: 2009.01.06 DANLER PERRY W
  • US7473373B1 patent drawing
  • US7473373B1 patent drawing
  • US7473373B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A stormwater pollution management apparatus for a stormwater basin including a water intake assembly having a first end and a second end generally aligned along an axis and includes a hollow inverted T-shaped connector. A horizontal intake projects in a first direction from one side of the T-shaped connector toward the first end of the water intake assembly. The axially elongated intake defines a series of openings along the length and about the periphery thereof. An outlet projects in a second direction from a second side of the T-shaped connector toward the second end of the water intake assembly. A wrapper extends along and about the generally horizontal intake for creating an energy differential between the sediment water flowing into the water intake assembly and the water in the basin thereby affecting separation of particulate sediment from the water flowing into the water intake assembly. A hollow riser extends upwardly from the connector. A terminal end of the riser extends a predetermined distance below an emergency overflow level of the basin. Moreover, the hollow riser defines a passage for viewing water quality flowing toward the second end of the water intake assembly. A method for managing stormwater pollution drainage from a stormwater basin into a storm drain is also disclosed.