Tessellated Underground Storage Modules for Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underground storm water storage systems face limitations due to structural weaknesses, particularly in rectangular and cube-shaped modules, which restrict depth and require excessive rock backfill and rebar reinforcement, leading to increased costs and reduced void space for water storage.

Innovation Solution

The use of tesselated modular assemblies with interlinking mosaic shapes and concrete material layering, allowing for deeper installations with reduced wall thickness and rebar reinforcement, while distributing loads evenly and mitigating soil swelling pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If rectangular or cube-shaped modules are used for underground storage, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but structural strength is reduced requiring excessive rebar reinforcement and rock backfill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule assembly simplicityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved, arched module designs that distribute structural loads more efficiently compared to rectangular shapes. The curved geometry inherently provides greater structural strength while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized interlocking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes composite construction combining concrete or masonry materials with rebar reinforcement in optimized configurations. This composite approach achieves the required structural strength with reduced material quantities compared to traditional rectangular designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Volume of stationary object

If deeper installations are achieved with traditional rectangular modules, then storage capacity increases, but wall thickness and rebar reinforcement must be increased leading to higher costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater storage capacityVSAvoidwall thickness and reinforcement requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The curved, arched geometry of the modules provides inherent structural efficiency that allows deeper installations without proportionally increasing wall thickness. The arch shape naturally distributes lateral earth pressures, enabling greater depth with optimized material usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes geometric parameters of the module design, specifically using curved profiles and adjusted thickness distributions that maintain structural integrity at greater depths while minimizing material consumption and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If traditional underground storage systems are installed, then storm water capture is achieved, but void space for water storage is reduced due to excessive rock backfill requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorm water capture efficiencyVSAvoidvoid space for water storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The curved module design requires minimal rock backfill for structural stability compared to rectangular modules. This reduces the volume of non-storage material surrounding the modules, thereby increasing the effective void space available for water storage while maintaining capture efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Strength

If rectangular modules with solid walls are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but soil swelling pressures cannot be effectively mitigated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsoil swelling pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements varying wall thicknesses and reinforcement densities at different locations of the module. Thinner sections are strategically placed where soil swelling pressures act, allowing these pressures to be accommodated while maintaining overall structural integrity through reinforced zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The curved geometry of the modules naturally distributes soil swelling pressures more evenly across the structure, preventing concentration of stresses that would compromise integrity. The arched shape allows the structure to flex and accommodate soil movement more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11149427B2Tessellation square module and underground storage system

Publication Date: 2021.10.19 CONTECH ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Individual square shaped modules used in an assembly for underground storage of storm water and other fluid storage needs. Modules are assembled into a resultant square tilling shape for maximized structural strength and material use efficiency. Internal square shaped modules are assembled and encased by external square shaped modules. Internal adjacent modules are in direct fluid communications with one another through a channel-less chamber. Internal square shaped modules drain into square shaped modules chamber where fluid is either stored or drained. Assemblies include various top and side pieces along with access ports for entry into said assembly.