V-Shaped Leg Underground Storage Modules
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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 concrete modules, which restrict depth and require excessive rock backfill and rebar reinforcement, leading to increased costs and material usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tessellated modular assembly with interlinking mosaic shapes and double V-shaped mirrored cantilevered legs, which enhances strength, reduces crack propagation, and efficiently distributes loads, allowing for deeper installations with reduced wall thickness and rebar reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rectangular and cube-shaped concrete modules are used for underground storage, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural strength deteriorates due to crack propagation and structural weaknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved surfaces and arched shapes to the concrete modules, replacing rectangular and cube-shaped designs. The curved geometry distributes structural stresses more effectively, reducing crack propagation and improving overall structural strength while maintaining manufacturability through form-based concrete construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction techniques combining concrete with reinforcement elements strategically placed within the curved module structures. This composite approach enhances structural strength by leveraging the complementary properties of concrete and reinforcement materials to resist cracking and structural failure.
2Volume of stationary object
If deeper underground installations are implemented, then storage capacity is improved, but structural strength deteriorates due to increased soil pressure and loading
Solution Approach 1:
The curved and arched module designs are specifically engineered to withstand increased soil pressure at greater depths. The geometric shape naturally distributes lateral and vertical loads more uniformly across the structure, enabling deeper installations without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the underground storage system into multiple interconnected curved modules that can be stacked and arranged to achieve desired storage capacities at various depths. This segmentation allows the structure to manage soil pressure in manageable sections while maintaining overall structural strength.
3Strength
If excessive rock backfill and rebar reinforcement are used to strengthen structures, then structural strength is improved, but material usage increases leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The curved module design inherently provides structural strength through geometry alone, reducing the need for excessive rebar reinforcement. The arched shape acts as a load-distributing framework that minimizes material requirements while maintaining structural integrity under soil pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the modules from rectangular to curved forms, which fundamentally alters the stress distribution patterns. This parameter change allows for reduced material usage while maintaining or improving structural strength, as the curved geometry naturally resists soil pressure more efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
Individual four-sided shaped modules used in an assembly for underground storage of storm water and other fluid storage needs. Modules are assembled into a resultant four-sided tiling shape for maximized structural strength and material use efficiency. Internal four-sided shaped modules are assembled and encased by external four-sided shaped modules. Internal adjacent modules are in direct fluid communications with one another through a channel-less chamber. Internal four-sided shaped modules drain into four-sided 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.