V-Shaped Support Legs for Underground Storm Water 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 material requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rectangular and cube-shaped concrete modules are used for underground storage, then structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but structural strength and depth capability deteriorate due to excessive crack propagation and load concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved, arched geometries to the concrete modules instead of rectangular shapes. The arch-shaped modules distribute loads more effectively through their curved surfaces, reducing stress concentration and crack propagation while maintaining structural strength at greater depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction techniques combining concrete with reinforcement elements strategically positioned within the arched modules. This composite approach enhances the tensile strength and overall structural integrity of the curved modules, allowing them to withstand higher lateral earth pressures at increased depths.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional rectangular modules are used, then material usage is reduced, but structural integrity deteriorates requiring excessive rebar reinforcement and rock backfill
Solution Approach 1:
The arched module design inherently distributes structural loads more efficiently through its curved geometry, reducing the need for excessive rebar reinforcement. The arch shape channels lateral earth pressures along its curved surface, decreasing stress concentrations that would otherwise require additional reinforcement materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for excessive rock backfill by designing self-supporting arched modules with optimized structural integrity. The curved geometry and strategic reinforcement placement allow the modules to stand independently without requiring large volumes of surrounding rock for structural support.
3Volume of stationary object
If deeper installations are attempted with conventional modules, then storage capacity is improved, but structural weakness increases due to load concentration and crack propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The arched module design enables deeper installations by distributing the increasing lateral earth pressures and overburden loads along its curved surface. This geometric configuration prevents stress concentration and crack propagation that plague rectangular modules at depth, allowing safe installation at greater depths for increased storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction with strategically positioned reinforcement within the arched modules enhances their ability to withstand the increased loads encountered at greater depths. This composite structure maintains structural integrity and prevents crack propagation under the higher stresses of deep burial.
4Strength
If excessive rebar reinforcement and rock backfill are used to strengthen conventional modules, then structural strength is improved, but material usage and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arched module geometry provides inherent structural strength that reduces the need for excessive rebar reinforcement. The curved shape naturally distributes loads and resists lateral earth pressures more efficiently than rectangular forms, requiring fewer reinforcement materials to achieve the same or greater structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for excessive rock backfill by designing self-supporting arched modules with optimized structural integrity. The curved geometry and strategic reinforcement placement allow the modules to maintain structural strength without requiring large volumes of surrounding rock for support.
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.