Modular Wedge-Shaped Storm Drain Filter System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm water conduit inlet filters lack modularity, ease of installation, ability to fit various drain sizes, retention of smaller debris, high flow rates, durability, UV resistance, and reusability, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular inlet filter system with a wedge-shaped frame and replaceable filter material, designed to fit various storm drain sizes, featuring an overflow outlet and retention structure to capture smaller debris, while being durable and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing filters (bails of straw, rolls of filter material, bags of sand) are used, then installation is simple, but they lack modularity, durability, and reusability
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into a reusable frame structure and replaceable filter media components. The frame can be repeatedly installed and removed, while the filter media (bags, rolls, or other configurations) can be replaced independently when depleted or contaminated. This segmentation enables both ease of installation and long-term durability/reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows the filter media to be discarded after use (when it becomes full or contaminated) while recovering and reusing the frame structure. The frame can be removed from the storm drain inlet, cleaned, and reinstalled with fresh filter media, eliminating the need to discard the entire filter assembly and reducing long-term costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing filters are used, then they provide basic filtration, but they lack the ability to fit storm drains of different sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with universal features that allow it to adapt to multiple storm drain inlet sizes and configurations. The frame can accommodate different filter media types (bags, rolls, panels) and can be adjusted or configured to fit various opening dimensions, making a single frame design applicable across multiple drain sizes without requiring completely different filter systems for each application.
3Ease of operation
If existing filters are used, then they can be installed quickly, but they lack retention capability for smaller floatable debris
Solution Approach 1:
The filter media can be selected with different local qualities (mesh sizes, material properties, configurations) to address specific retention requirements. The frame structure provides support and positioning that ensures the filter media maintains its effectiveness throughout the service period, while the overall system remains simple to install.
4Reliability
If existing filters are used, then they provide basic sediment retention, but they lack overflow outlets to reduce local flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is designed with pre-configured overflow outlets that are built into the framework before the filter media is installed. These overflow outlets are positioned to allow excess water to bypass the filter media during heavy rain events, preventing local flooding while the filter continues to capture sediment and debris at normal flow conditions.
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 system effectively filters storm water, reduces maintenance, and minimizes interference with pedestrian or vehicle traffic, while being reusable and resistant to UV degradation, thus enhancing site protection and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a filter material, wherein the inlet filter is configured so that a fluid in a feed stream is directed through the filter material
Data Source
AI summary
An inlet filter and method of use are disclosed. In one aspect, the inlet filter comprises a frame, filter material, a feed stream inlet, and a filtrate outlet. The frame is configured so an exterior of the frame is shaped like a wedge. In another aspect, the method comprises inserting an inlet filter into a storm sewer inlet. The inlet filter can be one of a plurality of inlet filters inserted into the storm sewer inlet, the filters cooperating to filter a feed stream entering the storm sewer inlet. In a third aspect, a system comprises a plurality of inlet filters configured to be coupled together to filter a feed stream to a storm sewer inlet. The system can be configured so that the width of the plurality of filters is adjustable. For example, a first inlet filter and second inlet filter can be slidably engaged with a connecting filter.