Wedge-Shaped Storm Drain Filter for Debris Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm water conduit filters lack modularity, ease of installation, ability to fit various drain sizes, retention of smaller debris, high flow rates, durability, UV resistance, and cost-effectiveness, while also failing to reduce local flooding and ensure safety from pedestrian and automobile traffic.
Innovation Solution
A modular inlet filter with a wedge-shaped frame that includes a thick portion for stability and a narrow portion for easy insertion, featuring a filter material that can be replaced and an overflow outlet to manage high water flow during heavy rain, ensuring a flush fit with storm drains and enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing filters are used, then they can block debris, but they lack modularity and cannot be easily installed or maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into modular components including a frame, filter material, and overflow outlet that can be assembled and disassembled independently. This segmentation enables easy installation and maintenance while maintaining the overall filtering function.
2Reliability
If existing filters are used, then they can retain some debris, but they cannot retain smaller floatable debris effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The filter material is positioned at specific locations within the frame to optimize debris capture. The wedge-shaped frame creates specific flow patterns that enhance the filter material's ability to intercept smaller floatable debris while maintaining overall system reliability.
3Reliability
If existing filters are used, then they can filter water, but they lack overflow outlets to reduce local flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow outlet is pre-configured in the frame structure to automatically discharge excess water before flooding can occur. This preliminary action ensures that the system can handle heavy rainfall events without causing local flooding, maintaining reliability during extreme conditions.
4Ease of operation
If existing filters are used, then they can be placed at storm drain inlets, but they do not provide a flush fit and create safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped frame provides an asymmetric profile that enables a flush fit with the storm drain inlet while minimizing protrusions. This asymmetric design enhances safety by reducing obstacles for pedestrians and vehicles while still allowing effective debris filtration.
5Reliability
If existing filters are used, then they can block debris, but they lack durability and UV resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is constructed from composite materials that provide both structural durability and UV resistance. This composite construction maintains reliability over time while protecting against environmental degradation factors such as UV radiation and physical damage.
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 filter remains installed for maintenance, effectively intercepts and retains smaller debris, maintains high flow rates, reduces local flooding, enhances safety, and offers improved durability and cost-effectiveness while resisting damage and UV degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The frame is configured so that an exterior of the frame is shaped like a wedge. The frame comprises a thick portion configured so that it is too thick to pass through a reference rectangle, and the frame comprises a narrow portion opposite the thick portion. The narrow portion of the frame is configured so that it is thin enough to be inserted into the reference rectangle.
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. The frame comprises a thick portion and a narrow portion opposite the thick portion. The thick portion of the frame comprises the feed stream inlet. The filter material is positioned along a bottom surface of the frame and a portion of an upper surface of the frame that is opposite the feed stream inlet in the narrow portion of the frame. 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.