Yieldable Cable Debris Intercepting Apparatus for Storm Drains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm water control systems face challenges in effectively managing debris entry into curbside storm drains during heavy rainfall, as prior solutions often jam or fail to accommodate varying flow conditions, leading to flooding and structural integrity issues.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus featuring an elongated, yieldably deformable support cable and pivotally movable flow control vanes that can adjust tension to control fluid flow and debris entry, preventing jamming and accommodating directional flow, with a mechanism to regulate resistance and allow free flow during heavy rainfall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If flow control vanes are made stationary to block debris, then debris interception is improved, but water flow capacity during heavy rainfall deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control vanes are made movable rather than stationary, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position based on flow conditions. During low flow, they remain in a position to block debris; during heavy rainfall, they pivot to allow water to pass through while still intercepting debris, thus resolving the contradiction between debris blocking and water flow capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow resistance parameter by adjusting the position of the vanes. The cable tension mechanism allows the vanes to change their orientation angle, transforming the system from a fixed parameter state to a variable parameter state that adapts to different rainfall intensities, thereby maintaining both debris interception and adequate water flow capacity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If drain gates remain closed during dry periods to prevent debris, then debris interception is improved, but automatic opening during heavy rainfall may cause flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the force of the water flow itself to open the vanes during heavy rainfall. The cable tension mechanism is designed so that normal flow conditions keep the vanes closed, but when flow exceeds a certain threshold, the water force automatically overcomes the cable tension and pivots the vanes open, eliminating the need for external sensors or actuators and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The yieldably deformable cable provides a cushioning effect by allowing gradual opening of the vanes as flow increases. Rather than sudden opening that could cause flooding, the cable's elasticity enables controlled, progressive opening that accommodates increasing flow rates smoothly, preventing water hammer effects and sudden releases
3Ease of operation
If screens are locked in position to control flow, then flow control is improved, but screens tend to jam causing flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed locked positions with continuous dynamic adjustment capability. The cable tension mechanism allows the vanes to be held at various angles rather than requiring discrete locked positions, eliminating the jamming problem associated with fixed locks while maintaining precise flow control through adjustable tension and angle
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 apparatus effectively prevents debris entry during low to moderate rainfall while allowing free flow during heavy rainfall, maintaining structural integrity, and accommodating varying drain sizes and flow conditions, with adjustable tension to optimize water flow and prevent flooding.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated, yieldably deformable support in the form of a cable under tension
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a water diversion system such as a curbside storm drain.