Adjustable Drain Inlet Coupling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain systems require cumbersome and time-consuming customization of drain inlet coupling cylinders to varying lengths, which complicates the installation process and is inefficient for adjusting the height of drain inlets across different areas.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable coupling assembly featuring a first and second tubular cylinder with a spiral groove and projections allows for rapid adjustment of the combined length by rotating one cylinder relative to the other, eliminating the need for cutting to specific lengths, and includes features like semicircular portions and frictional engagement for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual coupling cylinders are customized in length by cutting to match varying soil surface heights, then the drain inlet can be properly positioned at each location, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling cylinder is designed with adjustable length through a telescoping mechanism where an inner cylinder can extend and retract within an outer cylinder. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the drain inlet height to be adapted to varying soil surface heights without requiring pre-cutting of fixed-length cylinders, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and installation productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous adjustment of the coupling cylinder length by changing the extension parameter of the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder. This parameter change mechanism provides versatile adaptation to different soil heights while maintaining a standardized component design, eliminating the need for custom cutting at each installation location
2Manufacturing precision
If individual coupling cylinders are cut to specific lengths during installation, then the correct height is achieved, but labor costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable telescoping design replaces the static fixed-length approach with a dynamic adjustment mechanism. Installers can simply extend or retract the inner cylinder to achieve the precise height needed, eliminating complex measuring and cutting procedures while maintaining manufacturing precision through the mechanical adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling cylinder system provides self-adjustment capability where the installer can directly modify the length in the field without requiring specialized cutting tools or complex procedures. The standardized threaded connection and telescoping mechanism allow the component to serve its own adjustment needs, reducing both device complexity and installation complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized coupling cylinders are used without adjustment capability, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but they cannot accommodate varying distances between drain tile inlet and soil surface
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling cylinder incorporates a telescoping mechanism with an inner cylinder that can extend and retract within a standardized outer cylinder. This dynamic design maintains standardized manufacturing for both cylinder components while providing the adaptability to accommodate any installation height requirement through field adjustment, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized outer cylinder combined with the adjustable inner cylinder creates a universal coupling assembly that can serve multiple installation scenarios. The standardized threading and connection interfaces allow the same basic components to be used across all installations, while the adjustment mechanism provides the necessary versatility for varying heights, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and adaptability
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
Enables quick, accurate, and efficient adjustment of drain inlet height without the need for individual customization, facilitating easier installation and ensuring effective drainage across varying terrain.
Implementation Method 1
A spiral groove is on one of the tubular cylinders and extends over a substantial portion of the length of that tubular cylinder. At least one projection is on the other tubular cylinder and is positionable to extend into the spiral groove, whereby when one of the tubular cylinders is rotated relative to the other tubular cylinder, the projection moves along the spiral groove to adjust the total combined length
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable coupling assembly and drain inlet combination for adjusting the height of the drain inlet for draining a fluid from an area is disclosed. The assembly includes a first tubular cylinder having a first end which is constructed to be attached to the inlet of drain tile, and a second tubular cylinder having a first end which is constructed to be attached to the discharge of the drain inlet. One of the tubular cylinders has an end which is constructed to extend into the other tubular cylinder. A spiral groove on one of the tubular cylinders extends over a substantial portion of the length of that cylinder, and at least one projection is positioned on the other tubular cylinder and is positionable to extend into the spiral groove whereby when one of the tubular cylinders is rotated relative to the other tubular cylinder, the projection moves along the spiral groove, to adjust the total combined length of the first and second tubular cylinders and the height of the drain inlet. The drain inlet is attached to the upper tubular cylinder.