Height Adjustable Terrace Gutter With Segmented Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable drainage channels for terraces and balconies require complex substructures and are difficult to assemble, as they often necessitate additional shaping and have support devices that are not easily attachable to shortened channels.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped channel with rows of symmetrically arranged holes on its bottom and outer edges allows for easy shortening, combined with a support device featuring threaded shafts and sleeves with lock nuts for stable attachment, enabling adjustable height without a complex substructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a height-adjustable support device is implemented in existing drainage channels, then the channel can be adjusted in height, but the substructure becomes complex and the assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The channel bottom is segmented with multiple rows of holes at different positions, allowing the support device to be attached at various locations. This segmentation enables height adjustment without requiring a complex integrated substructure, as the support can be independently positioned at any hole location.
Solution Approach 2:
The rows of holes serve multiple functions: they provide attachment points for support devices at different heights, enable channel shortening to various lengths, and maintain structural integrity. This universal feature replaces the need for specialized substructures for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the channel is shortened to adapt to smaller spaces, then the channel fits better, but the support device becomes difficult to attach stably
Solution Approach 1:
The holes are arranged in rows along the channel length, allowing selective attachment of support devices at optimal positions even when the channel is shortened. This ensures that support devices can always find suitable attachment points regardless of the channel's final length.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device can be dynamically repositioned along the rows of holes to accommodate different channel lengths. This dynamic adaptability ensures stable attachment regardless of whether the channel is at full length or shortened.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rows of holes are added to the channel bottom for support device attachment, then the channel can be shortened and repositioned, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a complex integrated substructure, the solution segments the attachment function into simple holes distributed along the channel bottom. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing compared to forming complex substructures, as holes can be easily punched or drilled into the channel bottom.
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 solution allows for the channel to be shortened to any size with a stable and easy-to-assemble support device, providing flexible height adjustment and improved stability on various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
threaded shafts (4) with feet (5) which interact with threaded receptacles (6) arranged on the channel (2) in such a way that the level of the channel (2) is adjusted by rotating the shaft (4) in the threaded receptacle (6)
Implementation Method 2
a lock nut (15) is placed in the channel trough (1), which in particular presses or clamps the sleeve (11) and here the overlapping area (14) from below against the channel bottom (7)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The U-shaped gutter (1), e.g. for terraces and balconies, has height adjustment through threaded bolts screwed through openings against a supporting surface. Rows of openings (8) are at the base (7) and base edge to take the threaded holders (6). The rows of openings are along the gutter length, with equidistant stamped holes (10). The holders, in the openings, have a sleeve (11) with a thread (12) for a bolt shaft (4) with a supporting foot (5). The sleeve is fastened in the opening by a lock nut (15).