Collapsible Catch Basin Outlet Connector for Watertight Pipe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catch basin traps are prone to failure due to improper installation, leading to relative movement between the outlet pipe and the catch basin, causing leakage and damage, and they are not suitable for transportation with the trap mounted, as the flexible outlet pipe connector is susceptible to damage. Additionally, they interfere with the casting process of concrete catch basins.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, flexible outlet pipe connector that can be manipulated between a stowed and extended configuration, allowing for secure watertight coupling to an outlet pipe at various angles and positions, and can be integrated into the concrete catch basin during casting without interfering with molding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible outlet pipe connector is provided extending outwardly from the catch basin trap, then the catch basin trap can accommodate angular and transpositional deviations of the outlet pipe resulting from settling of the ground, but the flexible outlet pipe connector is susceptible to being damaged during transportation of the catch basin to the work site
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet pipe connector is designed with collapsible sections that allow it to be compressed into a compact configuration for safe transportation, then expanded at the installation site to provide the necessary flexibility for accommodating angular and transpositional deviations of the outlet pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible outlet pipe connector can be folded or collapsed into a compact form that nests within or alongside the catch basin trap body during transport, protecting it from damage while maintaining the capability to extend to the required length and angles during installation
2Productivity
If the catch basin trap is mounted to the catch basin at the factory, then transportation is simplified, but the flexible outlet pipe connector is susceptible to being crushed, abraded, pinched, pulled, or otherwise damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet pipe connector is designed in a collapsible state that allows the catch basin trap to be transported with the connector safely contained within the trap body, eliminating the risk of external mechanical damage during transit while maintaining the ability to deploy the connector to its functional extended state at the installation site
3Ease of operation
If an outwardly extending flexible outlet pipe connector is provided on a prefabricated catch basin trap, then the trap can be installed in a side wall opening, but the connector interferes with conventional molds used to cast concrete catch basins
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible outlet pipe connector can be folded into a compact configuration that fits within the confines of conventional casting molds, allowing the catch basin trap to be manufactured using standard molding processes without interference, while still providing the necessary flexibility and extension capability when deployed during installation
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 collapsible connector mitigates installation-related issues by accommodating angular deviations and protects the connector during transport, while enabling seamless integration into the catch basin during casting, ensuring a watertight seal and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
a collapsible, flexible outlet pipe connector which may be manipulated by a user between an in use, extended configuration, and a stowed, collapsed configuration
Implementation Method 2
in the stowed, collapsed configuration, the collapsible outlet pipe connector is positioned out of the way, being confined within the body of the catch basin trap, where it remains protected by the body
Implementation Method 3
The outlet pipe connector is typically adapted to slidably receive the inlet end of the outlet pipe therearound with a sealing friction fit
Data Source
AI summary
A catch basin trap for attachment to an opening in a side wall of a catch basin. The catch basin trap has a body with a front side for facing outside the catch basin, and a back for side facing inside the catch basin. The body defines a chamber, an inlet opening in the back side, and an outlet opening in the front side. A collapsible outlet pipe connector is attached to the outlet opening, configured to be manipulated from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration defining a discharge end for coupling to an outlet pipe positioned outside the catch basin. The collapsed configuration stows the collapsible outlet pipe connector within the body, and the extended configuration permits watertight coupling of the discharge end to the outlet pipe. A method of installing a catch basin trap, and a method of making a concrete catch basin are also disclosed.