Catch Basin Sump Geometry for Clean Stub Removal and Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circular catch basins in the prior art lack a suitable frangible notch feature for easy removal of inner stubs, leading to undesirable elongate fractures and potential leaks, and pose challenges in stacking and storing multiple units due to their complex three-dimensional shape.
Innovation Solution
A catch basin design featuring a sump with a composite shape including circular and planar surfaces, where the sump has two cylindrical portions with opposite parallel straight lines and complete planar notches for frangible stub removal, allowing for improved flow rates and efficient stacking by providing parallel surfaces for notch occupation and curved surfaces for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a frangible notch is added to circular catch basins to enable easy removal of inner stubs, then stub removal ease is improved, but the complex three-dimensional shape of the circular sump makes the fracture follow unwanted vectors leading to elongate fractures outside the notch instead of clean controlled fracture inside the notch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex three-dimensional circular sump shape into an equivalent two-dimensional planar shape with opposite parallel straight lines and frangible notches. This dimensional simplification allows the notches to be positioned on flat surfaces where fractures will follow the intended path, eliminating the vector control problems caused by the original circular geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by replacing the symmetric circular shape with an asymmetric planar shape featuring opposite parallel straight lines. This asymmetric design creates well-defined flat surfaces at specific locations, enabling precise placement of frangible notches where they will produce controlled fractures rather than unpredictable elongate fractures.
2Manufacturing precision
If the circular sump shape is modified to include planar surfaces for frangible notches, then stub removal precision is improved, but the stacking and storage efficiency may be affected due to changed geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The modified sump shape with opposite parallel straight lines serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides flat surfaces for precise frangible notch placement to enable controlled stub removal, while also creating a geometry that allows efficient stacking and storage of multiple catch basins. The planar surfaces serve both the fracture control function and the stacking stability function.
3Productivity
If inner stubs are made removable via frangible notches to improve flow rate, then water flow efficiency is improved, but the structural integrity and reliability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the inner stubs can transition from a fixed state (providing structural integrity and reliable connection) to a removable state (enabling full flow efficiency). The frangible notches allow the connection to change from permanent to removable based on operational requirements, optimizing both reliability and flow efficiency at different stages.
Data Source
AI summary
A catch basin comprising a circular collar with a first internal diameter, configured to receive a downwardly extending circular drain pipe. A sump for receiving downward water flow from the circular collar is integrally formed with the circular collar, the sump being shaped to include two differently shaped cylindrical portions. The shape of the sump facilitates both the ability to stack multiple units of the sump one upon another for packaging, shipping, and sale. The shape of the sump also facilitates the ability to remove an internal stub attached to the sump, to improve water flow in the remaining structure.