Composite Splicing Chamber Water Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection chamber devices for underground civil works, such as those described in document FR 2 941 716, face issues with concrete pouring requirements for cohesion, suboptimal buffer accommodation, and difficulties in managing runoff water both inside and outside the device.

Innovation Solution

A connection chamber device featuring interlocking frame-shaped elements made of composite material, with water collection and evacuation means, including peripheral grooves and openings for external water overflow and internal water collection, and screw passage holes for secure assembly, addressing the need for improved water management and eliminating concrete pouring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If frame-shaped elements made of composite material are used to replace concrete structures, then weight is reduced and ease of implementation is improved, but structural cohesion and strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidstructural cohesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection chamber device is divided into multiple frame-shaped elements that can be assembled together. Each element is a separate component that interlocks with others through complementary geometric features (protrusions and recesses), eliminating the need for monolithic concrete construction while maintaining structural integrity through the assembled framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies that frame-shaped elements are made of composite materials, which combine the benefits of lightweight properties with high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the structure to achieve both reduced weight and sufficient structural cohesion without requiring traditional concrete pouring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If interlocking means are used to assemble elements, then ease of assembly is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection chamber is segmented into multiple modular elements that can be independently manufactured and then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows for simplified individual components with standardized interlocking interfaces, making assembly easier while the modular nature actually reduces overall complexity compared to monolithic construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame-shaped elements are designed with universal interlocking interfaces that can accommodate different configurations and sizes. The same basic element design with standardized protrusions and recesses can be used throughout the structure, reducing the variety of unique parts needed and thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the presence of interlocking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If water collection and evacuation means are added to manage runoff water, then water management capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater management capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water collection and evacuation functions are merged into the existing frame-shaped elements rather than being added as separate systems. The grooves and channels are integrated directly into the element geometry, allowing water management to occur through the structural components themselves, thus improving water management capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame-shaped elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable easy assembly through interlocking, and simultaneously manage water runoff through integrated grooves and channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated water management components, thereby improving adaptability while keeping overall device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If screw passage holes are included in elements, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The screw passage holes are pre-formed as part of the element manufacturing process rather than being created during assembly. This preliminary action allows for precise hole placement to be achieved during molding or fabrication of the composite elements, ensuring accurate alignment when elements are assembled, thereby maintaining connection strength without imposing excessive precision requirements on the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2878734B1Device of a splicing chamber
Publication Date: 2016.04.13 SEMAP COMPOSITE
  • EP2878734B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2878734B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Connection chamber device, which consists of a room used buried in the ground, of rectangular parallelepiped shape, closed at the top by one or more plugs (4), and housing means for connecting wires or cables forming part of a distribution network.