Culvert Air Vent Pressure Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing culvert systems face challenges in maintaining fluid flow by equalizing gas pressure between the atmosphere and the interior, leading to potential fluid flow restrictions.

Innovation Solution

An air vent system comprising a base structure, an equalizing pipe, and a threaded connection that secures the equalizing pipe to the base structure, forming a fluidic connection between the culvert and the atmosphere to equalize gas pressure, ensuring free fluid flow through the culvert.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an air vent system is installed to equalize gas pressure, then fluid flow is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flowVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air vent system is divided into separate functional components: a base structure with threading features for secure attachment, a distinct equalizing pipe for pressure equalization, and a vent opening for gas escape. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity and effectiveness in improving fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the equalizing pipe is securely secured to the base structure, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure and equalizing pipe are designed as integrated components where the base structure includes built-in threading features that directly receive and secure the equalizing pipe. This merging of functions into a single assembled unit ensures reliable connection while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to separate fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure serves as an intermediary component between the culvert and the equalizing pipe, providing a standardized interface with threading features. This intermediary design ensures reliable securement while allowing for easy manufacturing and assembly by mediating between the different functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 air vent system effectively equalizes gas pressure, allowing fluid to flow freely between bodies of water by forming a fluid impermeable seal and securing the equalizing pipe, thereby enhancing the functionality of culvert systems.

Implementation Method 1

The air vent for culvert equalizes the gas pressure between the atmosphere and interior of the culvert such that a fluid flows freely through the culvert

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The base structure forms a fluid impermeable seal and securing the equalizing pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid impermeable seal: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS12084849B1Air vent for culvert
Publication Date: 2024.09.10 MAURICE LOUIS
  • US12084849B1 patent drawing
  • US12084849B1 patent drawing
  • US12084849B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The air vent for culvert is a vent. The air vent for culvert is configured for use with a culvert. The air vent for culvert forms a fluidic connection between the interior space of the culvert and the atmosphere. The air vent for culvert equalizes the gas pressure between the atmosphere and interior of the culvert such that a fluid flows freely through the culvert. The air vent for culvert incorporates a base structure, an equalizing pipe, and a threaded connection. The threaded connection secures the equalizing pipe to the base structure. The base structure secures the equalizing pipe and the culvert. The base structure forms a fluidic connection between the interior of the culvert and the equalizing pipe.