Culvert Channel Module Anchoring With Denser Coupling Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and maintenance of underground conduits are time-consuming, costly, and disrupt traffic due to the need for frequent digging and refilling of roadways, with increasing space constraints and risks of accidental damage.
Innovation Solution
A culvert system comprising a channel module and a coupling chamber with a higher downward pressure ratio, where the coupling chamber is denser than the channel module, allowing for cost-effective production and preventing channel module movement due to groundwater, with the channel module being made of plastics or metal for sealing and the coupling chamber of concrete for strength, enabling easier access and reduced joint numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional conduit installation methods are used requiring digging and refilling of roadways, then conduits can be laid underground, but installation time and cost increase significantly and traffic disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate channel modules that can be pre-assembled with conduits inside, then installed as complete units. This segmentation allows the conduit system to be manufactured and prepared separately from the installation location, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site digging and refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Conduits are nested inside the channel modules during manufacturing, creating pre-assembled units. This nesting approach allows multiple conduits to be installed simultaneously within a single channel module, reducing the number of installation operations required and minimizing traffic disruption time.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional conduit installation methods are used requiring digging and refilling of roadways, then conduits can be laid underground, but installation cost increases and traffic disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Channel modules are prepared in advance with conduits already positioned inside them before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site digging and refilling operations, thereby preventing traffic disruption and reducing installation costs associated with roadway restoration.
3Reliability
If coupling chambers are made denser than channel modules, then channel module movement due to groundwater is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the system have different densities optimized for their specific functions: coupling chambers are made denser than channel modules to provide anchoring weight that prevents movement due to groundwater pressure. This localized quality differentiation ensures stability where needed without unnecessarily complicating the overall manufacturing process.
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
This solution reduces installation costs and time, minimizes traffic disruptions, and enhances safety by providing a stable and accessible system for conduit laying and maintenance, while allowing for efficient use of space and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
a downward pressure provided by the coupling chamber is greater than a downward pressure provided by the channel module
Implementation Method 2
prevent the channel module from being lifted by, for example, high groundwater
Implementation Method 3
Through the use of coupling chambers of greater density than the channel modules, both channel modules and coupling chambers can be produced in a cost-effective manner and the coupling chambers can be utilized as a 'sinker'
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The present document shows a culvert system for laying of social infrastructure below ground level. The culvert system comprises a channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), which defines an elongate space for laying of a plurality of conduits (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) so that these extend in the longitudinal direction of the channel module, and a coupling chamber (20, 20', 20"), which defines a coupling space for joining of and/or connection to/from said conduits. A [ratio] between a density of the coupling chamber (20, 20', 20") and a density of the channel module (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) is greater than 1, preferably greater than 10, or greater than 100.