Culvert Pipe Inlet With Nested Frictional Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current culvert pipe designs allow water to flow between the pipe and metal end sections, leading to slope erosion and frequent maintenance due to washout, resulting in unsafe road conditions and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A culvert pipe inlet arrangement featuring a pan member and inlet section with a tapered sleeve that secures inside the culvert pipe, allowing unimpeded water flow and preventing erosion by directing runoff directly into the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If metal end sections are installed wrapping around the outside of the pipe, then the pipe structure is simplified and easier to install, but water flows between the pipe and end section causing slope erosion and frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet section is nested inside the culvert pipe rather than wrapping around the outside. The inlet section has a diameter less than the internal diameter of the culvert pipe, allowing it to be received in frictional engagement with the interior surface of the pipe, eliminating the gap that caused erosion
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of installing the end section on the outside of the pipe as in conventional designs, the inlet section is inverted and installed on the inside of the pipe. This reversal of installation location prevents water from flowing between the pipe and end section
2Ease of manufacture
If metal end sections wrap around the outside of the pipe, then installation is easier, but water flow causes materials to wash away requiring high maintenance costs and repeated repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet section is nested inside the culvert pipe, with the inlet section diameter being less than the internal diameter of the pipe, creating frictional engagement with the interior surface that prevents water from causing washout
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet section is extracted from the conventional outside-wrapping configuration and repositioned inside the pipe, removing the source of the maintenance problem while preserving the structural function
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the inlet section diameter is reduced to fit inside the pipe, then erosion is prevented, but the inlet section becomes more difficult to manufacture and install
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet section diameter parameter is specifically designed to be less than the internal diameter of the culvert pipe, creating the necessary frictional engagement. This parameter change enables erosion prevention while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the inlet section is received in frictional engagement with the pipe interior, then water flow is directed properly preventing washout, but the inlet section creates resistance to water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional engagement is applied locally at the interface between the inlet section and pipe interior, providing sufficient grip to prevent washout while minimizing overall resistance to water flow through the culvert system
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 solution effectively reduces slope erosion and maintenance needs by ensuring all water flows into the culvert pipe, minimizing washout and associated costs.
Implementation Method 1
the inlet section is configured to be received in frictional engagement with an interior surface of the culvert pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A culvert pipe inlet arrangement includes a pan member and an inlet that is configured to be disposed within a culvert pipe is disclosed.