Curb Stop Structure With Slit Alignment and Debris Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Curb stop valves often experience misalignment and infiltration of liquids or debris during installation and use, which can lead to operational issues and reduced longevity.

Innovation Solution

A curb stop structure with a supporting base and an upstanding body featuring horizontal and vertical slits that allow for flexible alignment and secure positioning of the valve, preventing misalignment and debris infiltration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional rigid curb stop box is used, then the structure provides protection, but the valve alignment is difficult to adjust and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve alignmentVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The curb stop box incorporates flexible elements that allow the rigid structure to adapt dynamically during installation. The flexible portions enable the box to conform to slight variations in valve positioning while maintaining secure alignment, resolving the contradiction between rigid protection and installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design changes the physical parameters of the curb stop box by incorporating flexible materials or flexible sections that can deform within certain limits. This allows the structure to maintain its protective function while accommodating alignment adjustments during installation and use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of repair

If the curb stop box is open for access, then maintenance is easier, but liquids and debris can infiltrate the valve area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve accessibilityVSAvoiddebris infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The curb stop box utilizes flexible membranes or thin film barriers that can seal around the valve while allowing access. These flexible shells close off the valve area when not in use, preventing debris and liquid infiltration, while still permitting maintenance operations when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible sealing elements act as intermediaries between the open access requirement and the closed protection requirement. These seals allow the valve to be accessed for maintenance while preventing harmful factors from entering the valve area during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the curb stop box is made rigid for protection, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to installation variations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural protectionVSAvoidalignment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The curb stop box is divided into rigid protective sections and flexible adaptive sections. The rigid portions provide structural strength and protection, while the flexible segments allow adaptation to installation variations and maintain proper valve alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design employs composite construction combining rigid materials for structural protection with flexible materials for adaptability. This composite approach allows the box to simultaneously provide strength and flexibility for alignment adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11560699B1Curb stop structure

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 ADAPTOR INC

AI summary

A curb stop structure having a supporting base, an upstanding body having an open top, the body including at least one horizontal slit and one vertical slit intersecting the horizontal slit.