Curved Conduit Link System for Offset Channel Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting open water channels are rigid and inflexible, making it difficult to create a curved conduit around architectural features like athletics tracks or fountains, resulting in an uneven and unsightly appearance due to unequal axial offset angles and varying spacings between channels.
Innovation Solution
A link system with a flange and slot configuration that allows for a substantial horizontal gap, enabling channels to be rotated by an offset angle greater than 1.5 degrees, allowing for the creation of a curved conduit by inserting the flange into a wedge-shaped slot, which can be used to connect channels and introduce curvature into the conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If channels are connected using a rigid flange and slot coupling to form a straight conduit, then the connection strength and structural stability are improved, but the adaptability to create curved configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flange and slot connection is designed to transition from a rigid straight alignment to an angled offset connection. The slot geometry allows the flange to be inserted at different angles, enabling the conduit to adapt between straight and curved configurations while maintaining structural integrity through the same connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters (angle, offset distance) are made variable through the slot design. By changing the insertion angle of the flange into the slot, the conduit can achieve different curvature radii while maintaining a secure mechanical connection, thus adapting to various architectural requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If channels are placed in end-to-end abutment with axial offset angles to create curvature, then the curved configuration capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision and aesthetic appearance deteriorate due to unequal spacing and untidy finish
Solution Approach 1:
The slot acts as an intermediary element between adjacent channels, mediating the angular relationship. The standardized slot geometry ensures that each channel connects at a consistent angle to its neighbors, producing uniform spacing and a tidy appearance while achieving the desired curvature through controlled offset angles.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized flange and slot connection is used for straight conduits, then the ease of manufacture and assembly are improved, but the adaptability to different curvature radii deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flange and slot connection design serves multiple functions: it provides a standardized easy-to-assemble connection for straight conduits, while simultaneously enabling curved configurations through angular insertion. The same connection components accommodate both straight and curved applications, eliminating the need for different connection types.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for converting channels manufactured for connection together to produce a straight conduit into channels that may be connected together to produce an effectively curved conduit. A link is described that permits the connection between two channels to be connected with an axial offset, which cumulatively allows a plurality of channels to produce a curved conduit.