Drainage Channel Connecting Plate for Fast On-Site Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and connection of drainage channels are labor-intensive and cumbersome, requiring significant effort and risk of damage during on-site assembly.

Innovation Solution

A drainage channel with a connecting plate featuring two connecting sections linked by webs, allowing pre-attachment of one section to a channel base before installation, and utilizing snap-fit connections and rotatable elements for easy assembly without additional fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If drainage channels are connected end-to-end using traditional methods, then the drainage system can be assembled, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting plate is divided into two separate connecting sections that can be independently attached to different drainage channels. This segmentation allows each section to be separately positioned and secured, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining structural integrity of the connection between channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

One connecting section is pre-attached to the channel base during manufacturing or before installation. This preliminary action reduces on-site assembly effort, as only the second connecting section needs to be attached during installation, thereby easing the operation while managing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If drainage channels are connected on-site, then the system can be assembled to required length, but the connection process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

One connecting section is pre-attached to the channel base before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces on-site assembly time and increases installation productivity, as the pre-attached section requires no assembly work while the second section needs only simple attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting plate design allows for easy self-attachment to the channel base using simple fastening methods. The connecting sections are designed to be easily secured to the channel bases without requiring complex tools or procedures, enabling quick installation and improving productivity while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If connecting plates are used to join drainage channels, then connection is achieved, but the connecting plate may be damaged during loading, unloading, or transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

One connecting section is pre-attached to the channel base during manufacturing or before transport. This preliminary attachment protects the connecting plate from damage during handling and transport, as it is already secured to the channel base and less susceptible to external forces. This maintains connection reliability while reducing damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting plate is integrated with the channel base through the pre-attached connecting section, creating a combined assembly that is more robust during transport. This merging reduces the risk of damage by making the connecting plate part of the structural assembly rather than a separate vulnerable component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If traditional connection methods are used, then drainage channels can be joined, but additional fasteners and fixings are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting plate integrates both connecting sections and the fastening functionality into a single component. The connecting sections themselves serve as the attachment mechanism to the channel bases, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and fixings. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized production processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4411086B1Drainage channel and channel system

Publication Date: 2026.04.01 ACO AHLMANN SE & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting plate (10) for connecting two drainage channels (30), wherein the connecting plate (10) has two connecting sections (11) which are connected to each other by two webs (12), wherein a through-opening (14) is formed between the webs (12), and the connecting sections (11) each have a connecting element (18) on an underside (16) for connecting to a channel base (31) of each drainage channel (30). Furthermore, the invention relates to a drainage channel (30) with such a connecting plate (10) and a channel system with at least two such drainage channels (30).