Drainage Channel with Integrated Curbstone and Segmented Approach Edge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drainage channels with integrated curbs face challenges during installation, as mortar or joint grout can enter the inlet openings, requiring cleaning or flushing, and they are not easily installed quickly and efficiently, especially when designed as high-border channels.

Innovation Solution

A drainage channel with an integrated curb featuring a stepped approach and grouting edge, which is offset from the inlet openings, preventing mortar or grout from entering and serving as a guide for road surface application, while also enhancing hydraulic performance and safety by preventing vehicle collision and improving snow shovel clearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the drainage channel is designed with inlet openings on the street side for accumulating surface water, then drainage function is improved, but mortar or joint grout can enter the inlet openings during installation requiring cleaning or flushing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage functionVSAvoidinstallation cleanliness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The curb is divided into functional segments: the approach edge segment that prevents mortar ingress, the inlet opening segment for drainage, and the grouting edge segment for sealing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without interfering with others, solving the contradiction between drainage function and installation cleanliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The approach edge acts as an intermediary element between the street surface and the inlet openings. It mediates the installation process by providing a barrier that prevents mortar from directly contacting the inlet openings, while still allowing the drainage function to operate effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the curb is designed as a high curb channel for roadway delimitation, then safety is improved, but installation becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroadway delimitation safetyVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the high curb channel function with the flat curbstone function into a single integrated structure. The curb body provides roadway delimitation and safety, while the integrated approach edge and grouting edge provide installation guidance and sealing functionality, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The curb structure is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as a safety barrier, a drainage conduit, an installation guide, and a sealing element all in one component. This universality reduces the number of installation steps and improves productivity while maintaining safety functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the inlet openings are positioned at the lower edge of the curb for effective drainage, then hydraulic performance is improved, but mortar or grout can easily enter and contaminate the channel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic performanceVSAvoidmortar contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The approach edge is positioned in advance to counteract the harmful effect of mortar ingress before it can reach the inlet openings. This preliminary protective action prevents contamination while allowing the inlet openings to remain at the optimal position for hydraulic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a dimensional element by extending the curb structure forward to create the approach edge. This additional dimensional feature provides protection against mortar contamination without compromising the vertical positioning of inlet openings that is necessary for effective drainage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Strength

If a wide curb structure is used for roadway delimitation, then safety and stability are improved, but the risk of mortar ingress into inlet openings increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurb stabilityVSAvoidmortar ingress risk
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the curb structure are given different qualities: the main curb body is designed for strength and stability, while the approach edge is specifically designed with a narrower profile to prevent mortar ingress. This local differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously achieve stability and protection against contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3788202B1Drainage channel with integrated curbstone, and drainage system
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 ACO AHLMANN SE & CO KG
  • EP3788202B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a drainage channel with an integrated curbstone that is designed monolithically together with a drainage body (10) and has a street-side bevel (11), in which inlet openings (12) for surface water are formed. The curbstone (14) has a stepped approach and casting edge (15) which has a width of 0.5 to 60 cm and extends along the longitudinal axis of the curbstone (14) at the height of the lower edge (16) of the inlet openings (12) or at a distance below the lower edge. The invention additionally relates to a drainage system comprising at least one drainage channel according to claim 1 and at least one inlet box (25) which is connected or can be connected to the drainage channel. The inlet box (25) has a street-side bevel (11) which is inclined with the same degree of inclination as the bevel of the drainage channel.