Height-Adjustable Drainage Channel with Screw Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional height-adjustable drainage channels are complex to assemble and difficult to adjust accurately, with metal gutter systems being expensive and limited in design options, and existing solutions do not provide easy and quick installation or precise height adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustment device comprising a support body made of plastic with a two-stage adjustment mechanism, including a first adjustment element that can move axially and a second adjustment element that interacts via a coupling element as a helical gear for precise height adjustment, allowing for both coarse and fine adjustments by switching between decoupling and coupling positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional height adjustment mechanisms with threaded rods and sockets are used, then height adjustment is possible, but the device becomes complex to assemble and difficult to adjust accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two distinct elements: a first adjusting element for coarse height adjustment and a second adjusting element for fine height adjustment. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling element acts as an intermediary between the first and second adjusting elements. This coupling element can be selectively engaged or disengaged, allowing the user to switch between coarse and fine adjustment modes. The intermediary facilitates smooth transition between adjustment stages without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
2Strength
If metal channel systems are used, then structural strength is ensured, but manufacturing costs increase and design options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage channel system combines plastic and metal materials in a composite structure. The channel body is made of plastic (such as polypropylene or polyethylene) which provides corrosion resistance, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Metal components (such as stainless steel or aluminum) are used specifically for the adjustment elements and coupling mechanisms where high strength and durability are required. This composite approach optimizes both structural strength and manufacturing efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single-stage adjustment mechanism is used, then the device is simpler, but height adjustment precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics where the coupling element can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on the adjustment stage. During coarse adjustment, the coupling element is disengaged allowing free movement of the first adjusting element. During fine adjustment, the coupling element is engaged to connect the first and second adjusting elements, enabling precise incremental adjustments. This dynamic configuration optimizes precision when needed while maintaining simplicity during coarse adjustments.
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
Enables easy and precise height adjustment of drainage channels, simplifying installation and reducing manufacturing costs while offering improved design flexibility and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the first adjusting element and the second adjusting element interact via the coupling element as a transmission, in particular as a screw transmission, especially for the axial fine adjustment of the first adjusting element
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a height adjustment device (1) for a drainage channel (100), in particular for draining facades or terraces, a drainage channel (100) with such a height adjustment device (1), and a method for adjusting the height of a drainage channel. The invention also relates to a grate locking device (3). The height adjustment device (1) comprises a support body (10), in particular made of plastic, and at least one adjustment unit (80), wherein the adjustment unit (80) comprises: a first adjustment element (21) extending along an adjustment direction (V), which is axially displaceable in the support body (10) and has at least one bearing surface (210) for a channel body (2) of the drainage channel (100); a second adjustment element (22) fixed relative to the support body (10) in the adjustment direction (V);a coupling element (23) which is movable back and forth between a decoupling position in which the first adjusting element (21) and the second adjusting element (22) are not coupled to each other, and a coupling position in which the first adjusting element (21) and the second adjusting element (22) are coupled to each other, wherein in the coupling position the first adjusting element (21) and the second adjusting element (22) interact via the coupling element (23) as a transmission (20), in particular as a screw transmission, in particular for the axial fine adjustment of the first adjusting element (21).