Drainage Gutter U-Profile Frame Weight Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage channels are heavy and costly due to complex connections between the frame and channel body, and lack a lightweight, simple design while maintaining structural stability and load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped support profile is used to divert weight forces from the channel cover into the channel wall, with the support profile being formed directly from the channel body material through folding, allowing for a one-piece construction that enhances dimensional stability and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the frame and channel body are inseparably connected using complex connection methods, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame and channel body are merged into a single one-piece component formed from one sheet metal blank through folding and bending operations. This eliminates separate connection steps while maintaining structural stability through the integrated design where the frame is directly formed as part of the channel body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channel is constructed from thin-walled sheet metal that is folded and bent to form both the channel body and frame. The flexibility of the sheet metal allows complex three-dimensional shapes to be created from a single blank, achieving structural stability without requiring thick materials or complex assemblies.
2Strength
If additional reinforcement elements are added to stiffen the channel body, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The channel body and frame are formed using curved folds and bends in the sheet metal rather than flat panels with additional stiffeners. The curved geometry inherently provides structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity while using minimal material, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement elements that would increase weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sheet metal blank is segmented through folding into multiple functional sections (channel bottom, side walls, front wall, frame) that work together structurally. Each folded section contributes to the overall load-bearing capacity, distributing stresses throughout the structure without requiring additional reinforcement materials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is made height-adjustable using telescopic adjustment elements, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with a folded geometry that allows it to be formed at different heights directly during the sheet metal forming process. By varying the fold positions and angles in the blank, different frame heights are achieved without requiring adjustable mechanisms, maintaining structural integrity while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame height is controlled by changing the geometric parameters of the folded sheet metal structure. Different fold distances and angles in the single blank production create frames with varying heights, all formed in one piece without additional adjustment mechanisms or components.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drainage channel that is formed either in one piece or by joining a channel body (2) with a frame (5). The frame has a folded edge (6) at its upper edge, to which an inner side (8) and a support surface (7) projecting perpendicularly from it are attached. Below the support surface (7), a U-shaped support profile (11) is integrally formed on the frame, engaging the base of the support surface. The first flank (10) of the U-profile is connected to the support surface (7), and the second flank (12) of the U-profile rests against the channel wall. Additionally, load-bearing crossbeams (15) can provide further lateral stiffening of the drainage channel.