Interlocking Drainage Panels With Self-Locking Tapered Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of modular drainage structures is time-consuming due to the need for precise orientation and additional securing components, such as clips, to connect panels and columns effectively.
Innovation Solution
A panel design featuring a central portion with complementary tapered connection elements on the side portions, allowing for secure connection in multiple directions without additional components, utilizing protruding and receiving portions that engage uniquely to facilitate self-locking and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modular panels with separate connection components (clips) are used to join drainage structure elements, then the structure provides flexibility and secure connections, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion is integrated directly into the panel structure, merging the panel and connection components into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate clips or fasteners, allowing panels to connect directly through complementary protruding and receiving portions while maintaining secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portion serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables panel connection, and ensures proper orientation simultaneously. The tapered geometry allows the same structure to guide alignment and secure the joint in a single operation.
2Reliability
If additional securing components (clips, fasteners) are used to connect panels, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection functionality is merged into the panel itself through the integrated connection portion. The protruding portion on one panel directly engages with the receiving portion on the adjacent panel, eliminating the need for separate securing components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate connection components (clips, fasteners) are extracted from the system entirely. The connection function is achieved through the inherent geometry of the panel edges themselves, removing unnecessary elements that added complexity to the assembly process.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise orientation is required for connecting drainage structure elements, then connection accuracy is improved, but assembly speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion is pre-formed with a tapered geometry during panel manufacturing. This preliminary shaping of the connection interface allows for self-alignment during assembly, eliminating the need for precise manual orientation while maintaining connection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portion features asymmetric tapered geometry with a wider opening and narrower base. This asymmetric shape provides directional guidance during assembly, allowing panels to self-align correctly as they are brought together, ensuring proper orientation without requiring precise manual positioning.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a panel for a drainage box, the panel comprising a central portion comprising one or more openings for passage of liquid therethrough; side portions surrounding the central portion; and at least one connection element on each side portion, each connection element comprising a receiving portion and a protruding portion, the receiving portion shaped complementary to the protruding portion, such that a second panel having a similar connection element can secure to the first panel by connecting through engaging the respective connection elements, such that the protruding portion of the connection element of the first panel fits into the receiving portion of the connection element of the second panel, and the receiving portion of the connection element of the first panel receives the protruding portion of the connection element of the second panel.