Resilient Draining Pipe Mesh With Intersection Boxes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing draining systems in tunnels and constructions are prone to clogging, especially in complex shapes and textures, as they are not adaptable to varying surfaces and can be completely blocked by clogs in central channels or tree-like structures.

Innovation Solution

A resilient draining pipe mesh with intersection boxes and access tubes that allow liquid or gas to flow through multiple routes, featuring U-shaped pipes covered by shotcrete and equipped with flushing units and pressure indicators to prevent and detect blockages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a tree-like drainage structure is used, then drainage coverage is improved, but susceptibility to complete blockage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage coverage areaVSAvoidresistance to complete blockage
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage system is divided into multiple independent parallel channels instead of a single tree-like structure. Each channel operates independently, so a blockage in one channel does not affect others. This segmentation maintains comprehensive drainage coverage while eliminating the single point of failure vulnerability inherent in tree-like structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a central tube connects all tubes in a mesh, then structural simplicity is improved, but complete blockage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetube connection structureVSAvoidresistance to complete blockage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of connecting all tubes to a single central tube, the system uses multiple independent parallel channels. Each channel is a separate drainage path that does not depend on others for functionality. This maintains structural simplicity while eliminating the complete blockage risk associated with a single central connection point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If draining channels are shaped to match specific surface geometry, then drainage effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to different surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to different surface shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drainage channels are designed with flexible properties that allow them to adapt to different surface geometries. The channels can be configured in various patterns (parallel, grid, random) and orientations to match different surface shapes and textures. This dynamic adaptability maintains drainage effectiveness across diverse surfaces without requiring custom-shaped channels for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2160505B1A draining pipe mesh
Publication Date: 2017.05.31 IBS MORTEN NESHEIM
  • EP2160505B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2160505B1 patent drawingFigure 1b~2
  • EP2160505B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a draining pipe mesh (1), which is adapted for mounting on a surface and for being covered by shotcrete. The mesh is made from a resilient substance and it is arranged to be laid over surfaces of any chosen shape and surface texture, such as the interior walls of a tunnel. The invention further relates to such a draining pipe mesh (1) which is provided with intersection boxes (5). The intersection box (5) is provided with access tubes (8) adapted to extend to the surface of the shotcrete. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the access tubes (8) may be provided with flushing units (14) or pressure indicators (15).