Expandable Ring Mount for Storm Drain Filter Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting mechanisms for debris or contaminant filtering apparatuses in runoff water drainage systems often raise the storm water grate or manhole cover, which is unacceptable in certain environments, such as airports or highways, and do not allow for flexible positioning or easy installation without specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
An expandable ring mounting mechanism that securely engages the interior surface of the conduit, allowing for adjustable positioning and easy installation without the need for precise torque, using a cylindrical main portion and a wedge assembly to expand and contract for secure attachment of filtering apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mounting flange is used to support the filtering apparatus, then the filtering apparatus can be securely mounted in the conduit, but the grate or manhole cover is raised above the ground level
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion ring moves the mounting support from the top surface (flange on ledge) to the interior wall of the conduit. By expanding radially inward against the conduit wall, it provides secure mounting without adding vertical height at the grate level, thus resolving the contradiction between mounting security and grate level maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion ring acts as an intermediary mounting mechanism between the filtering apparatus and the conduit. Instead of directly mounting on the ledge (which raises the grate), the expansion ring engages the conduit interior wall and provides indirect support, maintaining grate level while ensuring secure attachment.
2Reliability
If a fixed diameter mounting flange is used, then the filtering apparatus can be mounted, but the mounting location cannot be adjusted vertically or horizontally
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion ring transitions from a fixed state during installation to an expanded locked state during operation. The collapsible configuration allows it to be inserted at any position, then expanded to engage the conduit wall firmly, providing both positioning flexibility and mounting stability. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
3Reliability
If a traditional flange mounting system is used, then the filtering apparatus can be supported, but specialized tools and precise torque are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion ring is self-installing through a simple insertion and expansion motion without requiring torque wrenches or specialized tools. The wedge assembly mechanism allows manual expansion against the conduit wall, and the breakaway connecting tabs provide automatic engagement. This self-service installation method maintains secure mounting while dramatically simplifying the installation process.
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
The expandable ring mounting mechanism allows for secure attachment of filtering apparatuses at desired locations within the conduit without raising the grate or manhole cover, facilitating easy installation and removal, and ensuring proper engagement without the need for torque wrenches, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge assembly (26) positioned at the gap (25) between the first and second open end portions (24a, 24b) of the expansion member (16), the wedge assembly (26) being adjustable to increase a diameter of the expansion member (16)
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion ring mountable in a storm drain for supporting a filtering apparatus includes a ring-shaped expansion member having an adjustable diameter which is cut transversely to define two open end portions thereon which face each other and which are separated from each other by a predetermined distance to define a gap therebetween. A wedge assembly is positioned at the gap between the open end portions of the expansion member and is adjustable to increase the diameter of the expansion member. When the wedge assembly is adjusted to increase the diameter of the expansion member, the expansion member tightly engages a side wall of a portion of the storm drain in which the expansion ring is mounted to secure the expansion ring, and a filtering apparatus supported thereby, in a desired position.