Flexible Modular Trench With Corrugated Outer Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional modular trenches require additional production and shipping steps for bending to achieve curvature, which is time-consuming and expensive, and can lead to incorrect installation due to varying curvature requirements.
Innovation Solution
A flexible modular trench with a corrugated outer surface and smooth inner surface, allowing for increased flexibility during installation, eliminating the need for pre-bending and specific installation order, and utilizing rebar clips for shape retention during concrete setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional modular trenches are heated and bent over a form to achieve curvature, then the desired curved shape is obtained, but the production time and shipping complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the trench wall by adding corrugations to the outer surface. This corrugated structure allows the trench to be bent at room temperature without heating, eliminating the time-consuming heating and form-bending process while achieving the desired curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a corrugated outer surface design to the trench wall, creating a flexible structure that can be bent easily. This flexible shell design allows the trench to conform to curved paths during installation without requiring complex heating and forming operations.
2Shape
If traditional modular trenches are bent using heating and forms, then the curved shape is achieved, but additional shipping requirements and costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated outer surface modifies the structural parameters of the trench wall, enabling it to maintain its bent shape without requiring straps or forms during shipping. The corrugations provide inherent flexibility and shape retention, simplifying the shipping process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular trenches are installed with varying curvature requirements, then different settings can be accommodated, but the installation process becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated outer surface enables the trench to be bent to various degrees of curvature without requiring different forms or complex installation procedures. Installers can simply bend the flexible trench to the desired angle and secure it, greatly simplifying the installation process while maintaining adaptability to different settings.
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 on-site bending to desired shape without additional production or shipping steps, reducing installation errors and costs, and allowing for varied curvature without requiring multiple forms.
Implementation Method 1
The trench wall has a smooth inner surface and a corrugated outer surface. The corrugated outer surface of the trench wall has corrugations that extend along a plane perpendicular to the central axis to allow for increased flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible modular trench includes an open-faced channel extending along a central axis between a pair of axial ends. The open-faced channel includes a pair of axially-extending shelves connected by a trench wall. The trench wall has a smooth inner surface and a corrugated outer surface. The corrugated outer surface has corrugations extending along a plane perpendicular to the central axis to allow for increased flexibility such that the flexible modular trench is bendable in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.