Freestanding Landscape Waterfall Modular Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional landscape waterfalls are heavy, requiring a prepared foundation and significant assembly expertise, leading to high costs and limited variability in height due to their connection to a basin.
Innovation Solution
A freestanding landscape waterfall assembly using modular, prefabricated plastic components that can be suspended over a catch basin, allowing for economical shipping and rapid assembly by homeowners, featuring a face plate with an elongated aperture and an overhead support system for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional precast concrete blocks are used to fabricate landscape waterfalls, then the structural strength and durability are improved, but the weight increases significantly requiring heavy foundation preparation and specialized assembly expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The waterfall is divided into modular components including face plates, side plates, back plates, and base plates that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows the waterfall to be fabricated from lighter materials while maintaining structural integrity through proper modular assembly, eliminating the need for heavy precast concrete blocks
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from heavy precast concrete to lighter materials such as plastic or composite materials. The face plates, side plates, and back plates are made from lighter materials that can be easily assembled by homeowners without requiring heavy foundation preparation, while still providing sufficient structural strength for the waterfall application
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional precast concrete blocks are used, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly complexity and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The waterfall is divided into modular components with standardized connection mechanisms. The face plates, side plates, back plates, and base plates can be easily assembled using simple connection features, eliminating the need for specialized masonry skills and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with simple connection features enables homeowners to assemble the waterfall themselves without requiring specialized assembly expertise or heavy equipment. The self-service assembly process reduces labor requirements and complexity while maintaining structural stability through proper modular construction
3Reliability
If traditional precast concrete blocks are used, then the durability is improved, but the material costs and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from expensive precast concrete to more economical materials such as plastic or composite materials. This parameter change significantly reduces material costs while the modular design simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes, further reducing overall project costs while maintaining adequate durability for landscape applications
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses more economical materials that can be easily manufactured and assembled, accepting that the components may have a shorter service life than precast concrete but providing sufficient durability for the intended application. This approach significantly reduces material and labor costs while meeting the durability requirements for landscape waterfalls
4Strength
If traditional precast concrete blocks connected to a basin are used, then the structural support is improved, but the height variability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The waterfall is divided into modular components of varying heights that can be stacked and configured to achieve different total heights. The face plates, side plates, and back plates come in different height increments, allowing homeowners to customize the waterfall height to suit their specific landscape needs while maintaining structural support through the modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows for dynamic adjustment of the waterfall height by adding or removing modules. The standardized connection features enable easy reconfiguration to achieve different heights, providing adaptability and versatility while maintaining structural support through the modular construction system
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to a freestanding landscape waterfall assembly which reduces the weight of the waterfall as compared to conventional cast block waterfalls. In one embodiment, a freestanding landscape waterfall includes a face plate having an elongated aperture, a manifold having an outlet configured to direct water through the aperture, and an engagement feature configured to suspend the face plate such that the elongated aperture is in a horizontal orientation. In another embodiment, a freestanding landscape waterfall assembly includes a freestanding landscape waterfall, an overhead support system configured to suspend the freestanding landscape waterfall, and a catch basin positionable below the freestanding landscape waterfall. In yet another embodiment, a freestanding landscape waterfall assembly kit includes a catch basin, a freestanding landscape waterfall configured to be suspended over the catch basin, and a pump system configured to pump water between the catch basin and the freestanding landscape waterfall.