Gutter End Wall Plate with Asymmetric Edges for Universal Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drainage channel end closure solutions are expensive, unsafe, and require different end walls for different channel ends, making them inefficient and complex.

Innovation Solution

A channel end wall with a plate element that can be securely fastened to both ends, featuring adjustable edges and snap-in hooks for versatile fitting, along with an elastic sealing layer and reinforcement for durability, allowing a single component to seal both ends and facilitate easy assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different end walls are provided for different channel ends, then the channel ends can be sealed tightly, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing tightnessVSAvoidnumber of different end wall components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end wall is designed with a universal structure that can be used on both channel ends. The plate element includes a first edge for engagement with a groove on one end and a second edge for engagement with a projection on the other end, allowing a single component design to serve both sealing functions despite the different geometries of the channel ends.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If press fit attachment is used for end walls, then the channel can be closed, but the attachment becomes expensive and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure capabilityVSAvoidattachment safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The end wall is segmented into a plate element with distinct first and second edges, each designed with specific engagement features (groove engagement and projection engagement) that provide secure mechanical attachment. This segmentation allows each edge to be optimized for its specific mounting scenario, ensuring reliable and safe attachment without requiring expensive press fit processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single plate element design is used for both channel ends, then component variety is reduced, but the different channel end geometries must be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent varietyVSAvoidaccommodation of different channel ends

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plate element is designed with asymmetric features: a first edge with a groove for engagement with one channel end geometry and a second edge with a projection for engagement with the other channel end geometry. This asymmetric design within a single component allows the end wall to adapt to the different geometries of the two channel ends while maintaining a unified component structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3452667B1Gutter for surface drainage with an end wall

Publication Date: 2021.06.30 ACO SEVERIN AHLMANN GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

In order to seal gutters at the ends with low output, an end wall (10) of a gutter (30) is provided for surface drainage, comprising a plate element (11) which can be secured at a first or a second end of the gutter (30) substantially sealingly closing a cross-section of the gutter (30). In addition, the ends (31, 32) of the gutter (30) are formed differently. According to the invention, in order to reduce the output, the plate element (11) can be secured at the first end (31) of the gutter (30) with a first edge (12) oriented upwards or can be secured at the second end (32) with a second edge (13) oriented upwards. In this way, an adjustment can be made to both differently formed ends (31, 32) of the gutter (30) by simply rotating the plate element.