Gutter Securing Element Segmentation for Cost-Effective Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gutter systems with thick-walled designs require large grate widths for secure connection, increasing production costs and necessitating modifications to the frame unit geometry.
Innovation Solution
A gutter system with a frame unit having a receiving area for the cover unit, and a securing element that engages with the cover unit and releasably connects to the frame unit, allowing for a captive and easily removable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large grate width is used for secure connection in thick-walled gutter systems, then the connection reliability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is divided into distinct functional parts: a connection portion that engages with the frame unit's receiving area, and a cover unit connection portion. This segmentation allows for optimized connection geometry without requiring large grate widths, reducing material usage and production costs while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element acts as an intermediary component between the frame unit and the cover unit. Instead of directly connecting the cover unit to the frame unit (which would require large dimensions), the securing element mediates this connection, enabling reliable attachment with smaller, more cost-effective dimensions.
2Reliability
If additional geometries are added to the frame unit to enable engagement, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection functionality is segmented from the frame unit and embodied in the separate securing element. The frame unit requires only simple receiving areas, while the complex engagement geometries are concentrated in the securing element, reducing the overall device complexity and simplifying frame unit manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex engagement mechanisms are extracted from the frame unit and placed into the separate securing element. This extraction allows the frame unit to maintain simple, easy-to-manufacture geometries while still achieving reliable connections through the specialized securing element.
3Ease of operation
If the securing element is elastically deformable, then the ease of operation for release is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element utilizes elastic deformation as a controllable parameter change mechanism. By designing the securing element with specific elastic properties, it can be deformed for easy release while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized material selection and dimensional design that accounts for elastic behavior.
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 solution enables a cost-effective, easily assembled, and maintainable gutter system with enhanced theft protection, compatible with various frame unit designs without the need for continuous receiving areas.
Implementation Method 1
the securing element is designed to engage, in particular to engage non-positively and/or positively, in the cover unit and to releasably engage in the receiving area
Implementation Method 2
the securing element is elastically and/or plastically deformable in such a way that the engagement of the securing element in the at least one receiving area can be released as required, in particular by at least partial deformation of the securing element
Implementation Method 3
the securing element is elastically and/or plastically deformable
Implementation Method 4
the locking lever is supported against the cover unit and applies a locking force so that the securing element engages non-positively and/or positively in the receiving area
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a gutter system (1) comprising at least one frame unit (10), at least one cover unit (20) and at least one securing element (30), wherein the frame unit (10) comprises at least one receiving area (12) for arranging the cover unit (20), and wherein the securing element (30) is adapted to engage in the cover unit (20) and to releasably engage in the receiving area (12) so the cover unit (20) can interlock in the receiving area (12) of the frame unit (10). The invention also relates to a cover unit (20) and a securing element (30).