Hinged Tile Coupling for Cross-Manufacturer Drainage Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage systems, often decades old and from different manufacturers, pose challenges during repair due to incompatibility, leading to increased repair time, potential buckling, and safety risks from soil cave-ins.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive tile coupling with a male and female portion, featuring a cylindrical section and outwardly extending flange, with hinged sections that can move from an open to a closed position to secure and maintain a larger diameter, facilitating quicker and more compatible connections without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing drainage systems from different manufacturers are repaired using traditional methods, then repair time increases and labor costs increase, but compatibility issues and poor fit persist
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed with a universal adaptation capability to accommodate drainage tiles from multiple manufacturers. The female portion incorporates adjustable elements and multiple configuration options that allow it to fit different tile specifications (outside diameter, crown height, pitch of ribs) from various manufacturers, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific coupling devices and significantly reducing repair time.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates a dynamic hinged mechanism where the female portion can move between open and closed positions. This dynamic structure allows the coupling to adapt to varying tile dimensions during installation, providing a secure fit for different manufacturer specifications while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
2Ease of repair
If traditional drainage system repair methods are used, then more pipe area is exposed, but this increases the risk of buckling and collapsing
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct male and female portions that can be assembled in place. This segmentation allows the repair to be localized to a small area around the damaged tile, minimizing the length of exposed pipe and reducing the risk of buckling and collapsing while still providing adequate access for repair operations.
3Ease of operation
If larger area of pipe is exposed during repair, then more access is provided, but groundwater rises and causes safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to be pre-assembled or partially assembled before installation. The male portion can be inserted into the damaged tile area first, providing immediate structural support and preventing groundwater infiltration. The female portion is then attached to complete the connection, minimizing the time that the repair area remains exposed and reducing safety risks from groundwater rise and soil instability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive tile coupling includes male and female portions. The male portion includes a generally cylindrical section and an outwardly extending flange extending from the generally cylindrical section. The female portion is attached to or integrally formed with the male portion. The female portion includes first and second sections connected by a hinge. The first and second sections have a fastening mechanism. The first and second sections of the female portion move from an open position to a closed position to form a generally cylindrical shape. The generally cylindrical section of the male portion has a first diameter. The first and second sections of the female portion in the closed position have a second diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter.