Inclined Wall Columns for Stackable Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infiltration trench half-elements face challenges in designing columns that can effectively transmit forces while also being stackable, which is essential for space-saving production, storage, and transport.
Innovation Solution
The columns of the trench half-element are designed with a wall that is uniformly inclined along its entire circumference relative to a normal perpendicular to the base grid, allowing for stable force transmission and stackability. The inclination is optimally between 2° to 8°, and the column cross-section can be composed of curved sections, straight lines, and corners, with a uniform thickness for ease of manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the columns are designed with vertical walls for optimal force transmission, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the stackability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the wall inclination angle from 0° (vertical) to a specific range (2°-8°). This parameter optimization allows the column to maintain sufficient mechanical strength for force transmission while creating the necessary clearance for stackability. The precise angular specification balances both requirements quantitatively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the wall inclination uniform along the entire circumference of each column. This consistent angular deviation from vertical creates equal clearance all around, enabling reliable stackability while maintaining symmetric force distribution and mechanical strength in all directions.
2Ease of operation
If the columns are made hollow for stackability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the wall thickness parameter to achieve the desired balance. By specifying a uniform wall thickness of 5-15 mm, the design ensures sufficient structural strength for force transmission while maintaining the hollow configuration that enables stackability. This quantitative parameter selection resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as the material, which provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This material selection allows the columns to be hollow for stackability while maintaining adequate mechanical strength through the inherent properties of the polymer material.
3Strength
If the wall thickness varies for optimal force distribution, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality in reverse by choosing uniform wall thickness instead of variable thickness. This design decision prioritizes manufacturing simplicity while maintaining adequate force distribution through the consistent structural geometry and optimized wall thickness parameter throughout the column circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies manufacturing by setting the wall thickness parameter to a constant value (5-15 mm uniform thickness). This parameter uniformity enables easier mold design and production while the optimized thickness range ensures sufficient strength and force distribution capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
Figure 9
AI summary
The present invention relates to a blind drain-semimember (18), comprising a base grid (2) and at least one pillar (1) connected to the base grid (2) and projecting approximately perpendicularly away from the base grid (2), the opposite end (3) of the pillar from the base grid (2) having a surface (4) comprising a first connecting element (8) or a second connecting element (11) and the pillar (1) having a wall (5) which delimits a cavity (9) of the column (1). The wall (5) of the column (1) is inclined uniformly over its entire length (L), along the entire extent of the column (1), in relation to a normal (10) that extends perpendicularly on the base grid (2).