Interconnected Trough Deck Drainage System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor decks allow water and dirt to enter the space underneath, causing moisture-related issues and requiring an effective drainage system to manage rainwater, snowmelt, and deck washing water.
Innovation Solution
A deck drainage system featuring a water-receiving structure with interconnected troughs and a gutter, along with water deflectors, connectors, spacers, end caps, and a cover, designed to direct water into the gutter while preventing it from flowing behind the system and into the underlying space, using aluminum components for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water-receiving structure with interconnected troughs is used, then water drainage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water-receiving structure is divided into multiple interconnected troughs, each capable of independently receiving and directing water. This segmentation allows water to be collected from multiple locations simultaneously, improving drainage efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple troughs are merged into a single integrated water-receiving structure with interconnected channels. This combining approach consolidates water collection from various sources into one unified system that directs all water to the gutter, enhancing overall drainage performance
2Ease of manufacture
If tab and channel interconnection method is used, then assembly ease is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tab and channel interface acts as an intermediary connection mechanism between troughs. The tab fits into the channel to create a secure interconnection, facilitating easy assembly while the interlocking geometry ensures precise alignment and water-tight sealing without requiring complex fastening systems
3Reliability
If water-receiving structure extends under deck, then water containment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water-receiving structure extends vertically under the deck to create a three-dimensional water collection zone. This dimensional extension allows the system to capture water from multiple levels and directions, improving containment effectiveness while the vertical integration reduces the need for additional horizontal components
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a deck drainage system has a water-receiving structure locatable under the deck and a gutter connectable to the deck adjacent to an end of the water-receiving structure for receiving water from the water-receiving structure. The water receiving structure comprises a plurality of interconnected troughs. Each trough of the plurality of interconnected troughs includes first and second opposing sidewalls. The first sidewall of a respective trough comprises a tab and a second sidewall of the respective trough comprises a channel. The tab of the first sidewall of a first trough of the plurality of interconnected troughs extends into the channel of the second sidewall of a successively adjacent second trough of the plurality of interconnected troughs.