Interlocking Attenuation Crate Panels with Tapered Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attenuation crates are often non-modular, costly to manufacture and transport, and require complex assembly processes, which can increase costs and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A modular attenuation crate system comprising interlocking panels with tapered tabs and notches that form a mechanical interference fit, allowing for easy assembly and connection without additional fasteners, enabling the formation of a cube configuration with enhanced drainage capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-modular attenuation crates are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing and transportation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The attenuation crate is divided into multiple modular panels that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Each panel is a self-contained unit with integrated connection features, allowing independent manufacturing and reducing overall production complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection features (tabs and notches) are merged directly into the panel structure itself rather than being separate components. This integration eliminates the need for additional fasteners or separate connection elements, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly while ensuring robust structural connection between panels.
2Ease of manufacture
If modular attenuation crates are used, then manufacturing and transportation costs are reduced, but additional fasteners or component parts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connection features are merged directly into the panel structure itself rather than being separate components. The tabs and notches are formed as integral parts of the panel during manufacturing, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, brackets, or separate connection elements. This reduces the total component count while maintaining modular benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed with self-aligning and self-securing connection features that automatically engage when panels are joined together. The tapered tabs fit into corresponding notches through simple insertion, and the connection is secured through the interference fit and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations or additional hardware.
3Strength
If complex assembly processes are used, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into simple, discrete tab-notch pairs that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for straightforward assembly procedures where panels are joined through simple insertion of tabs into notches, reducing assembly time while maintaining connection strength through the distributed interlocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels feature self-aligning and self-securing connection features that automatically engage when panels are joined together. The tapered tabs fit into corresponding notches through simple insertion, and the connection is secured through the interference fit and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations or additional hardware, thus reducing assembly time while maintaining strength.
4Reliability
If additional fasteners are used, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection features are merged directly into the panel structure itself rather than being separate components. The tabs and notches are formed as integral parts of the panel during manufacturing, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, brackets, or separate connection elements. This reduces the total component count while maintaining modular benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed with self-aligning and self-securing connection features that automatically engage when panels are joined together. The tapered tabs fit into corresponding notches through simple insertion, and the connection is secured through the interference fit and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations or additional hardware.
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 modular design reduces manufacturing and transportation costs, simplifies assembly, and enhances drainage efficiency by allowing panels to be easily connected and expanded as needed, addressing the limitations of non-modular and complexly assembled crates.
Implementation Method 1
at least one tab of the first interlocking features is tapered and is adapted to be received by at least one corresponding tapered notch on the second interlocking features providing a mechanical interference fit to enable releasable connection of panels
Implementation Method 2
The framework defines a large interior storage volume with perforated sides and base. These porous-walled chambers allow water to slowly soak into the ground, dissipating into the groundwater.
Implementation Method 3
Surface runoff flows through these crates under the influence of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A panel (2) for forming an interlocking attenuation crate (1), comprising: a substantially square planar body with at least one aperture (3) to enable through passage of fluid. The panel has first and second adjacent sides (19) each having first interlocking features comprised of at least one tab (4) and at least two notches (5); and third and fourth adjacent sides (13) with a second arrangement of interlocking features comprised of at least two tabs (17) and at least one notch (18). The tabs and notches of the first and second interlocking features are adapted to engage with each other to enable releasable locking connection of panels to form a six sided attenuation crate.