Internal Pipe Connector for Stable Fluid Treatment Module Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional subsoil fluid absorption systems face challenges in maintaining module position along a support pipe without shifting or sliding, while maximizing the fabric-soil interface contact area and minimizing disruption to the surrounding soil environment.

Innovation Solution

An internal connector with a partially cylindrical central web and radially extending flanges is used to axially fix the drainage module to the pipe, ensuring the module remains in position without encroaching on the external environment or fabric-soil interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If external connectors are used to mechanically connect modules to the pipe, then module positioning stability is improved, but the fabric-soil interface contact area is reduced and soil environment is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule positioning stabilityVSAvoidfabric-soil interface contact area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is nested inside the module rather than being mounted externally. The flanges are positioned within the module interior, allowing the treatment fabric to extend fully to the module exterior surface and contact the surrounding soil without interruption. This nesting approach enables the connector to perform its positioning function while being completely concealed by the fabric, thus maximizing the fabric-soil interface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment fabric serves as an intermediary layer that mediates between the connector and the soil environment. The fabric is wrapped around the module and extends over the connector components, creating a continuous interface with the surrounding soil. This intermediary approach allows the connector to maintain module position while the fabric preserves the natural soil contact and biomat formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If external connectors are used to secure modules along the pipe, then module position maintenance is improved, but disruption to the surrounding soil environment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule position maintenanceVSAvoidsoil environment disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector components (flanges and mounting structure) are nested within the module interior, completely concealed by the treatment fabric. This positioning ensures that no connector elements protrude to the module exterior or contact the surrounding soil, thereby eliminating disruption to the soil environment while maintaining effective module positioning along the pipe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment fabric acts as a protective intermediary that completely isolates the connector from the soil environment. By wrapping around the module and extending over all connector components, the fabric creates a continuous barrier that prevents any direct contact between the connector and soil, thus preserving the natural soil environment and biomat formation while the connector performs its positioning function internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the connector extends beyond the module surface, then module positioning accuracy is improved, but the fabric-soil interface is encroached upon

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule positioning accuracyVSAvoidfabric-soil interface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is completely nested within the module interior, with all positioning and securing functions performed inside the module boundaries. The flanges are positioned within the module and secured to the pipe through the module wall, ensuring that no connector elements extend beyond the module exterior surface. This nesting approach maintains precise module positioning along the pipe while preserving the full fabric-soil interface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11254587B1Internal connector for modular fluid treatment system

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 ELJEN CORP

AI summary

A connector for axially fixing a module or support of a module to an elongate pipe has a central web with a rear flange extending from a rear edge and a front web extending from a front edge. The web may be partially cylindrical with the flanges extending radially. The web is sized and shaped to mate with the outer surface of the cylindrical pipe and extend through a hole in the module support with the rear web against the rear face of the support and the front web against the front face of the support. A fabric layer is wrapped around the outside to conceal the support and connector. A fluid treatment unit with spaced apart modules utilizes the connector to fix the modules axially to the pipe with a fabric layer concealing the support and connector.