Leaching Chamber Diagonal Ribbed Top Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Leaching chambers made from thermoplastic materials face weaknesses in their sidewalls due to slots or perforations, which compromise their ability to resist vertical and lateral loads from soil and vehicles, necessitating strengthening measures like thickening or ribbing to enhance structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a leaching chamber design featuring a plurality of diagonally opposed ribs forming an X-shaped pattern on the top portion, which increases torsional stiffness and resistance to bending and vertical loads, while maintaining the benefits of a continuous curve cross section that distributes loads effectively and avoids stress concentrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If slots or perforations are added to sidewalls for wastewater infiltration, then infiltration capability is improved, but sidewall strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfiltration capabilityVSAvoidsidewall strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating structural reinforcement at specific locations rather than uniformly throughout. Diagonal ribs are positioned at the top portion of the chamber where they most effectively counteract tensile stresses from vertical loads, while the sidewalls maintain slot perforations for infiltration where needed. This localized reinforcement approach strengthens the chamber at critical stress points without compromising infiltration capability elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If traditional rectangular rib patterns are used to strengthen the chamber, then structural strength is improved, but torsional stiffness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidtorsional stiffness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by using diagonal rib orientations at approximately 45 degrees rather than traditional rectangular or radial patterns. This asymmetric diagonal arrangement creates overlapping stress distribution patterns that more effectively resist torsional forces. The diagonal ribs intersect to form X-shaped patterns that provide superior torsional rigidity compared to orthogonal arrangements, while still maintaining manufacturing feasibility through injection molding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Strength

If wall thickness is increased to strengthen the chamber, then load resistance is improved, but weight and nesting efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload resistanceVSAvoidchamber weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the structural reinforcement function into discrete diagonal rib elements rather than using uniform wall thickening. These ribs are strategically positioned to provide maximum structural benefit at critical stress points, particularly at the top portion where vertical loads create tensile stresses. This segmented approach achieves superior load resistance with minimal material addition, maintaining lightweight construction and efficient nesting characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7914231B2Leaching chamber having a diagonally ribbed top
Publication Date: 2011.03.29 INFILTRATOR WATER TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US7914231B2 patent drawing
  • US7914231B2 patent drawing
  • US7914231B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A leaching chamber having opposing inwardly and upwardly running sidewalls extending toward a top portion is provided, wherein the leaching chamber includes a plurality of peak and valley corrugations formed by the sidewalls and extending over the top portion and a plurality of diagonally opposed ribs, the plurality of ribs extending diagonally across at least a portion of the top portion to form at least one X shaped pattern.