Modular Cavity Device Using Pluggable Corner Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for forming cavities in the ground for water drainage and storage require multiple parts and substantial plastic material, compromising space efficiency and stability, especially when needing to maintain trafficable surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable device comprising cube- or cuboid-shaped installation bodies with parallel strand elements and corner connecting elements, allowing for assembly from few identical parts, with adjustable strand element distribution for varying load requirements and stability, and featuring plug-in connections for secure assembly and water drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple different parts are used to form the installation body, then the structural stability and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation body is segmented into identical modular units, each comprising strand elements and corner connecting elements. These standardized modules can be assembled in various configurations to achieve the required structural stability while maintaining simplicity in manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner connecting elements are designed with universal plug-in connections that can join strand elements from different directions (top, bottom, lateral sides). This universal connection system allows a single type of connecting element to serve multiple structural functions, reducing the number of different parts needed.
2Strength
If substantial plastic material is used for the installation body, then the bearing capacity and stability are improved, but the space efficiency and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation body utilizes thin-walled plastic strand elements formed into tube-like structures. These thin-walled elements provide the necessary structural strength and bearing capacity while using minimal plastic material, achieving an optimal balance between strength and material efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation body combines plastic material with a geometric lattice structure formed by interconnected strand elements. This composite approach, where the structural integrity is achieved through the spatial arrangement and interconnection of elements rather than material volume alone, reduces overall plastic material usage while maintaining bearing capacity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If strand elements are distributed uniformly on all six sides, then the structural stability is improved, but the material usage and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strand elements are strategically distributed based on local load requirements. The corner connecting elements are positioned at critical corner regions where top/bottom sides meet lateral sides, providing enhanced local stability where loads are most concentrated, rather than uniform distribution throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation body employs an asymmetric arrangement of strand elements and corner connecting elements that reflects the actual load distribution patterns. Corner regions receive enhanced connectivity with corner connecting elements, while mid-side regions use simpler connections, creating an asymmetric but optimized structure that reduces material usage while maintaining necessary stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for forming cavities in the ground for water drainage and/or water storage. Said device comprises a cube- or cuboid-shaped installation body (10), which has a front side (42) and an opposite back side (44), a top side (20) and an opposite bottom side (18), and two opposite lateral sides (22). The front side (42), the back side (44), the top side (20), the bottom side (18), and the lateral sides (22) have strand elements (14) arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other. In the corner regions of the installation body (10) between the top or bottom side (20, 18) and one of the lateral sides (22), corner connecting elements (12) for the insertion connection of the strand elements (14) of the top side (20) or of the bottom side (18) to the strand elements of the lateral side (22) are arranged.