Modular Coupler System for Rapid Portable Cofferdam Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cofferdam systems lack portability and rapid on-site assembly and disassembly capabilities, making them inefficient for diverse water management tasks such as culvert repairs and water diversion.
Innovation Solution
A portable cofferdam system comprising modular walls with couplers that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for the creation of a dry working area by forming various shapes around culverts or other water bodies, using construction equipment for installation and using male and female couplers to connect walls and connectors for secure water retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cofferdam systems are used, then water retention function is achieved, but portability and assembly speed are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cofferdam is divided into multiple modular wall segments that can be independently transported and assembled. Each wall portion includes coupling mechanisms at its ends, allowing rapid connection to other segments without requiring complex on-site construction, thereby significantly improving assembly speed and deployment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cofferdam system transitions from a static, permanently installed structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable assembly. The modular walls with coupling mechanisms enable the cofferdam to be quickly assembled, disassembled, and repositioned, providing adaptability for different deployment scenarios while maintaining water retention functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular walls with couplers are used, then portability and assembly ease are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanisms are designed with universal functionality, where male and female couplers can connect any wall segments regardless of their specific position or orientation. This standardized interface allows the same coupling components to serve multiple connection purposes, increasing configurability while actually reducing the variety of unique parts needed, thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
All wall segments are designed with identical coupling mechanisms at their ends, creating a homogeneous interface standard throughout the system. This uniformity simplifies the overall design by eliminating the need for different connection types for different wall portions, making the system more versatile while keeping the coupling mechanism design consistent and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assembling a cofferdam. In a first example embodiment, a cofferdam may be assembled on-site using a plurality of walls that couple each other to form the cofferdam. In a second example embodiment, a plurality of walls and a plurality of connectors may be assembled to form the cofferdam. The walls and/or connectors disassembled for transport and/or storage, yet quickly assembled on-site to form the cofferdam. The panels and/or the connectors may form cofferdams of various shapes and sizes. The walls and/or connectors are made of a durable material that permits multiple uses. The cofferdam may be assembled to hold back the water of a body of water from around a culvert while work or repairs are performed.