Modular Drainage Pipe Sections with Electrofusion Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage pipe technologies face challenges in efficient on-site assembly, speed of installation, and safety due to on-site fabrication, which can lead to increased risk of errors and reduced efficiency during installation, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular drainage pipes composed of prefabricated sections with radially inward shoulders and a channel, where sections are sealed together using electrofusion and guided by cars for alignment, allowing for off-site assembly and quick on-site installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If drainage pipes are formed on-site with poured concrete and clay channels, then the pipe can be customized to fit specific site conditions, but the installation time increases and the risk of errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage pipe is divided into multiple modular sections that can be pre-fabricated off-site and then assembled on-site. Each section includes pre-formed shoulders and channel structures, allowing rapid assembly while maintaining adaptability through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe sections are pre-fabricated with shoulders and channels formed before arrival at the construction site. This preliminary formation of structural features eliminates time-consuming on-site construction while ensuring consistent quality and reducing installation errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drainage pipes are formed on-site with poured concrete, then the pipe can be adapted to specific requirements, but the safety risks increase due to work in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pipe into pre-fabricated modular sections, the hazardous on-site concrete pouring work is eliminated. The sections are manufactured in controlled off-site environments, significantly reducing safety risks associated with working in confined underground spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
All structural formation work is completed preliminarily off-site before the sections are transported to the installation location. This transfers the work from hazardous confined spaces to safe controlled manufacturing environments, while the modular design maintains adaptability to site requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional on-site pipe formation methods are used, then the pipe can be customized, but the efficiency during installation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into standardized modular sections that can be rapidly assembled on-site. This segmentation enables parallel preparation of multiple sections and simplifies installation to primarily connection operations, dramatically improving installation efficiency while maintaining customization through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
All complex formation operations are performed preliminarily during off-site manufacturing. The sections arrive at the site ready for assembly, transforming the installation process from slow on-site construction to rapid modular assembly, thereby significantly enhancing productivity.
4Productivity
If pipe sections are prefabricated off-site, then installation speed increases, but the complexity of joining sections together increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joining system is segmented into simple male and female connection features that are integrated into each modular section. These standardized connection elements enable rapid assembly through straightforward mechanical engagement, maintaining high installation speed while controlling complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection features are merged into the basic structure of each pipe section during manufacturing. By integrating the joining mechanisms directly into the modular sections rather than adding separate complex connection devices, the solution achieves rapid assembly without excessive complexity.
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
This solution enables faster and safer installation by allowing complete prefabrication of pipe sections off-site, reducing on-site errors and minimizing the need for underground work, while ensuring efficient water flow and maintenance through adjustable channel width and alignment assistance.
Implementation Method 1
The sections may be sealed together by electrofusion.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe for drainage of fluid (1), in particular water, comprises a plurality of hollow and open ended pipe sections (2), each comprising opposing open ends (3), each for engagement with an end (3) of another of the sections (2) and a pair of shoulder portions (4). The shoulder portions (4) are angularly separated to form a channel (5) therebetween. Each section (2) has at least one male/female mating portion (6) on a shoulder portion (4) for engagement with (a) complementary mating portion(s) on another section.