Modular Drainage Trench with Permeable Grid Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trench systems for surface water management are limited by their inability to be walked on or inspected, have low load-bearing capacity due to injection-molded thermoplastic materials, and are inefficient for transportation due to fixed volume and weight.
Innovation Solution
A trench body composed of interconnected metal or concrete frame elements and cover elements, allowing for assembly into a framework architecture that can be transported compactly and features a water-permeable cover with geotextile material, enabling walk-in inspection and improved load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If injection-molded thermoplastic system elements are used to form the trench body, then the trench can be assembled from standardized components, but the load-bearing capacity is limited and inspection is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The trench body is divided into modular frame elements that can be assembled in different configurations. Each frame element consists of profile sections that can be connected to form the trench structure, allowing both standardized assembly and structural flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction by combining frame elements (metal or concrete profiles) with filling material (soil, gravel, or other backfill). This composite structure achieves high load-bearing capacity while maintaining modular assembly capabilities, overcoming the limitations of single-material injection-molded elements.
2Ease of manufacture
If injection-molded thermoplastic system elements are used to form the trench body, then the trench can be assembled from standardized components, but inspection and walking on the trench is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure is designed with locally differentiated properties: certain areas have open grid patterns allowing access and inspection, while other areas provide solid covering. This localized variation in cover design enables both protection and inspection capabilities within the same trench structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame elements and covers are designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, water infiltration, and inspection access. The same modular components that form the trench body also provide pathways for inspection, eliminating the need for separate inspection mechanisms.
3Productivity
If complete trench bodies are transported to the construction site, then the trench is ready for immediate use, but transportation costs and space requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The trench body is segmented into compact frame elements that can be transported efficiently. These elements are designed to nest or stack during transportation, significantly reducing the volume required for transport while maintaining the capability to assemble into a complete trench structure at the construction site.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a solid cover is placed on the trench body, then soil penetration is prevented, but water permeability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover elements are designed with a grid or lattice structure that provides porosity. This porous design allows water to pass through while the frame structure and optional geotextile materials prevent soil particles from penetrating into the trench, simultaneously achieving both soil protection and water permeability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The ditch has a ditch body comprising supporting units, which are connected with each other. Each supporting unit is a frame unit (1), which comprises profiles (2, 3) that are connected together, where the profiles are designed in a bar shaped manner. A covering unit is attached on a section of the ditch body, where the covering unit is a gitter plate. A geo textile material is applied on the gitter plate. A pipe section is arranged in an inner side of the body. The profiles are made of plastic i.e. thermosetting plastic.