Modular Eavestrough Debris Guard with Interlocking Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eavestrough debris guards face challenges in custom installation, misalignment, and debris passage, which can lead to clogging and contamination of rainwater, especially in rainwater harvesting systems.
Innovation Solution
A debris guard design featuring a frame with mesh and connector structures that are easily assembled and aligned, with adjustable mesh supports and engagement mechanisms to prevent debris entry while allowing water flow, and optional heater channels for ice prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom installation is performed to match building eavestrough layout, then debris blocking effectiveness is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The debris guard is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently manufactured and then assembled on-site. Each section contains standardized connection features that simplify installation while maintaining the ability to customize the overall layout to match building eavestrough configurations, thereby reducing installation time without compromising debris blocking effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The debris guard design incorporates universal connection mechanisms and standardized components that can be used across different building configurations. This allows the same basic module to serve multiple functions and adapt to various eavestrough layouts without requiring custom fabrication for each installation, reducing both time and complexity
2Reliability
If custom installation is performed to match building eavestrough layout, then debris blocking effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the debris guard into standardized modules with uniform connection interfaces, the system reduces installation complexity. Workers can assemble different combinations of the same basic modules to achieve custom layouts without dealing with complex fabrication processes, maintaining debris blocking effectiveness while simplifying the installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows configuration parameters (length, angle, orientation) to be changed by simply assembling different numbers and arrangements of standard modules, rather than customizing the entire structure. This maintains adaptability to various building layouts while reducing the complexity of the installation process
3Reliability
If pieces are aligned precisely to avoid gaps, then debris blocking effectiveness is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Connection features such as interlocking joints, guide rails, or alignment pins are pre-integrated into the modular sections during manufacturing. These preliminary built-in features automatically guide proper alignment when modules are assembled, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment adjustments while ensuring gap-free installation for effective debris blocking
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized connection elements act as intermediaries between modular sections, providing built-in alignment references and gap control. These intermediary components ensure that pieces join precisely without requiring extensive manual alignment work, thereby maintaining debris blocking effectiveness while reducing installation time
4Productivity
If gaps exist between pieces, then installation speed is improved, but debris passage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Overlapping edges or interlocking connection features are pre-designed into the modular sections, creating a gap-free joint automatically upon assembly. This preliminary structural design ensures that rapid installation does not compromise the continuity of the debris barrier, maintaining both installation speed and debris blocking effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Adjacent modular sections are designed to overlap or interlock, merging their coverage areas to eliminate gaps. This combining approach allows quick assembly while ensuring continuous debris blocking, as the overlapping regions naturally fill any potential gaps without requiring additional alignment time
Data Source
AI summary
A debris guard for installation on an eavestrough is disclosed. The debris guard including a frame with a back side, a front side, a length and two ends. The frame having a water collection portion between the front side and the back side that extends along the length of the frame, the water collection portion having a plurality of holes to allow rainwater to pass through. The frame having a connector engagement structure that extends outward from a surface of the water collection portion, the connector engagement structure being shaped and/or sized to attach with a connector for joining pieces or lengths of the frame together.