Modular Fertilization Grate with Tongue and Groove Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage grate systems are not easily expansible or configurable to accommodate vehicle and foot traffic while also allowing particulate materials to be washed into an adjacent fertilization pit for plant sustenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular fertilization grate system with tongue and groove interconnecting components, including straight linear sections, angled corner pieces, and linear joints, that can be assembled without tools and allows for drainage and fertilization access through arcuate and circular apertures, enabling easy installation in concrete surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional drainage grate system is used, then it can accommodate foot or vehicle traffic, but it cannot easily be expanded or configured to provide drainage and fertilization access into a pit
Solution Approach 1:
The grate system is divided into multiple individual components including straight sections, corner pieces, and circular sections that can be assembled in different configurations. Each component has standardized interlocking features that simplify assembly while enabling versatile arrangements around pits of various sizes and shapes, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a modular grate system with interconnecting components is used, then it can be easily assembled without tools, but it must still provide sufficient support for vehicle and foot traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the grate components with an underlying trough structure that provides both structural support for traffic loads and the functional drainage/fertilization channels. This merging of support and functional elements allows the modular assembly to achieve both ease of installation and adequate strength without requiring complex fastening systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the grate system includes multiple components for drainage and fertilization, then it can allow water and particulate materials to reach plant roots, but it increases the number of parts requiring assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The trough components serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, create drainage pathways through integrated apertures, form fertilization chambers, and enable particle transport to roots. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
4Ease of manufacture
If the trough components are made with interlocking features for easy assembly, then assembly requires minimal tools, but the manufacturing precision of the interlocking features must be high
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking features utilize localized geometric shapes (such as tapered edges and complementary profiles) that are concentrated in specific areas of each component. This allows manufacturing precision to be focused on these critical local zones rather than requiring high precision across the entire component, facilitating tool-free assembly while maintaining manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fertilization system that finds particular use within a paved surface. The invention allows the root structure of a plant or tree to be hydrated and fertilized by way of an expansible and configurable trough and grate assembly. The trough includes a number of different components that fit together with a tongue and groove interconnection. The trough includes drainage apertures that allow water to run through the grate and into an associated fertilization pit.