Modular Lining System With Gasket-Free Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unlined earthen ditches suffer from significant water loss due to seepage, erosion, and maintenance challenges, with existing lining solutions being costly, inflexible, and not environmentally responsive.
Innovation Solution
A variable Manning coefficient liner system using injection molding with inverted structural channels and adjustable flushing strips, along with gasket-free connections and self-anchoring features, allows for flexible flow direction changes without the need for additional sealing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional lining materials like concrete or metal are used, then water loss is reduced, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lining system is divided into modular sections that can be easily transported and installed in segments. Each section includes integrated connection features that simplify assembly, eliminating the need for complex construction processes while maintaining water tightness and reducing overall installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible liner materials that can be installed as thin film structures rather than bulky rigid materials. These flexible shells conform to the ditch geometry and provide effective water loss prevention through their impermeable nature, while requiring minimal installation infrastructure.
2Strength
If rigid lining materials are used, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to terrain and flow direction changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lining system incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt to changing flow directions and terrain variations. The flexible yet structurally sound design enables the liner to bend and conform to angular changes in the ditch path while maintaining its structural integrity and water containment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections are designed with nested connection features that allow easy assembly and configuration for different flow directions. Each section can be oriented and connected to form various angles and directions, providing adaptability while maintaining structural strength through the nested interlocking mechanism.
3Reliability
If traditional joining methods with gaskets are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection features are merged directly into the liner material itself, eliminating the need for separate gaskets or sealing components. The integrated design provides effective sealing through the liner's own structural features, reducing device complexity and material requirements while maintaining reliable water tightness at joints.
4Loss of energy
If conventional lining installation methods are used, then water tightness is achieved, but maintenance and repair requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design allows individual sections to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the entire lining system. If a section deteriorates or requires repair, only that specific module needs to be accessed and replaced, significantly reducing maintenance difficulty and time compared to conventional continuous linings.
Data Source
AI summary
A lining system for a ditch or canal constructed with tight tolerances so a gasket is not required to connect liner channel sections. Each channel liner has a female slot on a first end and a male protrusion on a second end for adjoining channel liners. Flushing strips with male protrusions are installed in female slots in between channel beams. Flushing strips with variable Manning coefficients can be inserted based on a user's needs. Self-anchoring tabs can be inserted into anchoring slots on the outside of liner channels for anchoring the liner by soil compaction. Elbow sections can be used to change the direction of flow of the liquid. Elbow sections are adjoined to a liner channel similar to the adjoinment of in series channel liners to result in a desired angle for the change in direction.