Modular Sump Pump Crock With Interlocking Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sump pumps are often too large to fit in confined spaces, such as crawlspaces, and lack adequate structural integrity and water flow management features.
Innovation Solution
A modular sump pump crock design with separable components, featuring an octagonal body with parallel flanges for stability, perforated sidewalls for water flow, and a removable lid with a drainage system, allowing for easy assembly and enhanced structural integrity and water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional sump pumps are used, then water pumping function is provided, but the device is too large to fit in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The crock is divided into multiple separable portions that can be assembled on-site. This segmentation allows the components to be transported separately through narrow access paths and then assembled in the confined crawlspace location, resolving the contradiction between compact final size and ease of installation in confined spaces
2Strength
If the crock body is made as a single piece, then structural integrity is improved, but transport and assembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The crock body is segmented into multiple portions connected by interlocking mechanisms with tabs and openings. These portions can be manufactured separately, transported easily, and then assembled on-site using the interlocking connection system, which maintains structural integrity while enabling easy transport and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The separable portions are designed to nest within each other during transport, with smaller portions fitting inside larger ones. This nesting arrangement minimizes transport volume and protects the components during handling, while allowing easy separation and assembly at the installation location
3Strength
If solid sidewalls are used, then structural strength is improved, but water flow management is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewalls feature localized perforations distributed across their surfaces. These perforations create selective permeability zones that allow water infiltration where needed while maintaining overall structural strength. The local quality modification enables the sidewalls to simultaneously provide structural support and water management functionality
4Reliability
If fixed lid design is used, then sealing performance is improved, but accessibility for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed as a removable component rather than a fixed attachment. This dynamic design allows the lid to be easily removed for pump maintenance and inspection, then reinstalled to restore the sealing function. The removable nature provides maintenance accessibility while the proper installation maintains sealing performance
Data Source
AI summary
A sump pump crock includes a body including a first portion and a second portion separate from the first portion. The first portion includes one of a tab and an opening, and the second portion includes the other of the tab and the opening. The tab is received in the opening to secure the first portion to the second portion. The body defines a base, a plurality of sidewalls, and a top opening, and a plurality of flanges extend around an outer perimeter of the body. The sump pump crock includes a removeable lid that covers the top opening.