Nestable Wastewater Riser Sections with Self-Sealing Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional riser sections for wastewater treatment systems are not stackable or nestable, leading to high shipping costs and requiring additional fasteners for connection, which can be prone to corrosion and leakage.
Innovation Solution
Design of nestable or stackable riser sections with varying diameters and innovative connector assemblies that allow for self-locking and self-sealing connections without the need for screws, bolts, or other fasteners, enabling efficient shipping and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional riser sections are used, then structural strength is sufficient, but shipping costs increase due to non-stackability
Solution Approach 1:
The riser sections are designed with tapered ends allowing smaller diameter ends to nest inside larger diameter ends of adjacent sections. This nesting capability enables compact stacking during shipping and storage, significantly reducing transportation costs and space requirements while maintaining structural integrity during transit.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser system is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently manufactured and then assembled on-site. Each section maintains sufficient structural strength independently while the modular design enables efficient nesting and stacking, resolving the contradiction between structural requirements and shipping efficiency.
2Strength
If screws and bolts are used for connection, then structural strength is enhanced, but corrosion and leakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design removes traditional fasteners (screws, bolts, welds) from the connection system entirely. Instead, the riser sections utilize integrated mechanical interlocking features molded directly into the pipe ends, eliminating components that are prone to corrosion and failure while maintaining robust structural connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection features are merged directly into the riser section structure itself through injection molding. The interlocking mechanisms, sealing surfaces, and alignment features are all integrated as single-piece formations, eliminating separate fasteners and reducing potential failure points from corrosion and assembly errors.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fasteners are used for connection, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
All separate fasteners, seals, and gaskets are extracted from the connection system. The riser sections employ integrated molded features that provide both structural connection and sealing functions in a single assembly operation, dramatically simplifying the installation process while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser sections are designed with self-aligning and self-sealing features that automatically engage during assembly. The tapered ends guide alignment, while integrated gaskets and interlocking mechanisms create watertight seals without requiring additional components or complex assembly procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional riser sections are used, then structural strength is maintained, but manufacturing flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A single injection mold can produce riser sections with varying lengths, diameters, and wall thicknesses by simply changing the mold cavity dimensions. This universal manufacturing approach enables flexible production of different riser configurations while maintaining consistent structural strength through controlled material properties and design parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing system leverages parameter changes in the injection molding process (such as injection pressure, temperature, and cycle time) to produce riser sections with different structural characteristics from the same basic mold design, enabling versatile production while maintaining structural integrity through optimized processing parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A riser section having a generally tapered, e.g., frustoconical wall, the riser section having a first connector assembly at one end of the riser section and a second connector assembly at the other end of the riser section.