Low Profile Downspout Extension with Pentagon Splash Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downspout extensions often restrict water flow and require internal reinforcement, and they do not effectively connect to different downspout sizes or transition seamlessly into low profile conduents below landscaping without constricting the flow.
Innovation Solution
A low profile downspout extension with vertically oriented side ribs and a pentagonal cross-section, featuring a central bead for strength and a flexible design that allows telescoping and connection to various downspout sizes, transitioning into a low profile conduit without internal reinforcement, and includes a splash block component for directing water away from buildings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a downspout extension is made with a low profile configuration to fit below landscaping, then it provides aesthetic appeal and proper water diversion, but it requires internal reinforcement to maintain structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The downspout extension uses an asymmetric pentagonal cross-section with a flat bottom and sloped sides, where the geometry itself provides structural strength without requiring additional internal reinforcement. The asymmetric shape distributes stress more effectively than a symmetric circular or rectangular section would in a low-profile configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or rounded corners in the pentagonal cross-section rather than sharp angles, and uses a generally curved flow path from inlet to outlet. These curved elements distribute stress more evenly and prevent stress concentration points, maintaining structural integrity without reinforcement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the downspout extension transitions from circular to rectangular cross-section, then it connects to different downspout sizes and low profile conduits, but it may restrict water flow during the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The transition section features locally varied cross-sectional dimensions that gradually change from circular to pentagonal/rectangular. The transition is not abrupt but occurs over a extended length with continuously varying dimensions, maintaining adequate flow area throughout the transition zone and preventing flow restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions between cross-sectional shapes by varying dimensions in multiple directions simultaneously - the cross-section evolves from circular to a pentagonal form with different side lengths and angles. This multi-dimensional transition approach maintains flow capacity while achieving shape change.
3Strength
If vertically oriented side ribs are added to the low profile portion, then structural strength is improved without internal reinforcement, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical ribs are integrated directly into the molding process of the downspout extension body, rather than being added as separate components. The ribs form as part of the single-piece molded structure, eliminating the need for additional assembly steps or separate manufacturing processes for the reinforcement elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A low profile downspout extension is formed in multiple segments including a flexible conduit, a splash block and an extension. The splash block transitions from a circular inlet into a low profile pentagon configuration with a central bead along the top surface of the low profile body portion to define an apex of the pentagon shape. The body portion is wider than the diameter of the circular inlet but has a height at the central bead that is more than half the diameter of the circular inlet. The body portion has ribbed side walls to strengthen the splash block without requiring internal reinforcement. The bottom surface of the splash block defines a flow path that extends generally linearly from the bottom of the inlet opening to the bottom of the pentagon-shaped outlet. An open configuration for the splash block provides an alternative above-ground splash pad structure.