Pivotable Downspout Extension Using Water Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downspout extensions require manual movement and reattachment, can be hazardous, and are often aesthetically unpleasing or costly to install, failing to automatically adjust their position based on water flow.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable downspout extension system comprising an adapter coupled to a fixed-position downspout, a bucket hingedly attached to the adapter, and an extension arm that pivots when water fills the bucket, automatically lowering to release water and returning to a vertical position when empty, using weight distribution and optional springs for automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a downspout extension is extended into the yard to release water at a distance, then water drainage effectiveness is improved, but it becomes a hazard when children are playing and obstructs the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The downspout extension is designed to be dynamically movable between an extended position for water drainage and a retracted position for safety. The extension arm can pivot about a fulcrum point, allowing it to extend into the yard when needed and retract when not in use, eliminating the static hazard of a permanently extended structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the weight of water itself to trigger the extension mechanism. When water accumulates in the bucket, its weight automatically causes the extension arm to pivot into the extended position, and when emptied, the arm returns to the retracted position without manual intervention.
2Area of stationary object
If a hinge-style downspout extension is used that can be manually folded against the downspout, then space obstruction is reduced, but manual actuation is required every time it needs to be moved
Solution Approach 1:
The downspout extension automatically actuates itself based on the presence or absence of water. The bucket mechanism uses water weight to trigger the pivot action, eliminating the need for manual folding or actuation by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback through the water weight mechanism. When water is present in the bucket, the increased weight triggers the extension arm to pivot outward. When the water is discharged, the weight decreases and the arm automatically returns to its stored position, creating a self-regulating system.
3Length of stationary object
If current downspout extensions are used, then water can be released farther out, but they require moving and reattaching while doing yardwork and are not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The extension arm is designed to pivot dynamically between extended and retracted positions about a fulcrum point on the downspout. This allows the extension to be readily deployed when needed and easily stored when not in use, eliminating the effort of moving and reattaching separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension mechanism is integrated with the downspout structure itself, with the bucket hingedly coupleable to the adapter on the downspout. This merging of the extension function with the downspout structure eliminates the need for separate attachment and detachment operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for automatic adjustment of the downspout extension's position based on water flow without obstructing the ground, reducing manual labor and installation costs, while maintaining a safe and aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
The bucket and the extension arm remain in a substantially vertical position until a sufficient amount of water enters the bucket so as to overcome the weight of a weight chamber of the bucket and move the bucket's center of gravity
Implementation Method 2
Once the water is released, the spring retracts, pulling the bucket and the extension arm back into the substantially vertical position
Data Source
AI summary
A pivotable downspout extension system includes an adapter coupleable to a fixed-position downspout, an extension arm pivotally coupled to the adapter, the extension arm having a housing having counterweight apertures, counterweights configured to be received within the counterweight apertures, and a water channel extending from the housing, the water channel forming a pocket where the water channel joins the housing. The water channel remains substantially vertical until water weight exceeds the weight of the counterweights and causes the water channel to pivot and release water.