Plastic Infiltration Unit Integrated Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic infiltration units require manual installation of separate connectors, leading to high costs and time inefficiencies, and lack of integrated connectors compromises the structural stability of the system.
Innovation Solution
The integration of connectors directly into the top deck of the plastic infiltration units allows for automatic connection when units are aligned, reducing the number of parts needed and simplifying handling, thus enabling cost savings and improved installation efficiency without compromising structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate loose connectors are used to connect infiltration units, then the units can be connected together, but the installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is merged with the infiltration unit body, forming an integrated structure where the connector becomes an inherent part of the unit rather than a separate component. This eliminates the need for manual installation of separate connectors while maintaining connection reliability between units.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-installed and integrated into the infiltration unit during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when units are placed together during installation, the connectors are already in position to receive and secure adjacent units immediately, eliminating the need for separate connector installation steps.
2Reliability
If separate loose connectors are used, then connection is possible, but material costs and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector and infiltration unit are merged into a single integrated component. This reduces the total number of parts from multiple separate components (unit bodies plus separate connectors) to just the unit bodies with integrated connectors, simplifying material management and reducing handling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connector serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection between units, maintains lateral stability of the layer, and enables easy alignment during installation. By combining these functions into a single integrated feature, the system achieves structural stability without increasing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If no connectors are provided within infiltration units, then manufacturing is simpler, but lateral stability of the layer is severely compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector function is merged into the unit body structure itself. During the injection molding process, the connector is formed as an integral part of the unit, requiring no separate manufacturing steps or assembly operations. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing the necessary lateral stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The infiltration unit and connector are manufactured as a single composite structure using injection molding. This creates a unified component where the connector and unit body share the same material properties and structural integrity, ensuring both ease of manufacture and lateral stability.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a plastic infiltration unit comprising: a top deck which extends in a plane, at least one pillar extending from the top deck for supporting the top deck, wherein the top deck is provided with at least one integrated connector arranged to connect the plastic infiltration unit with another at least one integrated connector, of another plastic infiltration unit in a side by side arrangement.