Pointed Lugs for Impermeable Fabric Alignment in Water Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water evacuation systems face challenges in securely fastening impermeable fabrics due to obscured securing holes, which complicates the positioning and fitting of the hoop, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring pointed lugs on the bowl's perimeter edge and corresponding guide and through holes in the hoop allows for automatic alignment and secure fastening of the hoop to the bowl, even when securing holes are not visible, enabling quick and error-free installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the impermeable fabric is spread over the bowl, then the fabric coverage is achieved, but the securing holes become obscured and cannot be located
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pointed lugs as an intermediary element that protrude through the impermeable fabric to indicate the location of securing holes. These lugs serve as a visual and tactile mediator between the obscured holes and the installer, allowing accurate positioning of the hoop without requiring direct visibility of the holes themselves.
2Ease of operation
If traditional friction-based securing is used, then the installation process is simple, but the fabric immobilization is minimal and insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system is segmented into distinct functional components: the hoop structure, the pointed lugs for positioning, the securing holes for attachment, and the screws for fastening. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently, combining the simplicity of a hoop structure with the reliability of mechanical fastening through screws.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning of the hoop is attempted, then alignment with securing holes is required, but time is lost due to sizing up and potential errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pointed lugs are pre-positioned on the bowl at the exact locations where securing holes exist. This preliminary action of having the lugs already in place eliminates the need for manual measurement and positioning during installation. The lugs automatically guide the hoop to the correct position, ensuring precise alignment without time loss.
4Device complexity
If the hoop is designed without guide features, then the structure remains simple, but automatic positioning is not achieved and errors are possible
Solution Approach 1:
The pointed lugs serve multiple functions: they indicate the location of securing holes, guide the positioning of the hoop, and provide a reference for alignment. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve automatic positioning without significantly increasing structural complexity, as the same lugs perform several critical roles in the installation process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device consists of a bowl (1) which presents a perimeter edge (2) in which are arranged a set of pointed lugs (3) and a series of securing holes (4). For its part, a hoop (5) presents a set of guide holes (6) coinciding with the pointed lugs (3), and a series of through holes (7) coinciding with the securing holes (4). Once the bowl (1) is secured to the ground, an impermeable fabric (8) is spread over it and is pressed down, so that the pointed lugs (3) traverse it and become visible. The hoop (5) is positioned by introducing the pointed lugs (3) into the guide holes (6) and locating the screws (9) which traverse the through holes (7) of the hoop (5) and become firmly tightened in the securing holes (4) of the perimeter edge (2), permitting the hoop (5) to clasp the impermeable fabric (8). Finally, part of the impermeable fabric (8) is detached along the cutting line (10) in order to allow the passage of water.