Modular Replaceable Slot Tube for Drainage Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drainage slot tube systems for transport structures are impractical for replacing damaged tubes without disassembling the entire system, as damaged sections are often caused by heavy machinery, frost, and chemical substances, leading to water leakage and economic inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A replaceable slot tube system composed of a central segment, two end segments, and two closing segments, allowing for individual replacement of damaged sections by fitting and sealing the new parts to maintain a waterproof joint, with screws and nuts for secure attachment and minimal disruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the entire slotted trough system is disassembled to replace a damaged slot tube, then the damaged tube can be replaced, but the replacement process becomes extremely difficult and economically non-acceptable due to the large length expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplaceability of damaged slot tubeVSAvoiddisassembly of entire slotted trough system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slot tube is divided into a modular system consisting of a central segment, two end segments, and two closing segments. The central segment contains the spillway profile and can be independently replaced, while the end segments with sockets and closing segments form reusable connection elements. This segmentation allows replacement of only the damaged central portion without disassembling the entire slotted trough system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If a damaged slot tube is replaced by disassembling the entire slotted trough system, then the replacement can be done, but the replacement length expands from 4m to tens or hundreds of meters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement of damaged slot tubeVSAvoidreplacement length
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The slot tube is divided into a modular system consisting of a central segment, two end segments, and two closing segments. The central segment contains the spillway profile and can be independently replaced, while the end segments with sockets and closing segments form reusable connection elements. This segmentation allows replacement of only the damaged central portion without disassembling the entire slotted trough system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If local reinstating is performed on damaged slot tubes, then the replacement can be executed without full disassembly, but the original condition is not guaranteed and procedures must be repeated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal reinstating of damaged slot tubeVSAvoidreversion to original condition
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The slot tube is divided into a modular system consisting of a central segment, two end segments, and two closing segments. The central segment contains the spillway profile and can be independently replaced, while the end segments with sockets and closing segments form reusable connection elements. This segmentation allows replacement of only the damaged central portion without disassembling the entire slotted trough system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The central segment is manufactured as a precise copy of the original slot tube section with identical spillway profile dimensions and characteristics. This ensures that the replaced section exactly replicates the original design specifications, guaranteeing reversion to the original condition and eliminating the need for repeated reinstating procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Ease of repair

If the slot tube is made as a one-piece blockstone structure, then the structure is simple and strong, but the damaged tube cannot be replaced individually

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual replacement of damaged slot tubeVSAvoidmodular structure with multiple segments
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slot tube is divided into a modular system consisting of a central segment, two end segments, and two closing segments. The central segment contains the spillway profile and can be independently replaced, while the end segments with sockets and closing segments form reusable connection elements. This segmentation allows replacement of only the damaged central portion without disassembling the entire slotted trough system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end segments are pre-fitted with sockets and the closing segments are pre-prepared with connection elements during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces enables quick and easy assembly when replacing the central segment, eliminating the need for complex field modifications or custom fabrication work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2065516B1Replaceable outlet slot tube and the method of its replacement
Publication Date: 2016.07.27 CS BETON
  • EP2065516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2065516B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2E
  • EP2065516B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3F

AI summary

The replaceable slot tube is formed by the central segment /1/, two end segments /2/ and /3/, and two closing segments /4/ while the central segment /1/ is made with a section of the original exit slot tube but always shorter than the original slot tube by the length of two end segments /2/ and /3/ while the central segment /1/ is fitted at its both faces with connecting flange /5/ and the end segments /2/ and /3/ are made with the same section as the exit slot tube while a recess is made on one side of each end segment /2/ and /3/ into which engages the closing segment /4/ that is mounted to the end segment /2/ or /3/, and all the parts as a whole form the final inner and outer shape corresponding to the original drainage slot tube.