Replacement Gutter Drain Telescoping Joint Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for replacing gutter drains in commercial pools often result in leaks due to gaps or require costly and damaging excavation, increasing time and expense while potentially causing collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A replacement gutter drain system featuring a removable cover, hopper, and drain tube with a secure joint design using PVC cement, allowing for installation without excavation by cutting and reattaching existing components to maintain a flush surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the top portion of the drain structure is cut and embedded in new surface material, then the drain top is flush with the increased gutter height, but gaps develop between the top portion and the remainder of the drain structure causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement drain tube is nested within the existing drain tube, creating a telescoping joint where the new tube fits inside the old tube. This nested configuration allows the drain to be raised to the new surface level while maintaining a continuous, leak-free connection through the overlapping tubular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain structure is divided into segments: the existing drain tube that remains in place and the new replacement drain tube that fits inside it. This segmentation allows the upper portion to be replaced and raised to the new surface level while the lower portion remains anchored, solving the conflict between achieving flush alignment and maintaining connection reliability.
2Shape
If excavation is performed to replace the entire drain structure, then a new gutter drain can be installed at the correct height, but time and cost increase and collateral damage to nearby tiles and structures may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Only the necessary upper portion of the drain structure that needs to be replaced is extracted and removed, while the lower portion of the drain tube that is properly positioned and functional is left in place. This selective extraction avoids the need for complete excavation and replacement, significantly reducing installation time and preventing collateral damage to surrounding structures.
3Shape
If excavation is performed to replace the entire drain structure, then a new gutter drain can be installed at the correct height, but cost increases and collateral damage to nearby tiles and structures may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Only the necessary upper portion of the drain structure that needs to be replaced is extracted and removed, while the lower portion of the drain tube that is properly positioned and functional is left in place. This selective extraction avoids the need for complete excavation and replacement, significantly reducing installation time and preventing collateral damage to surrounding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement is performed locally at the drain structure itself without affecting the surrounding gutter and pool surface. The new drain tube fits inside the existing tube, allowing the upper portion to be raised to the correct height while leaving the lower anchored portion undisturbed, thus avoiding collateral damage to nearby tiles and structures.
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 provides a leak-free, cost-effective, and time-efficient method for replacing gutter drains, ensuring a flush surface without damaging surrounding structures.
Implementation Method 1
A bonding agent, such as a PVC cement, joins the distal end of the replacement drain tube to the proximal end of the drain pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An original drain is removed from a pool gutter by cutting the joint where the drain tube joins the drain pipe. The remainder of the drain pipe is contained in a portion of the original drain tube. The replacement drain tube is inserted and bonded into the interior of the remaining drain pipe. A liquid flow path and reinforced joint are defined by the hopper of the replacement drain, original and replacement drain tubes, and the drain pipe. The top of the hopper of the replacement drain is tilted to about the slope of the gutter.