Rotatable Gutter Downspout Diverter With Two-Piece Snap-Fit Joint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gutter downspout water diverters are often restricted in their directional capabilities and are overly complex or have too many parts, making them difficult to use effectively.

Innovation Solution

A water diverter system comprising an adapter with a radially protruding terminal lip and a rotatable curved pipe, where the pipe halves are connected via a snap fit, allowing for easy rotation and directional change of water flow without additional attachments or extensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional water diverters are used, then water flow direction can be changed, but the system becomes complex with too many parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater flow direction change capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adapter and curved pipe into a two-piece integrated system where the adapter includes an integrated channel that receives the curved pipe. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the ability to change water flow direction through the rotatable curved pipe component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different curved pipe configurations. The radially protruding terminal lip and surrounding channel create a multi-functional connection point that enables both structural support and rotational movement for directing water flow in multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional water diverters are used, then water flow can be diverted, but the system is restricted in directional capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional capabilitiesVSAvoiddifficulty of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The curved pipe is designed to be rotatable within the adapter's surrounding channel, creating a dynamic system that can adapt to different directional needs. This rotational capability allows the water flow direction to be changed easily without requiring multiple fixed installations or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple two-piece system is used, then ease of installation is improved, but connection tightness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidconnection tightness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter features a radially protruding terminal lip that creates a localized tight connection point within the surrounding channel. This local quality enhancement at the connection interface ensures water-tight sealing while maintaining the overall simplicity of the two-piece system for easy installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11668094B2Multi-directional gutter downspout system, and methods of making and using same

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 VITARELLI RONALD P

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a water diverter comprising an adapter having a first end portion configured to be mounted to a lower end section of a gutter downspout, and a second end portion, and a curved pipe rotatably attached to the second end portion. Methods of making and using the diverter, and corresponding systems, also are described.