Slotted Drain Longitudinal Bar with Tool-Free Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slot inlets for drainage channels are difficult to maintain and clean due to complex mechanisms requiring multiple screw loosening and specialized tools, and they often become clogged with dirt, especially when the longitudinal bar is positioned halfway or in high and narrow configurations.
Innovation Solution
A slot inlet design featuring a detachable longitudinal bar element with support elements and latching mechanisms that allow for easy access and removal, using spacers for stability and spring shackles for secure positioning, enabling simple detachment with minimal tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a continuous screw secures the longitudinal bar element in its intended position, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because multiple screw loosening is required for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous screw fastening system is segmented into discrete, individually accessible support elements with independent latching mechanisms. Each support element can be independently engaged and disengaged, allowing the longitudinal bar to be removed by operating only the relevant support elements rather than loosening multiple screws sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
Latching elements serve as intermediary components between the longitudinal bar and the support elements. These latching elements provide a simple engagement mechanism that can be easily actuated to secure or release the longitudinal bar, eliminating the need for complex screw fastening and loosening operations.
2Ease of repair
If the longitudinal bar element is made detachable for cleaning, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional latching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are merged with the support elements, forming an integrated assembly where the latching function is built into the support structure itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate, complex latching mechanisms while maintaining the detachable functionality needed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching elements are designed to be easily actuated by the user without requiring specialized tools or complex operations. The support elements with latching mechanisms provide self-contained engagement and disengagement functionality, allowing the longitudinal bar to be quickly removed and reinstalled for cleaning purposes.
3Shape
If the slot inlet is designed with a narrow slot for aesthetic purposes, then the appearance is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the slot becomes clogged with dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal bar element is designed to be dynamically removable and repositionable. When the slot becomes clogged, the longitudinal bar can be easily detached and repositioned to clear the blockage, allowing the narrow aesthetically pleasing slot design to maintain both its appearance and its functionality without permanent modification.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Slotted covers (1) are frequently used in garden and landscape design because they conceal wide channels beneath significantly narrower inlet slots, thus minimizing visual impact on the visible surface. However, the tall, narrow slots can easily become clogged with dirt, even when a longitudinal bar (10) divides the slotted inlet (1) into two thin inlet slots in the center. It is therefore already known to design such longitudinal bars (10) to be removable in order to improve accessibility for cleaning. However, until now, this has required the use of special tools to open the slotted inlets. The present invention proposes a slotted inlet (1) that incorporates a longitudinal bar element (10) for easy, and if necessary, tool-free removal.This is achieved by means of support elements (11) arranged on both sides of the longitudinal bar element, which are supported on the side walls (3) of the slot inlet (1) and can be locked there with locking means (7, 8, 12, 13).