Socket Gutter Joint With Catch Tongue for Leak-Proof Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gutter connection methods suffer from leakage due to poor fit between spigot and socket, especially in modern drainage systems, and lack of aesthetic appeal in architectural designs.
Innovation Solution
A gutter connection method using a catch tongue mechanism that allows for easy installation and secure fixing without visible fastening elements, utilizing a spigot end with a beveled edge and a catch tongue that clamps onto the rear edge of the second gutter, enhancing precision and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional socket type connectors are used for gutter connections, then the gutter system can be assembled, but leakage occurs due to poor fit between spigot and socket
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: a spigot end with embossing for the first gutter and a catch tongue for the second gutter. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall connection precision and tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot end is pre-formed with embossing parallel to the gutter trough plane, and the catch tongue is pre-positioned on the second gutter. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the gutters are connected, the embossed spigot end automatically engages with the catch tongue, eliminating the need for complex alignment operations and improving fit precision.
2Reliability
If traditional connectors with visible fastening elements are used, then secure connection is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from visible external elements and integrated into the gutter structure itself through the embossed spigot end and catch tongue mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate fastening components that would be visible from the outside, maintaining connection security while improving aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is merged with the gutter structure, where the embossed spigot end and catch tongue become integral parts of the gutter design rather than separate components. This integration allows the connection to be both secure and aesthetically pleasing, as the fastening elements are hidden within the gutter's own geometry.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex fastening mechanisms are used to secure gutters, then connection stability is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The embossed spigot end automatically engages with the catch tongue when the gutters are brought together, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism improves connection stability while simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot end and catch tongue are pre-formed during gutter manufacturing, so that when installation time arrives, the user simply needs to bring the two gutter sections together. The pre-prepared embossing and catch tongue engagement features automatically secure the connection without requiring complex assembly steps, improving both stability and ease of installation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3d
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
Gutter connector of gutters, in particular semicircular or square gutters, made of steel sheet of the socket type, characterized in that the mouth of the socket (2) of the first connected gutter R1 is flush with the outer plane of the gutter R1, and the second connected gutter R2 has a spigot end (1) of a certain length x1, constituting a section of the gutter trough, without a flange, embossed with embossing (6) parallel to the plane of the gutter trough R2, towards the inside of the trough by one gutter thickness R1 and R2, and a strip on the side of the socket (2) of length x 2=x 1 of the rear groove (5) of the first connected gutter R1 is separated by a cut-out (4) in the catch tongue (3) transversely to the gutter and, in the setting before assembly, left outside the area of the first combined gutter R1. A method for joining gutters, in particular made of sheet metal semicircular or square gutters, characterized in that the socket-type connection is used in which the outlet of the first connecting gutter R1 socket (2) is flush with the external surface of the gutter R1 trough, while in the second connected gutter R2, the spigot end (1) of some length x1 is separated and then deprived of the flange in this section of the gutter trough, and is then pressed (6) parallel to the plane of the gutter R2 trough, towards the inside of the trough, by one gutters R1 and R2 thickness, and a strip with a length of x2=x1 is separated from the side of the socket (2) from the rear flange (5b) of the first connected R1 gutter, connected by a transverse in relation to the gutter cut (4) into the hook tongue (3), which moves this tongue out of the first connected gutter R1 trough, and then the front edge (8a) of the spigot end (1) of the second connected gutter R2 is inserted frontally, with the second connected gutter R2 being inclined at an angle to the horizontal plane, into the frontal flange (5a) of the first connected gutter R1, mounted in the supporting hook of the first connected gutter H1 mounted on a rafter K, and having encountered resistance, the front edge (8a) of the spigot end (1) of the second connected gutter R2 resists against the front flange (5a) of the first connected gutter R1 and in the supporting hook of the second connected gutter H2 mounted on the rafter K and in relation to this line of constriction (7), rotates the second connecting gutter R2 towards the interior of the trough of the first connected gutter R1 until the rear edge (8b) of the spigot end (1) of the second connected gutter R2 is fixed below the catch tongue base (3) and then it clamps the catch tongue on this rear edge (8b).