Stackable Multi-Part Gutter Stepped Joining Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting individual parts of a multi-part plug-in drainage channel to form a stable and sealed connection is challenging due to large component tolerances, requiring sophisticated connection technology that minimizes tool and assembly effort while ensuring security.
Innovation Solution
The use of a stepped joining technique with catch guides that restrict relative mobility of side wall parts to the trough part, followed by a snap connection for secure attachment, and additional features like index projections and sealing strips for correct positioning and leak-proofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual parts of the drainage channel are connected to form a stable and sealed connection, then connection security is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to large component tolerances requiring sophisticated connection technology
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple functional elements: guide elements for initial alignment, locking elements for securing, and sealing elements for waterproofing. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall connection process while maintaining high reliability despite tolerance variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide elements act as intermediaries between the connection parts, facilitating initial alignment and guiding the locking and sealing elements into their correct positions. This intermediary mechanism compensates for tolerance variations and enables straightforward assembly without requiring complex alignment procedures.
2Reliability
If sophisticated connection technology is used to ensure secure connection, then connection security is improved, but tool and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The guide elements automatically guide the locking elements into place, and the sealing elements are automatically positioned and compressed upon assembly. This eliminates the need for complex tools or specialized assembly skills, reducing assembly effort while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements perform preliminary alignment and positioning actions before the actual locking and sealing occur. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent connection steps can proceed automatically without requiring additional tools or complex maneuvers, significantly reducing assembly effort.
3Volume of stationary object
If modular design is used to reduce storage and transport volume, then storage efficiency is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to large component tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements, locking elements, and sealing elements are integrated in a nested manner within the modular components. This nested design allows the connection system to be compact during storage and transport while maintaining its full functionality during assembly, ensuring connection reliability is not compromised by the modular design.
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
Facilitates easy assembly of side wall parts with the trough part into a secure, sealed connection, accommodating dimensional deviations and ensuring stability and leak-tightness, while allowing for efficient connection and disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
a snap connection for secure attachment
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~14
AI summary
The channel has a U-shaped trough portion (2) with a sole whose both sides are limited by wall flanges (13). Two side wall portions (3) are plugged on the wall flanges reciprocally such that the side wall portions form U-shaped drainage channel main portion in the trough portion. The side wall portions are connected to the trough portion by stepped joining such that the side wall portions are guided in degrees of freedom of relative movement with respect to the trough portion and is locked in connection location.