Stackable Riser Interlock Mechanism for Underground Load Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable riser sections and covers face challenges in withstanding vertical, horizontal, and rotational forces due to soil characteristics and overhead traffic, requiring enhanced load-carrying capabilities and manufacturing reliability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a hollow cylindrical sidewall with a blunt end and channel end configuration, featuring vertical support bosses, slotted middle walls, and projections to ensure a snug fit and distribute loads effectively, along with a cover that secures to the top riser section using a similar interlocking mechanism for enhanced structural integrity and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional riser section designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but load-carrying capacity and structural integrity under vertical, horizontal, and rotational forces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The riser section is divided into distinct functional segments: a blunt end with flat annular edge surface for stacking, channel ends with slotted walls for interlocking, vertical support bosses for load distribution, and seal grooves for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity under multiple loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel end features nested wall structures where the slotted middle wall is positioned within the outer wall, creating concentric channels. The seal groove is nested within the channel structure, and the support bosses are nested within the wall thickness. This nested configuration maximizes structural strength within the available wall thickness without excessive external dimensions.
2Reliability
If simpler interlocking mechanisms are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but sealing reliability and structural integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blunted end and channel end configuration provide self-aligning and self-locking characteristics. The flat annular edge surfaces guide proper stacking alignment, while the slotted wall channels automatically engage with adjacent risers to form interlocked joints. The seal grooves self-compress sealing elements during assembly, ensuring reliable sealing without requiring additional sealing components or complex assembly procedures.
3Strength
If wall thickness is increased to improve strength, then load-carrying capacity increases, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure employs varying local thickness and reinforcement at critical locations. The slotted middle wall provides enhanced strength where needed for load transfer, while the seal groove area is optimized for sealing function. The support bosses are strategically positioned to provide local reinforcement for vertical load bearing. This localized quality enhancement achieves superior overall strength without uniformly increasing material usage throughout the entire structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable riser section having a single side wall having a first open end defined by an edge and a second open, channel end. The riser section includes a plurality of bosses extending to the first open end and connected to an interior surface of the sidewall by narrow webs. A channel, on the channel end of one riser is adapted to receive the bosses of a mated riser. A wall defining the boss receiving channel has a plurality of slots with at least a portion defined by parallel edges. The slots receive the webs that connect the bosses to the riser sidewall. The bosses are wider than the portion of the slots defined by the parallel edges. The slotted wall includes thickened wedge portions to snugly fit with the first open end of another riser section. A cover is disclosed that includes the same channel end to coact with the first open end of a riser section.