Outdoor Equipment Support Platform With Drainage Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor equipment, such as air conditioning units, suffer damage from water accumulation and wind-induced instability due to inadequate support and drainage in existing platforms during heavy rainfall and hurricanes.
Innovation Solution
A support platform with a water-resistant design featuring intersecting horizontal and vertical channels on the upper side to direct water away and apertures for secure fastening, along with a recessed lower side for uneven ground adjustment, providing effective drainage and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a solid platform surface is used to support outdoor equipment, then the equipment is stable and secure, but water accumulates on the platform causing damage during heavy rainfall
Solution Approach 1:
The platform surface is segmented into multiple channels that divide and direct water flow away from the equipment. These channels create a segmented drainage system that maintains structural integrity while preventing water accumulation, resolving the contradiction between stability and water damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the platform have different functions: areas with equipment have solid stable surfaces, while other areas have channels for water drainage. This local differentiation allows the platform to provide both stability for equipment and effective water management, preventing water accumulation damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If drainage channels are added to the platform to prevent water accumulation, then water damage is reduced, but the platform structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage channels are merged into the platform structure itself rather than being separate components. This integration allows the platform to provide both support and drainage functions through a unified structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective water damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for equipment, creates drainage channels for water management, and maintains stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate drainage structures, simplifying the overall system while preventing water accumulation damage.
3Reliability
If fastening mechanisms are added to secure equipment during wind, then equipment stability in high wind is improved, but the platform requires more apertures and fastening points increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed with pre-positioned apertures at optimal locations for fastening equipment before installation. This preliminary planning allows for secure wind resistance without requiring complex on-site modifications, maintaining reliability while controlling complexity through advance design.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the platform is designed to be level for stability, then equipment placement is stable, but it cannot adapt to uneven ground surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates adjustable elements that allow it to dynamically adapt to uneven ground surfaces while maintaining a level top surface for equipment stability. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between levelness and adaptability by allowing the platform to conform to various ground conditions.
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
The platform effectively prevents water accumulation and secures outdoor equipment, reducing damage from rain and wind by facilitating quick water drainage and secure fastening, ensuring the equipment remains stable during inclement weather.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of channels 13 are configured to guide liquid away from the upper side 12 towards a support surface
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor equipment support platform. The outdoor support platform includes an upper side that can support outdoor equipment thereon, such as an air conditioning unit. A plurality of channels are disposed on the upper side of the support platform that guide liquid away from the upper side of the platform to a support surface. The plurality of channels define a plurality of unrecessed portions. At least four of the plurality of unrecessed portions are located at a perimeter of the platform. At least one aperture is disposed on the upper side to receive a fastener therethrough.