Trench Drain Alignment Bracket for Precise Section Joining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of trench drain systems is time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment of interconnected channel sections, which is crucial for proper operation and aesthetic appeal, but current methods lack efficient mechanisms for maintaining alignment during the installation process.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an alignment bracket system that includes rails secured by fasteners and slots, allowing for precise alignment and connection of adjacent trench drain sections, ensuring the grates are co-planar and securely fastened, facilitating easier and faster installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional connection methods (flanges, connectors, tongue and groove) are used to join trench drain sections, then the structural connection is achieved, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment brackets as intermediary components that facilitate precise alignment between adjacent trench drain sections. These brackets act as mediators during the connection process, providing built-in alignment features (such as guide pins fitting into alignment holes) that automatically establish proper positioning. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for manual alignment measurements and adjustments, directly resolving the contradiction by making the connection process both structurally sound and alignment-efficient
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment brackets are pre-installed on the trench drain sections before final assembly. The brackets come with pre-drilled alignment holes and guide pins that are already in position, preparing the sections for rapid alignment during installation. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates time-consuming field measurements and adjustments, directly addressing the productivity-time contradiction
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is manually monitored and maintained during installation, then proper operation and aesthetic appearance are ensured, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment brackets are designed with self-aligning features including guide pins that automatically fit into corresponding alignment holes, and built-in level surfaces that self-level during installation. The connection components themselves incorporate alignment guidance, allowing the system to self-align without external measurement tools or complex procedures. This self-service mechanism achieves high precision while eliminating process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment holes and guide pins are positioned asymmetrically on the alignment brackets and connection components. This asymmetric positioning creates a unique fit that automatically guides the sections into correct alignment - only one specific orientation allows the guide pins to engage with the alignment holes. This asymmetric design ensures precise alignment through the geometry itself, rather than requiring symmetric measurement and adjustment procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A trench drain section for connecting to a mating trench drain section and forming a trench drain system. The trench drain section includes a trough having sidewalls connected by a bottom wall and cooperating to define a channel. The trough further includes an open top, an open end and is connectable to another trench drain section. A pair of rails extend along the sidewalls and are secured by fasteners. Extending over the open top, a grate is supported on the rails. The drain section also includes an alignment bracket having first and second portions that are individually connectable with one of the fasteners. When one of first and second portions is connected with one of the fasteners, the other the portions of the alignment bracket extends from the trough through the open end thereof and is available for connecting to another trench drain section.