Universal Baseplate Tabs for Multi-Size Drain Basin Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid runoff management systems face challenges with non-uniform parts that do not fit together, leading to increased labor, costs, and inefficiencies in assembly, particularly due to varying drain basin sizes and curb inlet designs.
Innovation Solution
A base plate with sets of tabs, including inside and outside tabs arranged in circular patterns, designed to accommodate different sizes of drain basins and inlet casting designs, allowing for a single base plate to be used across a range of applications, and optionally incorporating a reducing plate for further adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different base plates are used to accommodate various drain basin sizes and inlet casting designs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and the number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with multiple sets of tabs (first set, second set, third set) arranged at different positions and orientations, allowing a single universal base plate to accommodate various drain basin sizes and inlet casting designs. The first set of tabs engages with smaller drain basins, the second set with medium-sized basins, and the third set with larger basins, eliminating the need for multiple specialized base plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate incorporates adjustable tab configurations where tabs can be positioned or engaged differently depending on the specific application requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the same base plate structure to function with different drain basin diameters and inlet casting designs by selecting appropriate tab engagements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different base plates are used to accommodate various drain basin sizes and inlet casting designs, then adaptability is improved, but labor and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal base plate with multiple tab sets eliminates the need to select between different base plate models, reducing assembly decision time and simplifying the installation process. Workers can use the same base plate for various applications by simply engaging the appropriate tab set, significantly reducing assembly time compared to handling multiple specialized components.
3Device complexity
If a single base plate design is used for all applications, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different drain basin sizes and inlet casting designs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is segmented into multiple functional zones with different tab sets (first set, second set, third set) positioned at specific locations. Each tab set is designed to engage with specific ranges of drain basin sizes or inlet casting designs, allowing the single base plate to function as multiple specialized components would normally require.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate utilizes spatial arrangement in two dimensions (radial and circumferential positions of tab sets) to provide adaptability. By positioning tab sets at different radii and angles, the design accommodates various drain basin diameters and inlet casting configurations without requiring multiple base plate models, effectively adding dimensional versatility to a single component.
4Manufacturing precision
If custom base plates are manufactured for each specific application, then connection precision is improved, but manufacturing costs and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal base plate maintains precise connection capabilities across multiple applications through its multiple tab sets, each designed with specific geometries for accurate engagement. This eliminates the need for custom manufacturing for each application, as the single universal design provides factory-prepared precision connections for various drain basin and inlet casting configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate incorporates tabs with varying parameters (different lengths, positions, and orientations across the three sets) to achieve precise connections with different drain basin sizes and inlet casting designs. By changing tab parameters within a single base plate design, the system maintains manufacturing precision without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid runoff systems, methods, and apparatus for processing fluid runoff are provided. In one implementation, a base plate for receiving an inlet casting at a drain basin may be provided. The base plate may include a flat surface with an aperture and an outside edge surrounding the flat surface; a raised lip may surround the outside edge and a flange may extend in a horizontal direction away from the raised lip. The flange may define a flat surface for an inlet casting. The base plate may further include one or more sets of tabs located on the underside of the plate. In another implementation, a fluid runoff system may comprise an inlet casting, a base plate, a drain basin, and a pipe. The base plate may include one or more sets of tabs for connecting with the drain basin.