Utility Trench Component Sets for Pipe Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component sets for utility trenches are expensive, complex, and lack versatility, often leading to slippage of pipes and conduits due to strained connections, and require additional support components for new installations, causing delays and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

Easily assembled, low-cost component sets with channel-shaped metal uprights and connecting members that maintain parallel relationships between sheet metal side panels during concrete pouring and support various pipe sizes, allowing easy addition of new pipes and conduits without additional support engineering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional component sets are used to support pipes and conduits in utility trenches, then initial installation is achieved, but connections become strained leading to slippage and require additional support components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidnumber of support components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into modular components: uprights with multiple attachment points, connecting members that bridge between uprights, and pipe clamp brackets that attach to the structure. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple pipes at different locations without requiring a complete redesign or additional support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The uprights and connecting members are designed with multiple attachment points and channel-shaped cross-sections that can accommodate various pipe sizes and types using standard pipe clamp brackets. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized support components for different pipe configurations, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing component sets are used, then initial utility trench formation is achieved, but adding new pipes and conduits requires additional support engineering and causes installation delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adding new pipesVSAvoidinstallation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The uprights and connecting members are installed during the initial utility trench formation, creating a pre-established support framework. This preliminary action ensures that when new pipes need to be added later, the support structure is already in place, eliminating the need for additional support engineering and reducing installation delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support components are designed with multiple attachment points and standardized channel-shaped cross-sections that work with conventional pipe clamp brackets for various pipe sizes. This universality allows new pipes to be added to the existing framework without requiring specialized components or complex engineering modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If component sets allow side panels to shift or bulge during concrete pouring, then concrete can be poured freely, but utility trenches are improperly formed complicating pipe installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcrete pouring freedomVSAvoidtrench formation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting members are installed between the side panels before concrete pouring begins. These members provide preliminary resistance to the lateral pressure of the concrete, preventing the side panels from shifting or bulging. This preliminary anti-action maintains trench formation accuracy while allowing concrete to be poured freely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Ease of operation

If all component parts are removed from utility trenches after concrete setting, then pipe installation space is cleared, but additional support components must be installed for long-term pipe support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe installation accessibilityVSAvoidnumber of support components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The uprights and connecting members are designed to serve dual functions: maintaining side panel spacing during concrete pouring and providing long-term support for pipes and conduits. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to remove components and install separate support structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining installation accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9068341B2Utility trench system components

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 PREFORM TRENCH DRAIN CO LLC

AI summary

Component sets installed at selected intervals along the lengths of upwardly opening, just-below-floor-level utility trenches maintain a substantially parallel-extending relationship between opposed pairs of elongate, upstanding panels that form opposite sidewalls of the utility trench. The component sets each include a pair of elongate uprights of channel-shaped cross-section, and elongate connecting members that bridge between the paired uprights. The connecting members include an upper connecting member having opposite end regions 1) that overlie portions of upper end regions of the uprights, 2) that extending downwardly into the upper end regions of the uprights, and 3) that are snugly received within the upper end regions of the uprights.