Water Barrier Module Connection for Fast, Strong Flange Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water barrier module systems face challenges in rapidly, smoothly, and safely assembling extension modules to protective modules, particularly in terms of strength and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A water barrier module system featuring a connection device that attaches protective modules via side flanges with elongated openings, allowing for easy and rapid assembly by rotating the connection device from an inserting position to a connecting position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws and nuts are used to attach extension modules to protective modules, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first portion that abuts the inner surface of the first side flange, a second portion that abuts the inner surface of the second side flange, and an intermediate portion that connects these two portions and extends through the elongated openings. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving both strong connection and rapid assembly without requiring multiple separate fastening operations like screws and nuts
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device incorporates dynamic functionality through its ability to rotate from an inserting position to a connecting position. This dynamic movement transforms the device from a simple insertion tool to a locking mechanism that secures the protective modules together, providing both rapid assembly and strong connection strength
2Productivity
If a rapid assembly method is used to attach protective modules, then assembly speed is improved, but connection robustness and impact resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device transitions from a static insertion state to a dynamic locked state through rotation. This dynamic action ensures that despite the rapid assembly process, the protective modules achieve robust connection with impact resistance comparable to or exceeding traditional screw-and-nut methods
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: insertion through elongated openings, abutment against inner surfaces of both side flanges, and rotational locking. This merging allows rapid assembly while maintaining connection robustness, as all necessary connection actions are performed by one device in one motion sequence
3Reliability
If multiple separate connection components are used to ensure strength, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions that would traditionally require separate components (insertion element, abutment surfaces, locking mechanism) are merged into a single integrated connection device. This reduces component count and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining connection reliability through the coordinated action of its different portions
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is designed as a multi-functional component that performs insertion, positioning, abutment, and locking functions simultaneously. This universality allows a single component to replace multiple specialized parts, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable connection through its multiple integrated functions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a water barrier module system comprising a first (10) and a second (20) protective module configured to form at least a part of a water barrier. Each protective module comprises a side flange (12, 22) extending substantially perpendicular to a main plane and having an outer surface (18, 28) and an inner surface (16, 26). Each of the side flanges comprises at least one elongated opening (14, 24) having a width (W2) and a length (L2), wherein the length is larger than the width. A connection device (30) is configured to, in a connecting position, connect the side flanges (12, 22) by extending through the elongated openings when the outer surfaces of the two side flanges are arranged to each other. The connection device (30) comprises a first portion (31) configured to abut the inner surface of the first side flange, and a second portion (32) configured to abut the inner surface of the second side flange. The first portion (31) of the connection device has a width (W3) that is smaller or equal to the width (W2) of the elongated openings (14, 24) and a length (L3) that is larger than the width (W2) of the elongated openings and smaller than or equal to the length (L2) of the elongated openings.