Wedge-Locking Drainage Apparatus for Conduit Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage apparatuses lack a secure and efficient mechanism to lock conduit segments in place, leading to potential instability and failure in draining liquids from various environments.
Innovation Solution
A drainage apparatus featuring a support device with a clamp path and wedge mechanism, where the wedge is tapered and driven into a locked orientation to engage the second clamp member and support segment, effectively clamping conduit segments between the first and second clamp members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple support device is used to hold conduit segments, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of securing conduit segments in place deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support device transitions from a static structure to a dynamic locking mechanism. The wedge is initially positioned to allow clamp member movement along the clamp path, then driven into a locked orientation that prevents further movement and secures the conduit segment permanently in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is divided into distinct functional segments: the support segment providing structural basis, the movable clamp member for positioning, and the wedge for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
2Reliability
If a wedge mechanism is driven into the locked orientation to secure conduit segments, then the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is first positioned along the clamp path to the desired location before the wedge is driven into place. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and reduces the complexity of the final locking operation, as the wedge only needs to prevent movement rather than both position and secure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second clamp member is free to translate along the clamp path for positioning, then the adaptability of the support device is improved, but the stability of the conduit segment positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member transitions from a movable state along the clamp path to a fixed state when the wedge is driven into the locked orientation. This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide both positioning flexibility during installation and positional stability during operation.
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
This solution provides a secure and stable locking mechanism for conduit segments, ensuring efficient drainage and resistance to inadvertent unlocking, even under the pressure of concrete filling, thereby enhancing the durability and reliability of the drainage system.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge including a drive axis, a first edge and a second edge. The wedge is tapered along the drive axis between the first edge and the second edge, and the wedge is configured to be driven in a direction of the drive axis into a locked orientation of the support device
Data Source
AI summary
A drainage apparatus comprises a support device including a support segment defining a clamp path, a first clamp member and a second clamp member. At least the second clamp member is configured to be coupled to the support segment while being free to translate along the clamp path. The drainage apparatus further includes a wedge including a drive axis, a first edge and a second edge. The wedge is tapered along the drive axis between the first edge and the second edge, and the wedge is configured to be driven in a direction of the drive axis into a locked orientation of the support device.