Access Cover Sealing for Three-Point Supported Frame Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ground surface access assembly (GSAA) covers, particularly those with triangular members supported at three discrete points, suffer from rain-water leakage due to the lack of a continuous internal support rim, making gasket seals ineffective.

Innovation Solution

A GSAA cover system with nominally triangular or polygonal members supported at three points by individual shelves, featuring resilient sealing elements attached to the cover's peripheral side walls, which engage recesses or protrusions to seal gaps between the cover and the frame, preventing rain-water ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If discrete support elements are used to support the cover at three points, then rocking and vibration of the cover is prevented, but rain-water leakage occurs due to the lack of a continuous internal support rim

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover stabilityVSAvoidrain-water leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A resilient sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the cover and the frame. This sealing element fills the gap created by the discrete support configuration, preventing rain-water leakage while allowing the cover to remain supported at discrete points without a continuous internal rim.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element is made of resilient material that can deform and conform to the gap between the cover periphery and the frame inner wall. This flexible sealing approach effectively blocks water ingress while accommodating the discrete support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a continuous internal support rim is used to seal the cover, then rain-water leakage is prevented, but stones and debris are trapped causing cover vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverain-water leakageVSAvoidcover stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous internal support rim is segmented into discrete support elements. This segmentation prevents the trapping of stones and debris that would occur with a continuous rim, while the added sealing element compensates for the gap to prevent water leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful function of the continuous rim (trapping debris) is extracted by removing it entirely, replacing it with discrete support elements. The sealing function is then achieved separately through the resilient sealing element attached to the cover periphery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If gasket seals are used under compression from heavy cover weight, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the cover structure becomes incompatible with discrete support elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidstructure compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing approach transitions from a vertical compression seal (gasket under the cover) to a lateral seal (sealing element on the cover periphery). This dimensional change allows the seal to function independently of the support structure type, making it compatible with discrete support elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the sealing element between the cover and frame (traditional gasket location), the sealing element is inverted to be attached to the cover periphery and engage with the frame from the opposite side, creating a seal that works with rather than against the discrete support configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The system effectively reduces or eliminates rain-water ingress by utilizing resilient sealing elements that fill gaps between the cover and frame, providing a stable and watertight seal without the need for continuous internal support rims.

Implementation Method 1

one or more resilient sealing elements (22) are removably attached to at least one of said cover member (12) peripheral side wall surfaces (20)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4656806A1A ground surface access assembly cover

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 WREKIN HOLDINGS LIMITED

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AI summary

A Ground surface access assembly cover (10), leakage reduction system; said assembly cover (10) comprising a pair of triangular-shaped cover members (12), defined by an upper surface (16) a lower surface (18) and three side surfaces/walls (20); in use, each cover member (12) is supported within a surrounding rectangular frame (F) comprising frame side walls (W); said cover member (12) resting upon three individual/separate support points/shelves (S) that extend inwardly from said frame side walls (W) and wherein: one or more resilient sealing elements (22) are attached to at least one peripheral side surface/wall (20); to provide at least a partial, or complete, seal against the ingress of storm/rain water through any gap between said cover member side walls (20) and the surrounding/supporting frame (F).