Adjustable Manhole Cover Wedge Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manhole covers cannot be easily adjusted in height or inclination, leading to road surface damage and maintenance challenges due to their fixed position, which does not align with changing road levels during repairs.
Innovation Solution
A manhole cover system with a wedge-shaped insertion mechanism between the cover base and support, allowing for adjustable height and inclination through a vertical and horizontal force distribution, using an elastic or plastic material that becomes thinner upwards, ensuring secure fixation and easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed manhole cover is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the height and inclination cannot be adjusted when road surfaces change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the manhole cover system adjustable rather than fixed. The cover base can be positioned at different heights and inclinations relative to the support, allowing the system to adapt to changing road surfaces. The wedge-shaped insertion enables dynamic adjustment of the cover base position, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can respond to external changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the manhole cover system into distinct components: the support, the cover base, and the wedge-shaped insertion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the support provides structural foundation, the cover base holds the cover and can be adjusted, and the wedge enables adjustment. This modular segmentation facilitates adjustability while keeping each component relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If a separate base is installed to adjust height, then height adjustment is possible, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped insertion acts as an intermediary element between the support and the cover base. Instead of requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, the wedge serves as a simple mediator that converts horizontal insertion force into vertical lifting and inclination adjustment of the cover base. This intermediary approach simplifies the adjustment operation while achieving the desired height and inclination changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes through the wedge-shaped insertion, which transforms the position parameters of the cover base by changing its vertical height and inclination angle. By inserting the wedge to different depths and positions, the cover base can be adjusted to various height and inclination parameters, providing ease of operation through simple positional changes rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
3Reliability
If the manhole cover is fixed to the road surface, then stability is high, but the cover cannot be adjusted when road repair changes the surface level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between fixed stability and adaptive adjustability by creating a dynamic fixation system. The wedge-shaped insertion provides secure fixation when engaged, locking the cover base in place, but can be removed or repositioned to allow adjustment. This dynamic characteristic enables the system to maintain reliability during normal operation while adapting to road surface changes when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by allowing the wedge-shaped insertion to be temporarily removed or repositioned when adjustment is needed, and then reinserted to secure the new position. This temporary discarding of the fixation (by removing the wedge) enables adaptation to new road levels, after which the fixation is recovered (by reinserting the wedge) to maintain stability. This cycle allows the system to alternate between secure fixation and adaptability as needed.
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
Enables precise adjustment of manhole cover height and inclination to match road surfaces, providing firm fixation and ease of maintenance by dividing applied loads into vertical and horizontal components, preventing separation and ensuring secure support.
Implementation Method 1
an insertion disposed between the cover base and the support in the radial direction of the cover base and preventing movement of the cover base relative to the support through a wedge effect
Implementation Method 2
The insertion is made of an elastic or plastic material and has a wedge shape that becomes thinner as it goes upward
Implementation Method 3
The insertion is made of an elastic or plastic material and has a wedge shape that becomes thinner as it goes upward
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a manhole with a manhole cover that can be adjusted in height and inclination in the entire structure. A manhole with a height/inclination-adjustable manhole cover includes: a manhole cover; a cover base closing the top of the manhole cover and having a pipe shape; a support having a pipe shape and radially overlapping the cover base; and an insertion disposed between the cover base and the support in the radial direction of the cover base and preventing movement of the cover base relative to the support through a wedge effect.