Anchored Pull Box Lid Assembly for Vandal-Resistant Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pull box lids made of solid concrete are vulnerable to vandalism and theft, as vandals can break and move them, compromising the security of electrical components stored within.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly featuring a ground frame anchored in the ground, a metal frame lid filled with concrete for weight, and a lock bar system to prevent unauthorized access, enhancing security with redundant anti-tampering devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy concrete lids are used to protect pull boxes, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the lids can still be broken and moved by vandals
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is divided into multiple components: a frame structure, a lid portion, and an anchoring system. The frame is secured to the pull box with anchors while the lid portion remains removable, creating segmented security layers that prevent complete lid removal by vandals.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid portion is nested within the frame structure, which itself is anchored to the pull box. This nested configuration allows the lid to be protected by the frame while maintaining accessibility, creating multiple barriers against vandalism.
2Weight of moving object
If solid concrete lids are used, then weight is increased to prevent movement, but the lids remain vulnerable to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly combines multiple materials: concrete for weight, metal frame for structural integrity, and anchoring mechanisms for secure attachment. This composite approach provides both the necessary weight to deter movement and the structural strength to resist breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is pre-anchored to the pull box before the lid is installed. This preliminary anchoring action ensures that when the concrete lid is placed, it is already secured by the anchored frame, preventing both removal and breaking scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is made removable for access, then ease of operation is improved, but security against theft is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is segmented into a removable lid portion and a permanently anchored frame. This allows authorized users to easily remove the lid portion for access while the anchored frame remains as a permanent security barrier that prevents complete theft of the pull box contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structure between the removable lid and the pull box. It provides the security function while allowing the lid to be removable, mediating between the need for access and the need for security.
Data Source
AI summary
A lid assembly for locking a buried pull box. The lid assembly includes a ground frame for being positioned in the ground above the pull box and configured to surround the pull box and to be anchored in the ground. A frame lid is positioned inside the ground frame. The frame lid has an outer wall of a metal material and defines a hollow filled with a concrete for making the frame lid heavy to inhibit movement of the frame lid from the ground frame.