Adjustable Bolt Receiving Clamp for Securing Traffic Box Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing theft of copper wires from underground traffic utility boxes due to their lack of security measures, leading to high replacement costs and the need for secure solutions for both new and existing concrete utility boxes, especially with the advent of autonomous vehicles and intelligent intersections.
Innovation Solution
A bolt receiving clamp system that secures the cover plate of traffic boxes using adjustable security clamps with telescoping tubes and floating nut assemblies, preventing unauthorized removal and requiring specialized tools for access, which can be retrofitted to existing boxes and new installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no security measures are installed on traffic utility boxes, then the boxes remain accessible for maintenance and modifications, but the boxes become vulnerable to theft of copper wires and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
Security clamps are pre-installed on the traffic utility box before the cover plate is attached. This preliminary installation ensures that the security mechanism is in place before final assembly, allowing maintenance personnel to access the box by removing the cover plate while preventing unauthorized removal of the plate itself. The security clamp is positioned to engage with the cover plate's mounting holes, creating a locked state that requires specialized tools or authorization to open.
2Reliability
If security clamps are installed to prevent theft, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security clamp design merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The clamp body incorporates both the clamping mechanism that secures the cover plate and the mounting features that attach to the traffic utility box. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying installation and maintenance while maintaining strong security against unauthorized removal of the cover plate.
3Ease of operation
If traditional bolted cover plates are used, then the cover can be easily removed for maintenance, but the copper wires inside are vulnerable to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The security clamp acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cover plate and the traffic utility box. Instead of directly bolting the cover to the box (which would allow easy removal but vulnerability to theft), the security clamp provides a controlled intermediate connection. It engages with the cover plate's mounting holes and locks in place, allowing authorized maintenance personnel to remove the cover while preventing unauthorized individuals from accessing the copper wires inside.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt receiving clamp for use with a Traffic box having a claw plate with a first and second claw welded to a bottom tube for capturing a lowest edge of a corner of a traffic box. A top plate, welded to a top tube, the top plate gripping an inner flange of the box above the claws. The top tube is inserted in the bottom tube with an insert and bolt for adjusting the separation between the claws and the top plate. A strut channel nut plate sub-assembly is welded to the top plate. A safety bolt, for holding a cover on the box, passes through a channel in the top plate into the strut channel nut plate sub-assembly, to engage and thread into a strut channel safety nut, that is spring loaded and slides on rails to capture the safety bolt.