Clamped Manhole Marker Assembly for Visible Cover Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manholes in underground utility lines are often obscured by undergrowth or at risk of damage during construction, necessitating a system for protection and identification.
Innovation Solution
A manhole marker assembly comprising a base with upward-extending markers and jaws that attach to the manhole cover, allowing for secure attachment and visible identification, with movable jaws and a pivotable marker for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manhole marker assembly is designed to be securely attached to manhole covers, then the reliability of identification is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for movable jaws and attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The marker assembly incorporates movable jaws that can transition between open and closed positions to engage with the manhole cover. The jaws are mounted on movable connections allowing them to adapt to the cover surface, providing secure attachment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is divided into separate components including multiple jaws, a body structure, and mounting elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall reliability of the marker assembly attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the marker assembly includes movable jaws for versatile attachment, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the additional adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The jaws are designed with movable connections that allow automatic adaptation to the manhole cover dimensions. The mobility of the jaws provides versatility in attaching to different cover sizes while the self-adjusting nature minimizes the operational effort required.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the marker extends upward beyond the base for visible identification, then the detection ease is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional marker components
Solution Approach 1:
The marker element extends vertically upward from the base structure, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide visible identification. This upward extension makes the marker easily detectable from a distance while adding only a simple vertical component to the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A manhole marker assembly for attaching to a manhole cover to identify a manhole comprises a marker assembly base, a marker mounted to the marker assembly base, and a clamp mounted to the marker assembly base. The clamp comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw are movable and can be engaged to a manhole cover to attach the manhole marker assembly to the manhole cover.