Subterranean Conduit Cover with Adjustable Stability Tangs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conduit covers lack versatility and adaptability to fit various conduit configurations, often requiring multiple covers for different installations, leading to increased manufacturing and storage needs.

Innovation Solution

A cover design featuring a disc-shaped base with stability tangs and contact shoes that can be easily adjusted and secured over conduit openings, utilizing a combination of mechanical bias and frictional engagement to fit a wide range of conduit diameters and configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cover designs are used to fit different conduit configurations, then the cover fits various conduit diameters and configurations, but the manufacturing and storage needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover adaptability to conduit configurationsVSAvoidnumber of cover designs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cover design incorporates adjustable stability tangs and contact shoes that can be repositioned to fit different conduit diameters and configurations. The stability tangs can be adjusted in position and the contact shoes can be reconfigured to engage with various conduit types, allowing a single universal cover design to serve multiple functions across different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover features dynamic adjustment mechanisms where stability tangs can be repositioned and contact shoes can be reconfigured. This dynamic adaptability allows the cover to adjust to different conduit configurations without requiring multiple static cover designs, reducing inventory needs while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cover designs are used to fit different conduit configurations, then the cover fits various conduit diameters and configurations, but the installation and removal time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover adaptability to conduit configurationsVSAvoidinstallation and removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed with pre-adjustable stability tangs and reconfigurable contact shoes that can be quickly positioned and secured. The adjustment mechanisms are designed for rapid manipulation, allowing installers to quickly adapt the cover to different conduit configurations without time-consuming adjustments or multiple cover replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a single cover design is used for all conduit configurations, then manufacturing and storage are simplified, but the cover cannot securely fit various conduit diameters and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcover fit security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into functional segments including adjustable stability tangs and separate contact shoes that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity in the single cover design, ensuring reliable fit across various conduit configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover design incorporates adjustable parameters such as the position of stability tangs and the configuration of contact shoes that can be modified to match different conduit diameters and configurations. These parameter changes are achieved through simple adjustment mechanisms that maintain manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable fit for various applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 cover provides secure and adaptable access to conduit openings, reducing the need for multiple cover designs and simplifying installation and removal, thereby saving resources and time.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a combination of mechanical bias and frictional engagement to fit a wide range of conduit diameters and configurations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a combination of mechanical bias and frictional engagement to fit a wide range of conduit diameters and configurations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7540683B2Subterranean conduit cover

Publication Date: 2009.06.02 SALAS GARY W

AI summary

Provided herein are covers useful for covering the open end of an access conduit that may contain fluid control equipment. In one embodiment, a cover according to the invention comprises a disc-shaped base portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a plurality of groups of stability tangs attached to its bottom surface. A cover as provided herein is readily adaptable to fit a large number of conduit boxes, valve boxes and the like which are presently in common use.