Elastomeric Studs Limit Manhole Cover Movement and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roadway devices with cover elements designed for closing inspection chimneys or manholes experience noise pollution due to high rolling loads, particularly when the cover elements consist of triangulated grids, as the hypotenuse sides knock against each other, causing displacement and noise.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating elastomeric studs integral with the internal seat wall of the frame, which engage with housings in the cover elements to act as stops, limiting movement and reducing noise by preventing direct contact between the cover elements and the peripheral wall under high rolling loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cover elements are designed with clearance from the peripheral wall to allow movement, then the device can accommodate rolling loads, but noise pollution increases due to cover elements hitting the wall
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric stop element is introduced as an intermediary between the cover element and the peripheral wall. This stop element absorbs the impact during movement, preventing direct contact between the cover element and wall, thereby eliminating noise while preserving movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric stop element is pre-installed in the peripheral wall at the intended limit position. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when the cover element moves under rolling loads, the noise-causing impact is prevented from the outset by the compliant stop element
2Strength
If triangulated grid cover elements are used, then structural integrity is improved, but noise pollution worsens due to hypotenuse sides knocking together
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric stop element acts as a mediator that absorbs the knocking impacts between adjacent triangulated grid cover elements. The compliant material dissipates the impact energy that would otherwise create noise, while allowing the grids to maintain their structural configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of the elastomeric material changes the physical parameters of the interface between cover elements and the frame. The material's compliance and damping properties transform the rigid impact interaction into a controlled, noise-free deformation and recovery cycle
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 use of elastomeric studs effectively reduces noise pollution by absorbing and distributing the force of rolling loads, preventing the cover elements from hitting the peripheral wall, thus minimizing noise disruption during vehicle traffic.
Implementation Method 1
at least one stud (13) made of an elastomeric material integral with the upper face of the seat wall part perpendicular to the latter and which is engaged in a housing (20) of the cover element emerging from the adjacent edge of this element and facing the raised wall part to constitute a stop for limiting the movement of the cover element towards the raised wall part when the cover element is subjected to high rolling loads
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a street ironwork having a frame and at least one covering element having limited movement within said frame. According to the invention, the device is characterised in that the inner bearing wall (7b, 8b) of the frame includes, on the portion thereof located along the straight wall portion (7a, 8a) running along the adjacent edge of the covering element (3; 4), at least one stud (13) made of an elastomer material secured to the bearing wall portion (7b, 8b), perpendicular to the latter, and which is inserted in a recess (20) of the covering element (3; 4) connected to the adjacent edge of said element and opposite the straight wall portion (7a, 8a) so as to constitute an abutment for limiting the movement of the covering element (3; 4) towards the straight wall portion (7a, 8a) when the covering element is subjected to intense moving loads. The invention can be used in the field of road networks.