Selective Frictional Hole Cover Prevents Traffic Dislodgement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bore hole covers in paved surfaces are prone to dislodging due to vehicular traffic, causing damage to vehicles and compromising the integrity of the bore hole.
Innovation Solution
A selectively frictionally engaged hole cover with a cover plate and engagement mechanism that uses an engagement screw to shift an engagement member radially outwardly or inwardly, creating a frictional contact with the bore hole wall to prevent extraction under vehicular traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a heavy-duty steel graduation cap is used to cover the bore hole, then the cover can support vehicular traffic, but the cover becomes prone to dislodging and ejection onto the street
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static cover design into a dynamic engagement system. The cover plate is coupled with an engagement mechanism that includes an engagement member movable between engaged and disengaged positions. When engaged, the engagement member frictionally contacts the bore hole wall to prevent dislodgement. This dynamic mechanism allows the cover to adapt to traffic loads while maintaining secure positioning, resolving the contradiction between load-bearing capacity and anti-dislodgement capability.
2Reliability
If the engagement member is positioned to frictionally engage the bore hole wall, then extraction is prevented, but the engagement mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is nested within the cover plate structure. The engagement member is positioned within the bore hole while the cover plate rests on the paved surface. The engagement mechanism components (engagement plate, engagement member, engagement member stop) are integrated into a compact assembly that fits within the cover plate, minimizing overall complexity while achieving reliable frictional engagement with the bore hole wall to prevent extraction.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement member is made movable to allow selective engagement, then ease of installation is improved, but the risk of accidental disengagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism incorporates features that prevent accidental disengagement. The engagement member is biased toward the engaged position where it frictionally contacts the bore hole wall. The engagement plate and engagement member stop are configured to maintain this engaged state, requiring deliberate action to disengage. This preliminary anti-action design ensures that the movable engagement member remains securely engaged during normal operation while still allowing intentional installation and removal.
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 solution effectively secures the cover in place, preventing dislodging and maintaining the integrity of the bore hole even under heavy vehicular traffic conditions, reducing potential damage to vehicles and ensuring safe passage.
Implementation Method 1
move the engagement member into frictional contact with the bore hole to substantially prevent extraction of the engagement mechanism from the bore hole
Data Source
AI summary
A selectively frictionally engaged hole cover for a bore hole cored from a paved surface that includes a cover plate configured to cover the bore hole and support vehicular traffic. An engagement mechanism is attached to the cover plate and extends down into the bore hole. The engagement mechanism is configured to be actuated by a user torque input that causes an engagement plate selectively shiftable relative to the cover plate to thereby shift an engagement member along a engagement member stop and thus radially outwardly or inwardly, causing the engagement mechanism to selectively engage or disengage the wall of the bore hole. When the engagement member is in frictional contact with the hole, unintentional extraction of the engagement mechanism is prevented. The selectively frictionally engaged hole cover effectively provides a temporary cover for a bore hole in a road, parking lot, or other paved surface.