Gully Frame with Movable Bearing Surfaces for Grid Reorientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing road systems are inflexible, as once the frame is fixed in the ground, it is impossible to modify the orientation of the covering element, such as a buffer or grid, without disassembling and reassembling it, which limits their adaptability to different vehicle traffic directions.
Innovation Solution
The road system incorporates additional frame surfaces and corners that allow for tilting of the covering element relative to the frame between open and closed positions, utilizing hinges and locking mechanisms to secure the covering element in place, enabling easy reorientation without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is fixed in the ground with standard bearing surfaces, then the device provides stable support, but the orientation of the covering element cannot be modified without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with multiple sets of bearing surfaces (first, second, third, and fourth frame surfaces) that can support the covering element in different orientations. This multi-functional design allows the same frame structure to accommodate various orientations of the covering element, enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple different frame structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates movable bearing surfaces that can be tilted or adjusted relative to the general plane. The third and fourth frame surfaces are inclined at different angles, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the support geometry. This enables the covering element to be reoriented by adjusting which bearing surfaces are engaged, rather than being fixed in a single orientation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional frame surfaces and corners are added to enable reorientation, then the flexibility of the road system increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into distinct functional zones with different bearing surfaces (first, second, third, fourth surfaces) associated with different corners. Each set of bearing surfaces can be independently engaged or disengaged, allowing selective reorientation of the covering element by shifting contact points between segmented regions of the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional bearing surfaces are integrated into the existing frame structure in a nested manner, where third and fourth frame surfaces are incorporated alongside the first and second surfaces. This nesting allows multiple functional surfaces to coexist within the same frame footprint, increasing capability without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the covering element is made tiltable relative to the frame, then easy reorientation is enabled, but the positioning stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed orientation to a dynamic adjustable orientation. The covering element can be tilted relative to the frame by engaging different combinations of bearing surfaces, enabling easy reorientation. Once positioned, the selected bearing surfaces provide stable support, allowing the system to maintain reliability in the chosen configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameter of the covering element can be changed by selecting different bearing surface configurations. The frame provides discrete orientation states through its multiple bearing surfaces, allowing parameter adjustment without compromising the stability of the selected state. Each bearing surface configuration represents a stable equilibrium position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device i.e. gulley (1), has a case (4) including three case surfaces (30) that are complementary to support surfaces (16). The surfaces (30) are linked with a set of case corners, where each corner is different from another set of case corners. The case includes case surfaces (32) complementary to support surfaces (18) and associated with the latter set of case corners. Each support surface (18) is associated with a third set of case corners adjacent to a covering element e.g. grid (2).