Hinged Manhole Cover Kit for Roadway Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manhole frame and cover assemblies without hinge elements require labor-intensive and costly replacement processes, involving unsealing and resealing the frame, which disrupts road access and is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular attachment system, typically using an angle iron piece with articulation elements, is fixed to the manhole frame's seat surfaces, allowing the cover to be hinged to the frame without unsealing, utilizing screws, welding, gluing, or nailing for attachment, and incorporating yoke and hinge mechanisms for articulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the frame is replaced with a new frame provided with hinge elements, then the cover can be hinged to facilitate access, but the labor cost and time required increase significantly due to unsealing and resealing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the frame into two functional parts: the original frame structure that remains sealed in the ground, and a separate attachable piece containing the hinge elements. This segmentation allows the hinge functionality to be added without replacing the entire frame, thus avoiding unsealing and resealing operations while still enabling cover articulation for easier access.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachable piece with hinge elements is designed to be mounted within or upon the existing frame structure. The piece integrates with the frame's seat surfaces and contains nested hinge components (yokes, articulation pins) that enable the cover to pivot, effectively nesting the articulation mechanism within the existing frame boundary without requiring frame replacement.
2Ease of operation
If the frame is replaced with a new frame provided with hinge elements, then the cover can be hinged to facilitate access, but the cost increases due to labor and materials
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hinge functionality into a separate attachable piece rather than incorporating it into the entire frame, the solution reduces material costs (reusing the original frame) and labor costs (avoiding unsealing/resealing operations). Only the small attachable piece needs to be manufactured and installed, significantly reducing overall installation cost while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge elements are extracted from the frame replacement process and placed into a separate attachable piece. This extraction allows the original frame to be reused without modification to its sealed structure, while the hinge functionality is added through a separate, lower-cost component that can be attached using simple fastening methods.
3Ease of operation
If the frame is replaced with a new frame provided with hinge elements, then the cover can be hinged, but the roadway is blocked for a long time due to mortar setting time
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the hinge functionality into a separate attachable piece eliminates the need for mortar-based sealing operations. The attachable piece can be secured using mechanical fastening methods (screws, bolts, or welds) that do not require curing time, allowing the roadway to remain open or be quickly restored, thus maintaining high productivity and roadway availability while still enabling hinged cover operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution replaces the chemical bonding process (mortar setting) with a mechanical fastening system (screws, bolts, or welds) for securing the attachable piece to the frame. This substitution eliminates the waiting period required for mortar to cure, allowing the installation to be completed quickly without blocking the roadway for extended periods, while still providing secure attachment of the hinge mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly for a roadway manhole comprising a frame, a cover and a kit allowing the cover to be hingedly mounted on the frame. According to the invention, the assembly is characterised in that the frame (3) comprises a part (30) added to a seating surface and which is provided with at least one hinging element (33) which can be coupled with a corresponding hinging element (44) of the cover (4) such as to allow the latter to be hinged to the added part (30). The invention is applicable in the field of road equipment.