Inflatable Manhole Cover for Debris Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary manhole and catch basin covers are ineffective, durable, or lasting solutions for preventing debris from falling into sewer systems during construction, particularly at the top of the uppermost eccentric cone section of precast concrete.
Innovation Solution
A securable temporary manhole or catch basin cover comprising a central segment with a taper and lip attached to an inflatable tube or tire, or a plurality of plates with tightening mechanisms, designed to be compact, lightweight, and securely attach to the manhole walls, allowing for easy insertion, debris removal, and durable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional steel plates or simple covers are used to cover manholes during construction, then the opening is protected from debris, but the covers are difficult to install and remove, and do not provide secure attachment to the manhole walls
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that changes state during operation. The inflatable tube allows the cover to be easily inserted in a compact state, then inflates to create a secure friction fit against the manhole walls, providing reliable attachment while maintaining ease of installation and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure from the inflatable tube to create a secure connection between the cover and the manhole walls. The air pressure generates radial outward force that presses the lip against the walls, providing reliable attachment without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems
2Reliability
If large steel plates are used to cover manhole openings, then debris is prevented from entering, but the plates are heavy, difficult to handle, and require significant space for storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces heavy rigid steel plates with a lightweight structure that uses an inflatable tube to create sealing and attachment pressure. The flexible inflatable element distributes force across the manhole walls, providing effective debris prevention without the weight of traditional steel plates
Solution Approach 2:
The cover system uses dynamic inflation to generate the necessary holding force against debris, rather than relying on static weight. The inflatable tube expands to create radial pressure against the walls, providing secure debris prevention while maintaining minimal weight
3Ease of operation
If temporary covers are made compact and lightweight for easy handling, then portability and ease of installation are improved, but the covers lack sufficient strength to securely attach to manhole walls and withstand construction conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable tube provides the necessary attachment strength through pneumatic pressure, allowing the cover structure to remain compact and lightweight. The air pressure generates sufficient radial force to secure the cover to the manhole walls and withstand construction conditions without requiring heavy materials
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the tube from deflated (compact and lightweight) to inflated (providing attachment strength). This parameter change allows the same structure to provide both portability and sufficient attachment strength under different operational conditions
4Reliability
If multiple heavy plates with tightening mechanisms are used to secure the cover, then attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the cover becomes more difficult to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the attachment function into a single integrated inflatable tube that circumferentially contacts the manhole walls, eliminating the need for multiple separate plates and tightening mechanisms. The single pneumatic system provides uniform attachment around the entire perimeter
5Reliability
If traditional temporary covers are used, then some debris protection is provided, but the covers are not durable enough for repeated use and do not last through construction projects
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure combines the rigid central segment made from high-density polyethylene with the flexible inflatable tube, creating a composite system that provides both durability for repeated use and ease of manufacture. The HDPE central segment provides structural strength while the inflatable tube provides the attachment mechanism
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 effectively prevents debris from entering the sewer system by securely attaching to the manhole walls, facilitating easy debris removal and withstanding construction conditions, while being compact and durable enough for repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
inflating the tube or tire until the cover is secured to the walls of a manhole
Data Source
AI summary
An improved securable temporary manhole or catch basin cover is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the cover comprises a central segment attached to an inflatable bladder, tube, or tire. In another embodiment, the central segment comprises a plurality of tightening mechanisms around a perimeter of the central segment. Regardless of the embodiment, the cover disclosed herein is a unique, portable, and durable solution that improves the state of the art by facilitating the prevention of debris from falling into the sewers and allowing for easy removal of said debris from the top of the cover.