Inflatable Temporary 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 an inflatable tube or plates, which secures to the manhole walls via inflation or tightening mechanisms, allowing easy insertion and removal, and features a durable composite material construction to prevent debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional temporary covers are used, then installation is simple, but they are ineffective and not durable
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system transitions from static traditional covers to a dynamic inflatable structure. The inflatable tube can be inflated to expand and seal against the manhole walls, providing an effective debris barrier, and deflated for easy removal and portability. This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction by enabling both high reliability when deployed and low complexity when stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the cover structure by inflating the tube to alter its volume and shape. When inflated, the tube expands to press the cover securely against the manhole opening, creating an effective seal. When deflated, the structure collapses to a compact form for easy handling. This parameter change enables the cover to achieve both effectiveness and ease of deployment.
2Reliability
If the cover is secured tightly to prevent debris, then debris prevention is effective, but installation and removal become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable tube provides dynamic securing capability. When inflated, it creates strong friction and normal force against the manhole walls to prevent debris entry. When deflated, these forces disappear, allowing easy removal. This dynamic force application resolves the contradiction between secure attachment and easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure to inflate the tube, which automatically generates the necessary securing forces through pressure distribution around the manhole opening. The pneumatic mechanism provides uniform pressure for effective sealing while allowing quick inflation and deflation for easy installation and removal, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and operational ease.
3Strength
If the cover is made durable to withstand construction debris, then durability is improved, but weight and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover uses a flexible inflatable tube structure that can be made from durable yet lightweight materials. The tube's flexibility allows it to conform to the manhole opening while maintaining strength against debris impact when inflated. The thin-walled construction provides adequate protection without excessive weight, resolving the contradiction between durability and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover system employs composite construction with the inflatable tube made from durable polymer materials that provide both strength and light weight. The central segment may use different materials optimized for specific functions, creating a composite structure that achieves durability against construction debris while maintaining manageable weight for easy handling and installation.
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 secures to the manhole walls, preventing debris from entering the sewer system, with a compact design that facilitates easy installation and removal, and uses durable materials to withstand construction debris.
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 element, which may be a bladder, tube, or tire. In another embodiment, an apron and/or a caulking layer is provided for the protection of the cover. Depending on the embodiment, the cover may be used with or without the apron and/or the caulking layer. In an alternate 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.