Magnetic Debris Cap Holder for Buried Conduits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Debris caps in buried access pipes are not securely held and often become dislodged, leading to safety hazards and damage from debris and contaminants entering the pipes.

Innovation Solution

A closure system with a magnetic holder device that can be installed in a conduit to securely hold a debris cap in place using magnetic elements, preventing it from popping off and allowing for easy access and reinstallation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If debris caps are installed flush with surrounding surfaces, then they provide protection from debris and water, but they are not securely held and frequently become dislodged or pop off completely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of debris cap attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of holder device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment systems (screws, clips, or friction-fit mechanisms) with a magnetic field-based holding system. The magnetic holder device uses magnetic attraction forces to securely retain the ferromagnetic debris cap, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening components while providing reliable attachment that prevents dislodgement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state or property utilized for attachment by employing magnetic field strength as the retaining force parameter. By adjusting magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution, and configuration), the system achieves secure cap retention without requiring complex mechanical structures, thus improving reliability while managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If debris caps are securely held with strong attachment mechanisms, then they prevent dislodgement, but they become difficult to remove for valve access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of debris cap attachmentVSAvoidease of debris cap removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic holder device incorporates a dynamic release mechanism that allows the magnetic holding force to be easily overcome or deactivated when needed. The cap can be readily removed by applying sufficient force or using a release mechanism that reduces the magnetic holding strength, enabling easy access for valve operations while maintaining secure attachment during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If debris caps are made flush with surrounding surfaces, then they provide aesthetic appearance and protection, but they can turn upside down or pop off causing damage to vehicles or injury to individuals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of cap dislodgement hazardsVSAvoidmagnetic holding force

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical attachment systems with magnetic field-based holding, providing secure retention of the debris cap without requiring complex mechanical interlocks or high-strength fasteners. The magnetic force provides sufficient holding strength to prevent cap dislodgement hazards while maintaining a simple, flush-mounted appearance that eliminates safety risks to vehicles and pedestrians.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic holder device effectively secures debris caps, preventing unintended movement and contamination, ensuring safety and maintaining the integrity of buried components by providing a strong magnetic force that exceeds the force required to separate the cap from the holder.

Implementation Method 1

The holder device can include one or more magnetic elements for magnetically coupling to the closure when the holder device is installed in, for example, an opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

A magnetic force between the holder device and the closure can be strong enough to prevent the closure from inadvertently popping off the end of the conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10344447B2Closure systems, debris caps, holder devices, and related technologies

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 LCL ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

A cap assembly can include a cap holder device with a plug member and a cap holder. The cap holder device is positionable in an end of a conduit positioned along a roadway. The cap holder is carried by the plug member and includes a magnetic element and a connector. The connector is connectable to the magnetic element to the plug member such that the magnetic element is movable relative to the plug member so as to position the magnetic element for releasably holding a cap that covers the end of the conduit when the plug member is positioned in the conduit. The cap assembly can be a debris cap insertable in a conduit, an end of a pipe, or other opening.