Manhole Barrier with Spring-Locked Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manhole security systems are costly, labor-intensive, and require frequent maintenance due to the need for retrofitting or replacing manhole covers and frames, and they often require excessive force to lock or unlock, with some designs not providing self-locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A manhole security device with a circular barrier that includes biasing mechanisms to automatically lock and a rotatable locking mechanism that can be easily operated with a security key tool, featuring a latch for releasing the unlocking position without continuous engagement, allowing for easy installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock system is mounted to the underside of a manhole cover, then security capability is improved, but cost and installation complexity increase due to requiring replacement or retrofitting of manhole covers
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is segmented into two independent parts: a lockable barrier unit that interfaces with the manhole frame, and a separate manhole cover. This allows the barrier to be installed independently without requiring modification of the cover, resolving the contradiction between security capability and installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockable barrier unit serves as an intermediary element between the manhole cover and the manhole frame. It provides the locking function without requiring the cover itself to be modified, thereby improving security while avoiding the complexity of cover replacement or retrofitting.
2Reliability
If locking pins are spring-biased to their locked position, then locking reliability is improved, but the security key tool must remain engaged with the manhole cover at all times, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static pinned position to a dynamic system where the barrier can be rotated between locked and unlocked positions. The spring-biased pins automatically engage when the barrier is in the locked position, providing reliable locking without requiring continuous key engagement, thus improving both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased locking pins automatically engage the manhole frame when the barrier is in the locked position, eliminating the need for continuous manual operation. The system serves itself by using spring force to maintain the locked state, reducing the operational burden on the user while maintaining high locking reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a universal joint gear system is used to actuate locking pins, then the locking mechanism can be operated, but many turns of the security key tool are required, increasing the time and effort needed for locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The complex universal joint gear system is extracted and replaced with a simpler direct-drive locking mechanism. The barrier rotates directly to engage or disengage the spring-biased locking pins, eliminating the need for multiple gear turns and significantly reducing the time and effort required for locking and unlocking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a gear system that requires many turns to achieve locking, the mechanism is inverted to a direct rotation system where a single turn of the barrier engages the locking pins. This inversion of the transmission mechanism dramatically reduces the operational time and effort while maintaining secure locking.
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 solution reduces the effort required to lock and unlock the device, provides robust locking capability, and is easy to manufacture, addressing the cost and maintenance issues of previous systems while ensuring secure engagement with manhole frames.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing mechanism on the barrier biases each locking member to its locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A manhole security device for securing a manhole access opening includes a circular barrier adapted to rest on a manhole cover support flange of a manhole frame. Locking members on the barrier are movable between a locked position in which the locking members are adapted to engage the manhole frame and an unlocked position in which the locking members are not adapted to engage the manhole frame. A biasing mechanism on the barrier is adapted to bias each locking member to its locked position. A rotatable locking mechanism on the barrier engages the locking members and has a locking rotational position wherein the locking members are in the locked position and an unlocking rotational position wherein the locking members are in the unlocked position. The locking mechanism has a security lock adapted to receive a security key that applies a rotational torque to the locking mechanism. A latch on the barrier is adapted to releasably retain the locking mechanism in the unlocking rotational position without the security lock being engaged by the security key. A security tool for use with the security device is also disclosed.