Manhole Closure System for Separating Rainwater and Sewage in Single Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing infrastructure for shaft structures, particularly in wastewater systems, requires separate shafts for rainwater and dirty water networks, leading to increased structural effort, costs, and space requirements, which is problematic in densely populated urban areas and areas with limited space.
Innovation Solution
A closure system for shaft structures that allows for the separation and secure locking of partial volumes within a single shaft structure, enabling the separation of different infrastructure lines, thereby allowing for the use of a single shaft structure for both rainwater and dirty water networks, reducing the need for multiple shafts and minimizing space and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate shaft structures are constructed for rainwater and dirty water networks, then secure separation of infrastructure lines is achieved, but space requirements and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single shaft structure into separable partial volumes using closure systems. Each partial volume can be independently sealed and accessed, allowing multiple infrastructure lines to coexist in one shaft while maintaining functional separation. This segmentation enables secure separation of rainwater and dirty water networks without requiring separate shaft structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple infrastructure lines (rainwater and dirty water networks) into a single shaft structure. By using closure systems to create separable compartments within the shared shaft, the design merges the physical space while maintaining operational separation, thereby reducing the total number of shaft structures needed.
2Reliability
If separate shaft structures are constructed for rainwater and dirty water networks, then infrastructure lines are securely separated, but construction effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system segments the shaft into manageable partial volumes that can be independently constructed and sealed. This modular approach simplifies construction compared to building entirely separate shaft structures, as workers can focus on creating and sealing individual compartments within a single shaft rather than constructing multiple complete shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system serves multiple functions: it separates partial volumes, provides access points for maintenance, and enables secure sealing of different infrastructure lines. This multi-functional component reduces the need for multiple specialized structures, thereby reducing overall construction effort and costs.
3Area of stationary object
If a single shaft structure is used for both rainwater and dirty water networks with closure systems, then space requirements are reduced, but secure separation and liquid-tight sealing must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system extracts the sealing function as a distinct, removable component. By using removable lids and closure mechanisms that can be independently installed and sealed, the design ensures liquid-tight separation without requiring permanent structural modifications to the shaft itself, thereby maintaining reliability while saving space.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system incorporates pre-designed sealing mechanisms and locking features that ensure liquid-tight sealing before any potential leakage or contamination can occur. The removable lids are engineered with integrated sealing elements that create reliable barriers, cushioning against the risk of cross-contamination between partial volumes.
4Ease of repair
If closure systems with removable lids are used in shaft structures, then access to infrastructure lines is simplified for maintenance, but the complexity of the shaft structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft structure is segmented into multiple accessable partial volumes, each with its own removable lid. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access specific infrastructure lines without opening the entire shaft, simplifying repair operations while the modular nature of the segments keeps the overall structural complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system transitions from fixed, permanent seals to dynamic, removable lids. This dynamic design allows the structure to adapt between states of being closed (for operational separation) and open (for maintenance access), providing ease of repair while the standardized design of the removable components prevents excessive complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 3d~4
AI summary
A device set of a closure system for a manhole structure (601) that can be closed with a manhole cover comprises: e) a closure (200) for opening and closing a partial volume (602) that can be separated from the rest of the manhole volume (603); f) a socket (100) that can be installed in the manhole structure (601) and is designed to receive the closure (200); g) a locking unit (250, 300) that has a locking position and a release position by which the closure (200) can be locked or released in the socket, so that it can be mechanically fixed in the socket (100) in the locked state;(h) a locking unit (500) for a manhole cover, wherein the locking unit (500) can assume a locking position and a neutral position, and wherein the locking unit (500) is designed such that, when installed, it prevents the manhole cover from being fully closed in the locking position, while in the neutral position it allows the manhole cover to be fully closed; wherein the locking unit (500) can be coupled to the locking unit (250, 350) such that when the lock (200) is released, the locking unit (500) is moved into the locking position, and movement of the locking unit (500) into the neutral position is only possible when the lock (200) is engaged.