Manhole Cover Buffer with Integrated Blocking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road device buffers for manholes and access hatches are costly due to expensive functional elements and complex assembly processes, requiring multiple components and screws that can loosen over time, leading to material wastage and high logistics expenses.
Innovation Solution
A buffer system featuring a cleat with a web and wings, where the blocking member is secured to the base body using complementary shapes and a frangible wall, allowing autonomous positioning and guiding, reducing material usage and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If functional elements are fixed by screws on attachment protrusions, then the functional elements can be securely attached, but the assembly process becomes costly in terms of assembly time and logistics, and screws can come loose unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The housing integrates both the attachment protrusion and the functional element mounting surface into a single unified structure. The functional element is directly fixed to the housing without requiring separate attachment protrusions or screws, merging multiple components into one integrated unit that simplifies assembly while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the screw fastening mechanism and separate attachment protrusions from the design. By removing these unnecessary intermediate components, the functional element is directly mounted on the housing, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the secure attachment function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If attachment protrusions are provided for functional elements, then functional elements can be attached, but material is wasted when no functional element is attached thereto
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting surface for functional elements, acts as the structural support, and eliminates the need for separate attachment protrusions. This multi-functional design ensures that when functional elements are not attached, no additional material is wasted on unused attachment structures.
3Reliability
If multiple components and screws are used for fixing functional elements, then secure attachment is achieved, but logistics expenses increase due to storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components (housing, attachment protrusions, screws) are merged into a single integrated housing structure. The functional element is directly mounted on the housing without requiring separate fastening components, reducing the total quantity of parts that need to be stored and managed in logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes unnecessary intermediate components (screws, separate attachment protrusions) from the system. By eliminating these components, the number of parts requiring logistics storage is significantly reduced, lowering logistics expenses while maintaining secure fixing capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cover for a road system device provided with a frame, including: a blocking member (32) and a base body (16) defining a covering surface (20) for the road system device, extending in a cover plane (T-T), and having a recess (28; 28P, 28I) for receiving the blocking member (32). The recess and the blocking member are adapted for blocking the cover relative to the frame (4) or to a neighbouring cover (8; 6P, 8). The recess (28; 28P, 28I) is adapted for maintaining the blocking member (32) relative to the base body (16) in an independent manner, and for resisting the movement of the blocking member along a direction (S) extending perpendicular to the cover plane (T-T) and tending to move the blocking member (32) away from the covering surface (20). The invention can be used for manholes for accessing underground facilities.