Manhole Cover Key Lock Automatic Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manhole cover key/lock assemblies rely on operator responsibility for secure closing, leading to potential oversight and accidental opening, compromising safety and security of underground infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A key/lock assembly with a latch mechanism that automatically returns to a closed position and can be manually opened using a key with an oblong end portion that rotates to engage a moving recess, incorporating a helical spring for automatic closure and a locking groove for secure opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual key/lock assembly is used requiring operator responsibility for closing, then the opening operation remains simple, but the reliability of closure is compromised due to potential operator oversight
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically return to the closed position and engage with the frame through a spring-loaded system. The key is only required for opening, not for closing. After the lid is placed on the frame, the latch automatically snaps into the engaged position, eliminating dependence on operator responsibility for secure closure while maintaining simple manual operation.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to ensure secure closure, then the reliability of closure improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key/lock assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a latch element with a recess, a spring mechanism for automatic return, and a key with specific geometric features (oblong end portion). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while ensuring reliable closure through the coordinated action of these simple, well-defined parts.
3Reliability
If an automatic closing mechanism is implemented, then the reliability of closure improves, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the operator to actively close and lock the mechanism, the system is inverted so that the latch automatically closes and locks itself. The key is used only for the opening operation, not for closing. This inversion maintains operational simplicity while ensuring automatic, reliable closure through the spring-loaded latch that snaps into place when the lid is positioned on the frame.
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
Ensures automatic and secure closure while allowing safe and simple manual opening, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to underground structures.
Implementation Method 1
return means, which are designed to automatically force said latch to its closing position; Preferably, said return means comprise a helical spring
Data Source
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AI summary
A key/lock assembly (1) for a street manhole cover (2), which comprises a lid (3) and a peripheral frame (4) fixed to the ground and arranged so as to peripherally surround the lid (3). The key/lock assembly comprises a latch (6) mounted on a lower surface (3a) of the lid (3) and designed to assume an advanced closing position, in which is cooperates in abutment with an abutment portion of the frame (4), and a retracted opening position, in which it is released from the abutment portion; a key (12) designed to move the latch (6); and return means (8), which are designed to automatically force the latch (6) to its closing position. In the latch (6) there is obtained a moving recess (10), which is designed to be engaged by a key (12) in order to overcome the action of the return means (8) and move the latch (6) to its opening position. Furthermore, the key/lock assembly comprises a locking wall (11), which extends from the lower surface (3a) of the lid (3) in the area of the moving recess (10) and is designed to be crossed by an oblong end portion (14) of the key (12) when it is arranged in its inactive position. In the locking wall (11) there is obtained a locking groove (11a) , which is designed to be engaged by the oblong end portion (14) when it is in its active position.