Manhole Cutting Device with Adjustable Blade Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated digging machines for manhole removal in street environments lack efficiency and adaptability, particularly in handling uneven surfaces and varying manhole diameters, as they rely on fixed cutting mechanisms that are not easily adjustable or capable of accommodating angular inclinations.

Innovation Solution

An automatic manhole removal tool with adjustable blade elements and a central swivel bearing that self-centers and secures within the manhole, using multiple arcuate engagement cams and a locking alignment assembly to cut a circular groove around the manhole, allowing for removal and accommodating uneven street surfaces through angular adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed cutting mechanisms are used, then device structure is simple, but adaptability to varying manhole diameters and uneven surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying manhole diametersVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting mechanism employs adjustable radial arms with movable cutting blades that can be positioned at different radii from the center. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt to various manhole diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates a universal cutting mechanism that can handle different manhole sizes and surface conditions through adjustable components. The radial arms and cutting blades serve multiple functions by being repositionable, allowing one device structure to perform across varying diameters and surface conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed cutting mechanisms are used, then device structure is simple, but ability to accommodate angular inclinations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate angular inclinationsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates adjustable radial arms that can be inclined at different angles relative to the vertical axis. This dynamic angular adjustment capability allows the cutting mechanism to accommodate uneven surfaces and angular inclinations without requiring a completely complex structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting mechanism is divided into separate radial arms that can be independently adjusted in angle and position. This segmentation allows each arm to adapt to local surface variations while maintaining overall device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If adjustable blade elements and engagement cams are used, then cutting precision and engagement security improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting precisionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radial arms are equipped with adjustable blade elements that can be precisely positioned radially and angularly. This dynamic adjustability enables precise cutting while the modular nature of the adjustment mechanisms keeps the overall device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement cams are designed to automatically self-center and secure within the manhole structure during operation. This self-adjusting feature improves engagement security and cutting precision without requiring complex external control systems or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If self-centering mechanism with engagement cams is used, then engagement security improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement securityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement cams are designed with self-centering capability that automatically positions them correctly within the manhole structure during insertion and operation. This self-service feature enhances engagement security and reliability without requiring complex external positioning systems or manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7740415B1Manhole cutting and removing device

Publication Date: 2010.06.22 CRITEX LLC

AI summary

A device to secure, cut and sequentially remove a manhole from a street environment. The manhole removing device is supported and rotatably driven hydraulically by a mobile operation equipment. A circular disk assembly has adjustable pavement cutters adjustably positioned from there within inter-related manhole centering and a locking alignment and engagement plate assembly define a one-step cutting and removal of an existing manhole from the street for replacement.