Manhole Frame with Concrete Sleeve for Precise Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing frames for catch basin or manhole inlets, particularly using wooden shims, lead to imprecise alignment and potential water infiltration due to movement between the road and the frame during frosting and defrosting periods, and fixing the frame in concrete prevents further adjustments or replacements.
Innovation Solution
A frame design featuring a hollow body with laterally extending flanges and a concrete sleeve that is cast around the frame skeleton, providing a secure and precise connection to the inlet, with anchor points and grooves for stability and alignment, allowing for secure attachment to the concrete without the need for shims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wooden shims are used to position the frame during concrete pouring, then the frame can be installed in the guiding holder, but the shims may displace during pouring causing imprecise alignment between the frame and catch basin
Solution Approach 1:
A concrete sleeve is introduced as an intermediary element between the frame and the catch basin inlet. The sleeve is fixedly connected to the inlet and receives the frame, eliminating the need for wooden shims. This mediator ensures precise alignment is maintained during concrete pouring while still allowing for easy frame installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete sleeve is pre-installed and fixedly connected to the catch basin inlet before the frame is positioned. This preliminary action establishes a stable, precise reference structure that guides frame installation without requiring temporary shims that may displace during the pouring process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the frame is fixedly attached into the concrete road to reduce imprecision, then alignment precision improves, but any further adjustment is prevented and replacement requires road work
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two independent components: the concrete sleeve fixedly connected to the catch basin inlet, and the frame that can be independently installed or removed from the sleeve. This segmentation allows the frame to be precisely aligned through the sleeve's guiding structure while maintaining adaptability for future replacement without road work.
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete sleeve serves as a permanent intermediary structure embedded in the road that provides both precise alignment and a reusable mounting interface. The frame can be repeatedly installed and removed from the sleeve, enabling maintenance and replacement without disturbing the road concrete.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is disposed floatingly on the catch basin inlet with concrete poured around it, then the connection absorbs movements during frosting and defrosting, but water infiltration can occur and premature wear happens
Solution Approach 1:
The concrete sleeve acts as a mediator between the rigid frame and the flexible concrete road connection. It provides a sealed interface that prevents water infiltration while allowing the outer concrete connection to remain flexible enough to absorb thermal expansion and contraction movements during frosting and defrosting cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system combines different material properties: the concrete sleeve provides a rigid, water-tight seal, while the surrounding concrete road maintains flexibility for thermal movement accommodation. This composite approach integrates both water tightness and movement flexibility in a single connection system.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for a cover for one of a catch basin and a manhole having an inlet, the frame comprising: a frame skeleton having a hollow body having a first end and a second end, the second end being adapted to be inserted into the inlet of the catch basin or manhole, the frame skeleton having at least one flange extending laterally outwardly from the first end of the hollow body and a concrete sleeve disposed around the hollow body on an external surface thereof, the concrete sleeve being adapted to be disposed between the inlet of the one of the catch basin and manhole and the at least one flange, the concrete sleeve having a top surface abutting the under surface of the at least one flange, the under surface of at least one flange covering the top surface of the concrete sleeve.