Manhole Cover Hinge with Pneumatic Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge devices for tilting manhole covers are complex and unsuitable for easy maneuvering, often leading to jamming issues when trying to open or close thick covers that fit into the frame's thickness.
Innovation Solution
A simplified hinge device with two pairs of connecting rods and assistance gas cylinders that exert thrust forces near the articulation axes, allowing for easy tilting and opening/closing of the cover without significant effort, featuring a deformable quadrilateral structure and elastic damping for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hinge device with multiple connecting rods and springs is used, then the cover can be articulated between closed and open positions, but the structure becomes extremely complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is segmented into two independent pairs of connecting rods, each pair working autonomously to articulate the cover. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by dividing the complex multi-rod mechanism into manageable, identical units that can be easily manufactured and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex multi-link mechanism that requires multiple articulation points, the invention inverts the approach by using a simpler two-rod pair system where the rods are directly articulated to the cover and frame, eliminating the need for intermediate connection points and reducing overall structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If coil springs are used to raise the hatch after unlocking, then the hatch can be lifted a few centimeters, but thick hatches fitting into the frame thickness cannot pivot without jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical coil springs with pneumatic or hydraulic thrust members (cylinders) that provide controlled linear thrust force. This allows the cover to be raised smoothly without the jerky motion and space constraints of spring-based systems, enabling thick covers to pivot freely without jamming while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust member acts as an intermediary between the locking mechanism and the cover, providing a controlled force transmission that lifts the cover gradually. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the direct spring-to-cover connection that causes jamming, allowing the cover to pivot smoothly throughout its entire range of motion.
3Shape
If the cover fits into the thickness of the frame sides, then a flush closed position is achieved, but the cover jams when trying to pivot after unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical hinge system with a parallel rod mechanism that substitutes rotational pivoting with a combination of linear and angular motion. The two pairs of parallel rods guide the cover through its motion path, allowing it to maintain a flush fit while eliminating the jamming issue through a different mechanical approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge device incorporates dynamic motion characteristics where the connecting rods change their relative positions and angles during operation. This dynamic configuration allows the cover to transition smoothly from the flush closed position to the open position, adapting the mechanism's geometry to prevent jamming while maintaining the desired shape.
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
Enables effortless operation of manhole covers by reducing the effort required for opening and closing, preventing jamming and ensuring smooth movement between closed and open positions while maintaining a simple structure.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element, such as a helical compression spring
Implementation Method 2
a helical compression spring mounted concentrically around the rod
Implementation Method 3
two lateral gas cylinders each connected articulated between the frame and the buffer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for hinging a lid or cover to a frame, such as a manhole. The device is characterized in that it comprises two lateral pairs of links (6, 7) connecting the lid (2) to the frame (3) and allowing, when a lifting force is applied to the lid (2) occupying its lowered closed position, a couple to be applied to the lid (2) causing the lid (2) to come out of the frame (3) and causing the lid (2) to pivot about itself to its raised position in which it is held by the links (6, 7). The invention is applicable to roads.