Manhole Insert Gasket Fabrication Using Polyurethane Elastomer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manhole inserts in sewer systems lack effective sealing capabilities and longevity, leading to frequent replacements and potential sewer system overflows during precipitation.

Innovation Solution

A manhole insert gasket fabricated using a two-part polyurethane elastomer, comprising poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-thanediyl)], alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxy-polymer, 1, 3-diisocyanato-2-methylbenzene, 2, 4-diisocyanato-1-methylbenzene, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, toluene 2,4-diisocyanate, polypropylene glycol, diethyltoluenediamine, and neodecanoic acid bismuth (3+) salt, is applied to the manhole insert flange, providing enhanced sealing and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional gasket materials are used on manhole inserts, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the sealing capability and longevity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing capability and longevityVSAvoidgasket fabrication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by using a two-part polyurethane elastomer system that combines poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-thanediyl)], alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxy-polymer with isocyanates in the first part, and polypropylene glycol with diethyltoluenediamine and bismuth salt in the second part. This composite material formulation provides enhanced sealing capability and longevity while maintaining a practical fabrication process through mold-based application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If frequent replacements are made due to poor sealing, then the initial installation is simple, but the long-term maintenance cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegasket service lifeVSAvoidreplacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and physical properties of the gasket material. The two-part polyurethane elastomer system creates a gasket with optimized hardness, elasticity, and chemical resistance parameters that enable it to withstand prolonged exposure to sewer environments, thereby extending service life and reducing replacement frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If inadequate sealing is provided, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but sewer system overflows occur during precipitation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater and sewerage seepage preventionVSAvoidgasket material complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the manhole insert flange as a mounting surface for the gasket. The flange acts as an intermediary structure that provides a standardized interface between the gasket material and the manhole structure, facilitating effective sealing while maintaining ease of installation and manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The gasket material offers a liquid-tight seal, preventing water and sewerage seepage, reducing the need for frequent replacements, and effectively preventing sewer system overflows during heavy rain or precipitation.

Implementation Method 1

a gasket material, the gasket material comprising a two-part polyurethane elastomer prepared by mixing a first part having poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-thanediyl)], alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxy-polymer with 1, 3-diisocyanato-2-methylbenzene and 2, 4-diisocyanato-1-methylbenzene; dipropylene glycol dibenzoate; and toluene 2,4-diisocyanate with a second part having polypropylene glycol, diethyltoluenediamine and neodecanoic acid, bismuth (3+) salt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

finishing the manhole insert gasket by curing the gasket material and removing the manhole insert from the gasket mold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring:

Data Source

PatentUS10011971B1Manhole inserts and manhole insert gasket fabrication methods
Publication Date: 2018.07.03 NEATHERY DAVID L
  • US10011971B1 patent drawing
  • US10011971B1 patent drawing
  • US10011971B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods of fabricating a manhole insert gasket on a manhole insert flange of a manhole insert include fabricating a gasket mold, inverting a manhole insert having a manhole insert flange, placing the manhole insert on the gasket mold with a mold space overlying the manhole insert flange, preparing a gasket material, placing the gasket material in the mold space, finishing the manhole insert gasket by curing the gasket material and removing the manhole insert from the gasket mold. Manhole inserts having a manhole insert gasket characterized by enhanced sealing capability and longevity are also disclosed.