Hinged Manhole Panel Pin Lock Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manhole designs do not allow for the panel to be made unremovable from the frame without modifications, either during or after installation, which can be a safety and security concern.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tenon with a through hole that allows a pin to be inserted, enabling the panel to adopt a removable or unremovable configuration based on the pin's presence, using a guide of reduced section to control the panel's pivoting and ensure it can only be mounted or dismounted at a specific angle, thereby securing it in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the panel is designed to be removable from the frame, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pin design allows the panel to dynamically switch between removable and unremovable states. The pin can be inserted to prevent removal or removed to allow panel detachment, providing adaptive security based on operational needs without requiring different hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge pin acts as an intermediary element between the panel and frame. Its presence or absence mediates the connection state, allowing the same hinge structure to provide both easy removal (when pin is absent) and secure fixation (when pin is present) without modifying the underlying articulation mechanism.
2Reliability
If the panel is made unremovable after installation, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static hinge design to a dynamic one where the panel's removability can be changed after installation. The hinge pin can be added or removed at any time, allowing the panel to switch between secure fixed state and removable state for maintenance purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection is segmented into two independent components: the hinge pin and the hinge body. This segmentation allows the pin to be added or removed without affecting the hinge structure itself, enabling easy modification of panel removability status after installation.
3Reliability
If a pin insertion mechanism is added to make the panel unremovable, then device complexity increases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pin serves multiple functions: it acts as the articulation axis for panel movement, provides security by preventing panel removal when inserted, and allows easy removal when taken out. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while providing security.
Solution Approach 2:
The security function is merged with the existing hinge articulation function. The same hinge pin that enables panel rotation also prevents panel removal when inserted, combining two functions into a single element without adding separate complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a roadway manhole with a frame and a panel mounted hinged to the frame by a tenon that can be secured after installation. According to the invention, the first arm (9) of the tenon (3) includes a through hole (18) opening into the reduced-section guide (14) to allow the insertion of a pin (19) through this guide. The panel (2) can adopt two configurations: a first configuration where it is removable from the frame from its open upright position in the absence of a pin, and a second configuration where it is non-removable from the frame (1) after the insertion of the pin (19) into the first arm (9) of the tenon (3) and through the reduced-section guide (14). The invention finds application in the field of road construction.