Manhole Protective Collar with Segmented Hinged Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manholes with sharp edges damage equipment and pose injury risks to personnel due to the abrasive nature of the edges when entering or exiting, particularly for rescue operations where quick and safe access is critical.
Innovation Solution
A protective collar with adjustable and modular design that covers the edges of manholes, featuring different materials and configurations to fit various manhole shapes, including round, square, and rectangular, with options for easy storage, lighting, and integrated ports for power and air supply, designed to prevent damage and ensure safe access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ad-hoc measures such as using articles of clothing or pieces of fire hose are used to line the manhole, then equipment protection is improved, but the measures fall into the manhole when items are raised or lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The protective collar is divided into multiple functional segments: a first portion that covers the manhole opening, a second portion that extends into the manhole, and a connecting portion that bridges them. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity, preventing the protection measure from falling into the manhole.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective collar is installed in advance before equipment is lowered into the manhole. The collar is positioned and secured beforehand, creating a stable protective environment that prevents equipment damage during subsequent operations. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for ad-hoc measures that fail during use.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a roller system is placed adjacent to the manhole to protect equipment, then equipment protection is improved, but the roller system damages the road when spiked into the road and only covers a portion of the manhole
Solution Approach 1:
The protective collar acts as an intermediary structure between the sharp manhole edges and the equipment being lowered. Instead of directly spiking into the road, the collar is designed to be placed over the manhole ring, using the ring itself as the mounting surface. This intermediary approach provides equipment protection without causing road damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective collar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects equipment from sharp edges, covers the entire manhole opening (unlike partial roller systems), and can be installed without damaging the road surface. The collar's design allows it to perform these diverse functions through its integrated structure with multiple portions working together.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the manhole has sharp edges to ensure a tight fit between the manhole and cover, then the cover fit is improved, but the sharp edges damage equipment and personnel over time
Solution Approach 1:
The protective collar applies local quality modification by covering only the specific area where sharp edges exist (the manhole opening and upper portion) while leaving the rest of the manhole structure unchanged. This localized protection maintains the tight cover fit at the top while eliminating sharp edge hazards in the protection zone where equipment and personnel interact with the manhole.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar serves as an intermediary layer between the sharp manhole edges and external objects. It preserves the original manhole structure and its tight-fitting cover while introducing a protective interface that eliminates harmful sharp edges. The intermediary collar absorbs the conflict between maintaining structural integrity and eliminating hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a protective collar that covers the edges of a manhole or other personnel entryway. One device comprises at least two pieces and a hinge that connects the two pieces, which allows the device to be folded for storage. Another device includes a skirt portion that extends further into the manhole. A further device includes at least one light to provide light into the manhole. A still further device includes a surface port that provides a connecting point for a line, and a subsurface port that provides a connecting point for another line. A still further device includes another portion to cover any equipment that has been inserted into the manhole. A still further device includes at least one rung to assist in personnel in entering and exiting the manhole.