Pressure-Responsive Manhole Cover Venting Against Sewer Overflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manhole cover assemblies fail to effectively vent sewer gas while preventing precipitation from entering and causing overflow in sanitary sewers.
Innovation Solution
A vented precipitation guarding manhole cover assembly with a valve assembly that extends from the bottom interior surface of the manhole cover, operable between open and closed positions to allow gas venting and prevent fluid entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a manhole cover assembly is designed to vent sewer gas, then gas venting capability is improved, but precipitation can enter and cause overflow in sanitary sewers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve assembly that automatically changes position based on pressure differentials. The valve opens to allow sewer gas to escape when pressure builds up in the sewer system, and closes when pressure equalizes or reverses to prevent precipitation from entering. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction by making the venting mechanism adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly operates autonomously using the natural pressure differentials between the sewer system and the atmosphere. No external power source or control system is needed - the pressure differential itself drives the valve open or closed, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for external intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve assembly is added to prevent precipitation entry, then overflow prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to operate automatically using natural pressure differentials without requiring external power sources, control systems, or complex actuation mechanisms. The simplicity of using pressure-driven operation rather than electric or pneumatic control significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining effective precipitation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve responds to changes in pressure parameters within the sewer system. When pressure exceeds a certain threshold, the valve opens; when pressure drops or reverses, the valve closes. This parameter-based control simplifies the design by relying on fundamental physical principles rather than complex control logic.
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 assembly efficiently vents sewer gas while preventing precipitation and storm water overflow, thereby maintaining the integrity of the sanitary sewer system.
Implementation Method 1
In response to the fluid at least partially filling the first passage, a valve member moves to the closed position to prevent the fluid from passing through the second passage
Data Source
AI summary
A vented precipitation guarding manhole cover assembly, comprising: a manhole cover having a top exterior surface and a bottom interior surface; a vent opening extending through the manhole cover between the top and bottom surfaces; a valve assembly in fluid communication with the vent opening and extending from the bottom interior surface, the valve assembly configured to extend from the bottom interior surface at least partially inside the manhole, the valve assembly operable between an open position, to enable gas to exit from the manhole, and a closed position, to prevent the flow of fluid from the top exterior surface into the manhole.