Modular Meter Pit Extension with Flange and Clip System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional meter pits have fixed lengths, leading to inventory and storage challenges, and lack sufficient crush resistance for utility applications, as separate parts are required for different lengths and cannot withstand the necessary force requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular pit extension system with flanges and clips that allow for interchangeable and stackable extensions, providing adjustable length and enhanced crush resistance through injection molding and rib designs, enabling the system to withstand forces greater than 10,000 pounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional roto-molded meter pits with fixed lengths are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but inventory flexibility and storage efficiency deteriorate due to requiring separate parts for different lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The meter pit is divided into a base pit and separate extension sections that can be attached as needed. The base pit includes engagement features (flanges, clips) that allow one or more extension sections to be connected, enabling flexible length adjustment without requiring completely different pit designs for each length requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension sections are designed with universal engagement features that allow the same extension piece to be attached to any base pit of compatible size. This multi-functional design enables a single extension section to serve multiple length requirements, reducing the total number of unique parts needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-length pit variants are manufactured to meet different application requirements, then application versatility is improved, but storage space and inventory management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing multiple complete pit variants, the system stores a standardized base pit and separate extension sections. The extension sections are designed to stack vertically on top of each other, significantly reducing the storage volume required compared to storing multiple complete pit assemblies of different lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension sections are designed to nest within each other when stacked, with smaller extensions fitting inside or alongside larger ones. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall storage footprint while maintaining access to multiple length configurations.
3Strength
If traditional meter pit designs are used, then manufacturing process simplicity is maintained, but crush resistance capability deteriorates due to insufficient structural reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The extension sections incorporate localized structural reinforcements including ribs and gussets positioned at critical stress points. These reinforcements are concentrated where needed to maximize crush resistance while minimizing overall material usage and manufacturing complexity. The base pit also includes reinforced engagement zones for the clips and flanges.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate parts are used for different pit lengths, then length adaptability is improved, but assembly complexity and connection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement system incorporates self-aligning features where the flange geometry and clip positioning automatically guide proper alignment during assembly. The clips are designed to engage with recesses in the flange, providing self-centering action that ensures reliable connection without requiring precise manual alignment or additional fastening steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A pit and an extension, each having flanges extending perpendicular to an axis of the pit and extension. The pit includes holes extending outwardly in the wall of the pit, preferably these holes are located at one end of the pit. Surfaces of the flanges are configured to mate together and clips secure the flanges together to inhibit movement apart of the pit and extension along the axis. In certain embodiments, the extension includes support ribs which may be both interior and exterior and the extension narrows from its flange towards an opposite end thereof.