Modular Access Cover Frame for Large Openings Without Deep Rebates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access covers for infrastructure pits are cumbersome and require complex shaping of surrounding concrete, limiting their size and handling, and modular solutions often necessitate deep rebates that complicate installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular access cover assembly comprising a support frame with undercut and drawcut surfaces that engage with corresponding surfaces on individual covers, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and a support beam that transfers loads without needing deep rebates in the surrounding structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single large access cover is used to cover a large opening, then the opening is fully covered, but the cover becomes heavy, bulky, and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The access cover is divided into multiple modular covers that can be assembled together to cover large openings. Each individual cover remains manageable in size and weight, while combinations of covers can accommodate various opening sizes. The modular covers are connected through joining mechanisms such as tabs and slots, allowing easy assembly and disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If modular access covers are used to improve handling, then handling efficiency improves, but deep rebates are required in the surrounding structure which complicates installation
Solution Approach 1:
The joining mechanism is extracted from the individual covers themselves and implemented as a separate support frame structure. The support frame includes ledges and joining members that connect multiple covers together, eliminating the need for deep rebates in the surrounding infrastructure. This separates the modular cover units from the complex joining requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A support frame acts as an intermediary structure between the modular covers and the surrounding infrastructure. The support frame includes ledges that rest on the infrastructure and joining members that connect the covers, simplifying the connection requirements to minimal rebates while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If deep rebates are formed in the surrounding concrete to support modular covers, then the covers can be supported, but installation time and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from the surrounding concrete infrastructure and transferred to a separate support frame structure. The support frame includes ledges that require only minimal rebates in the concrete, rather than deep rebates, thereby reducing construction time and costs while maintaining reliable cover support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is assembled with the modular covers in a pre-assembled unit that can be installed as a complete system. This preliminary assembly reduces on-site construction time and ensures proper support configuration without requiring complex现场 operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments generally relate to modular access covers. Example embodiments relate to an access cover assembly comprising: a first set of modular access covers and a second set of modular access covers, wherein in each set, adjacent covers are coupled; and a support frame comprising end frame pieces, side frame pieces, wall boxes, and a support beam. The end frame pieces and side frame pieces define a support plane to support the first and second sets of modular access covers. The wall boxes define a support surface to support the support beam and the end frame pieces, and the support surface is offset from the support plane and the wall boxes are connected to the end frame pieces and receive respective ends of the support beam.