Modular Handhole Assembly With Tongue-and-Groove Wall Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large telecommunication handholes are bulky and heavy, making them difficult to store, ship, and install, often requiring multiple users or heavy equipment for installation.
Innovation Solution
A handhole design featuring a first wall with a groove and an opening, and a second wall with a joint portion that extends into the groove, allowing the walls to connect via a tongue and groove joint, enabling direct coupling and reducing the need for cross-bracing, and allowing for separate transportation and assembly of the walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the handhole is designed as a large integrated structure, then the structural integrity is improved, but the weight and bulkiness increase making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The handhole is divided into multiple separate wall components (first wall, second wall, third wall, fourth wall) that can be manufactured and transported independently. These segments are then assembled on-site using joint portions with grooves and members to form the complete handhole structure, reducing the weight and bulk of individual transport units while maintaining overall structural integrity through the joint design.
2Strength
If the handhole is designed as a large integrated structure, then the structural integrity is improved, but the storage and shipping efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The handhole structure is segmented into multiple wall components that can be stored and shipped separately in compact configurations. The joint portions with grooves and extendable members enable these separate components to be assembled into the complete handhole structure at the installation site, optimizing storage and shipping volume while preserving structural integrity.
3Strength
If multiple users or heavy equipment are used for installation, then the structural integrity is ensured, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handhole is segmented into manageable wall components with integrated joint portions that include grooves and extendable members. This segmentation allows for simplified on-site assembly where components can be connected through the joint mechanisms without requiring heavy equipment or multiple users, reducing installation complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the joint design.
Data Source
AI summary
A handhole is provided, the handhole including a first wall and a second wall. The first wall includes a first joint portion forming a groove and an opening extending along a vertical direction. The second wall includes a second joint portion including a member extendable into the groove through the opening at the first joint portion. The first wall and the second wall are connectable together at the first joint portion and the second joint portion.