Modular Manhole Segments for Compact Storage and Easy Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monolithic manholes are inefficient for storage and transportation due to their large size, requiring significant space and posing challenges in assembly and installation.

Innovation Solution

The development of manhole assemblies comprising interconnected longitudinal and ring segments with features like dowel pins, clip bosses, hinges, and gaskets, allowing for efficient stacking and easy assembly on-site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If monolithic manholes are used, then durability is improved, but storage and transportation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The manhole is divided into multiple modular segments that can be stacked vertically during storage and transportation. Each segment contains connection features (dowel pins, clip bosses, hinges) that enable assembly into a complete manhole structure, allowing compact storage while maintaining durability through modular construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If monolithic manholes are used, then durability is improved, but transportation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidtransportation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The manhole structure is segmented into transportable modules that can be efficiently loaded and unloaded during installation. The modular design with interlocking connection features enables faster assembly compared to installing monolithic manholes, improving transportation and installation productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If segmented manhole segments are used, then storage and transportation efficiency is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection features (dowel pins, clip bosses, hinges, gaskets) are integrated into a unified connection system that simplifies the assembly process. The interlocking design allows segments to be quickly joined together through straightforward mechanical connections, reducing assembly complexity despite the segmented structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250277349A1Manhole construction
Publication Date: 2025.09.04 ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS INC
  • US20250277349A1 patent drawing
  • US20250277349A1 patent drawing
  • US20250277349A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A manhole assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected longitudinal manhole segments is provided. In an embodiment, the plurality of interconnected longitudinal manhole segments may comprise a first edge comprising a plurality of dowel pins, a second edge comprising a plurality of dowel holes, a curved wall extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a plurality of clip bosses extending periodically along the first edge and the second edge. In another embodiment, the plurality of interconnected longitudinal manhole segments may comprise a plurality of hinges extending periodically along the first edge and the second edge.