Pit Cover Locking Assembly Frictional Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pit and manhole covers are vulnerable to unauthorized access and displacement due to explosive forces, posing safety risks, as current locking mechanisms are inadequate in preventing uncontrolled removal and securing the covers during potential explosions or electrical discharges.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly comprising a rigid cover with a mounting arrangement, a pivotally connected link, a frictional locking member, and an actuating member accessible from the top, allowing authorized access while maintaining secure engagement with the pit wall, and vented design to prevent explosive displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking assembly with frictional engagement is used to secure the cover against unauthorized access and explosive forces, then the security and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional components (link, locking member, actuating member)
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a mounting arrangement for attachment to the cover, a link for transmitting force, a locking member for frictional engagement with the pit wall, and an actuating member for operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The link acts as an intermediary element that transmits force between the actuating member and the locking member. When the actuating member is operated, it applies force to the link, which then translates this force to displacement the locking member, enabling controlled engagement and disengagement from the pit wall.
2Reliability
If a locking member with frictional engagement is used to prevent unauthorized removal, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as authorized access requires specific tools and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to automatically engage with the pit wall when the cover is installed, providing immediate security without requiring additional locking steps. The mounting arrangement is pre-configured to facilitate this automatic engagement, ensuring reliability is achieved without complicating the installation process.
3Strength
If the locking member is designed to withstand explosive forces through frictional engagement, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member incorporates a friction pad that changes the interaction mechanism from rigid mechanical engagement to friction-based engagement. This parameter change allows the system to withstand explosive forces through frictional resistance rather than requiring precise mechanical interlocking, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining strength.
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 solution effectively secures the cover against unauthorized access and withstands explosive forces by maintaining frictional engagement with the pit wall, allowing authorized removal and reducing the risk of accidents from uncontrolled cover displacement.
Implementation Method 1
a locking member carried by the second, free end of the link, the locking member being configured to frictionally engage with the side wall of the void in a locking position
Implementation Method 2
the actuating member being operable to displace the link relative to the mounting arrangement to cause the locking member to frictionally disengage from the side wall of the void to a disengaged position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A locking assembly 10 is provided for a cover 12. The cover 12 is a substantially rigid cover and is configured to close off an opening 14 to a void 16. The void 16 is bounded by a side wall 18. The cover 12 defines a pair of opposed sides, being an operatively top side 20 and an opposed underside 22. The locking assembly 10 includes a mounting arrangement 24 mountable to the underside 22 of the cover 12. A link 26 is pivotally connected to the mounting arrangement 24. The link 26 defines a first end 28 and a second, free end 30. A locking member 32 is carried by the second, free end 30 of the link 26. The locking member 32 is configured to frictionally engage with the side wall 18 of the void 16 in a locking position 34, in use. An actuating member 38 is connected to the link 26 and is accessible via the operatively top side 20 of the cover 12. The actuating member 38 is operable to displace the link 26 relative to the mounting arrangement 24 to cause the locking member 32 to frictionally disengage from the side wall 18 of the void 16 to a disengaged position.