Adjustable Pit Extension Assembly Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pit tiles for water meters lack a secure mechanism to maintain the extended height, as the outer barrel does not lock relative to the inner barrel, leading to accidental movement during installation tasks like backfilling.
Innovation Solution
A meter pit tile extension assembly featuring an inner ring with outwardly extending ribs and a telescopingly positioned outer ring with inwardly extending ribs, which are rotatable and lockable to secure the desired height, preventing unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outer ring is made rotatable with respect to the inner ring to enable height adjustment, then the adaptability to different pit depths is improved, but the reliability of maintaining the set height deteriorates due to lack of locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The outer ring is designed to be rotatable with respect to the inner ring, allowing dynamic adjustment of the extension assembly height. This rotational movement enables the outer ring to engage different positions on the inner ring, providing adaptability to various pit depths while maintaining the ability to lock at the desired position.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the outer ring and inner ring. The inwardly extending ribs on the outer ring engage with the outwardly extending ribs on the inner ring, creating a positive engagement system that provides both adjustment capability and locking function to maintain reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outer ring is made telescopable over the inner ring to extend height, then the adaptability to different pit depths is improved, but the stability of the extension height deteriorates due to accidental movement
Solution Approach 1:
The outer ring is designed to telescope over the inner ring, with the outer ring containing and moving along the inner ring structure. This nested configuration allows for compact storage when not in use and smooth extension when height adjustment is needed, while the rib engagement provides stability at the extended position.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic mechanism allows the outer ring to move dynamically along the inner ring for height adjustment, then locks in place through rib engagement. This dynamic system transitions between movable (for adjustment) and fixed (for stability) states as needed.
3Reliability
If the rib structures are made engageable through rotation to lock the height, then the reliability of height maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple rib sets and engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure is segmented into multiple sets: inwardly extending ribs on the outer ring and outwardly extending ribs on the inner ring. These segmented rib elements are distributed around the circumference and engage sequentially during rotation, providing reliable locking while keeping each individual rib element simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structure serves multiple functions: it provides the locking mechanism for height maintenance, guides the telescopic movement during adjustment, and distributes mechanical loads across multiple engagement points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A meter pit tile extension assembly is provided. Illustratively, an inner ring is attachable to a pit tile. The inner ring includes a first set of a plurality of outwardly extending ribs. A first space located adjacent the first set of the plurality of outwardly extending ribs. An outer ring is provided that is telescopingly positioned over, and vertically movable with respect to, the inner ring. The outer ring includes a first set of a plurality of inwardly extending ribs. The first set of the plurality of inwardly extending ribs of the outer ring are selectively positionable in a first position in the first space between the first set of the plurality of outwardly extending ribs. The outer ring is also rotatable with respect to the inner ring. Rotation of the outer ring with respect to the inner ring causes the first set of the plurality of inwardly extending ribs to be selectively positionable in a second position such that at least one inwardly extending rib of the first set of the plurality of inwardly extending ribs is selectively positionable adjacent at least one outwardly extending rib of the first set of the plurality of outwardly extending ribs.