Plastic Meter Pit Frame With Ribbed Underside for Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cast iron meter pit frames suffer from poor radio and cellular signal transmission, are heavy, difficult to modify or trim in the field, and prone to rusting, leading to unsightly appearance and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
Molded meter pit frames made from plastic or composite materials, featuring a smooth upper surface and undermounted rib geometry, allowing for improved signal transmission, reduced weight, ease of modification, and resistance to rusting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cast iron is used for meter pit frames, then strength and longevity are provided, but weight increases and signal transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from cast iron to molded plastic or composite materials, which fundamentally alters the weight and signal transmission properties while maintaining structural strength through optimized molding designs and rib geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials (molded plastic or glass-reinforced plastic) that combine lightweight properties with sufficient structural strength, replacing traditional cast iron to reduce weight while maintaining frame integrity
2Strength
If cast iron is used for meter pit frames, then structural integrity is maintained, but signal transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from metal (cast iron) to non-metallic materials (molded plastic or composite), which fundamentally alters the electromagnetic properties to allow signal penetration while maintaining structural integrity through design features like rib geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful metallic component (cast iron) that blocks signals and replaces it with signal-transparent materials, eliminating the harmful effect while preserving necessary structural functions through alternative material properties
3Duration of action of stationary object
If cast iron is used for meter pit frames, then durability is provided, but ease of modification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from cast iron to molded plastic or composite, which fundamentally alters the manufacturability and modification characteristics, allowing for easier on-site adjustments and modifications while maintaining durability through proper molding techniques
4Strength
If cast iron is used for meter pit frames, then strength is provided, but rusting occurs leading to safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from iron-based (prone to rust) to plastic or composite materials (rust-resistant), fundamentally eliminating the harmful rusting effect while maintaining structural strength through optimized material selection and design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful property of metal (rusting) into a beneficial non-metallic material that inherently resists corrosion, transforming a problem into a solution by selecting materials that naturally resist environmental degradation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for a meter pit frame that is configured to enclose an opening of a meter pit. The meter pit frame includes an outer frame edge, a circular inner wall defining a central opening from which extends a lip for receiving and supporting a cover, and a plurality of ribs disposed entirely on the underside of the meter pit frame and beneath the top surface thereof, the ribs extending between the inner wall and the outer frame edge and configured to enable the meter pit frame to support vertical loading. The meter pit frame is molded from plastic and is configured to enable transmission of data signals therethrough. Expander rings and/or extension components may be employed to enable the meter pit frame to be secured to meter pits having different diameters or lengths.