Removable Manhole Obstruction Device with Radial Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to effectively obstruct cylindrical passages, such as manholes, while allowing water discharge and preventing pedestrian access during flooding or theft, and do not withstand the weight of cast-iron covers or allow easy installation in series.
Innovation Solution
A removable obturation device with a central block and radially extending arms, equipped with extensible rods and a complementary obturation element, featuring a geared motor and helical link mechanism for easy installation and secure blocking, capable of withstanding pedestrian and cover weights, and allowing water discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional manhole cover is used, then the passage is blocked and pedestrians are protected, but the device cannot allow water discharge and requires heavy lifting equipment for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent components: a central support block, multiple radial arms with blocking pads, and a hoist mechanism. This segmentation allows the device to be lowered piece by piece through the manhole opening, eliminating the need for heavy lifting equipment while maintaining structural integrity during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arms are designed to nest within the central support block during installation, allowing the entire device to be lowered through the manhole opening in a compact configuration. Once positioned, the arms extend outward to form the blocking structure, transforming from a compact installation state to an expanded operational state
2Strength
If the device is designed to withstand heavy loads from pedestrians and covers, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the central support block serves as both the anchoring point and the load distribution center, while the radial arms simultaneously provide blocking functionality and structural support. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed to achieve high load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arms are positioned to distribute loads evenly around the central support block, creating an equipotential stress distribution pattern. This ensures that heavy loads from pedestrians or covers are uniformly distributed across multiple attachment points, preventing localized overload while maintaining a relatively simple arm structure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the device allows water discharge during flooding, then flood protection is improved, but the blocking effectiveness against pedestrians is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking pads at the ends of the radial arms are designed with selective permeability characteristics - they are solid enough to block pedestrian passage but include features that allow water to pass through. This local quality differentiation enables the same structure to serve dual purposes: preventing pedestrian access while allowing water discharge during flooding events
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arms act as an intermediary structure between the solid blocking function and the fluid flow function. By positioning the arms at specific radial distances and angles, the design creates pathways that guide water flow around the blocking pads, mediating between the need for pedestrian protection and flood water discharge
4Area of stationary object
If multiple devices are installed in series for extended coverage, then protection scope is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a modular segmented system where identical units can be installed in series around the manhole perimeter. Each segment is self-contained and can be independently lowered and positioned, allowing rapid deployment of multiple units without requiring complex coordinated installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The device components are pre-assembled in a compact configuration that facilitates quick lowering through the manhole opening. The radial arms are pre-positioned to automatically engage with the support block upon deployment, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly procedures and reducing installation time when multiple devices are installed in series
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
Effectively prevents pedestrian access and flooding while ensuring the device remains secure under heavy loads and can be easily installed and removed, addressing the limitations of prior art by providing a robust and adaptable solution for manhole obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
able to be blocked in abutment against one said side wall by extension of said extensible rod
Implementation Method 2
featuring a geared motor and helical link mechanism for easy installation and secure blocking
Data Source
AI summary
A removable obturation device is provided for transversely obstructing a passage delimited by a cylindrical side wall wherein it includes: a) a support and blocking element having a central block supporting a plurality of arms disposed perpendicularly in a radial position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the block and of the side wall, each arm having an extensible rod including a pad intended to be blocked against one the side wall, and b) at least one complementary obturation element extending in a radial transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, at least partly in or opposite the space between the arms so as to prevent an individual from falling through the passage. The obstruction element is preferably removably fastened to the support and blocking element.