Ring-Shaped Manhole Lighting System for Single-Operator Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manhole lighting solutions, such as handheld flashlights and external stand lights, hinder access and are cumbersome, requiring additional operators or setup time, and often rely on external power sources, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered, water-resistant manhole lighting system with a ring-shaped body that secures to the manhole rim using adjustable screws or magnets, providing focused LED lighting without the need for external power and allowing single-operator use with both hands, featuring a compact design for easy installation and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If handheld lighting equipment is used, then lighting is provided, but access to the manhole is obstructed and operator mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented from the operator by mounting it on the manhole rim rather than requiring the operator to hold it. This separates the lighting function from the operator's hands and body, allowing free movement while maintaining illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The manhole rim serves as an intermediary structure to support the lighting equipment. By placing the light on the rim rather than having the operator carry it, the system mediates between the need for lighting and the need for operator mobility.
2Illumination intensity
If external stand lights are used, then lighting is provided, but setup time increases and the equipment may tip or move
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting unit is designed to be universally applicable to standard manhole rims through the adapter assembly. This universal design allows quick installation without custom fitting, reducing setup time while providing stable lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is pre-configured with mounting mechanisms that interface with standard manhole rims. This preliminary preparation of the mounting interface enables rapid deployment without time-consuming adjustments during installation.
3Illumination intensity
If external stand lights are used, then lighting is provided, but the equipment obstructs access to the manhole
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into a compact unit mounted on the rim rather than a large stand occupying the access area. This segmentation eliminates the need for bulky support structures that would block the working space.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting is positioned in a different spatial dimension - mounted on the vertical rim surface rather than standing on the horizontal ground. This dimensional change moves the lighting apparatus out of the operator's working space while maintaining illumination.
4Weight of moving object
If battery-powered lighting is used, then portability is improved, but power duration may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses battery power to be self-contained and portable, eliminating the need for external power sources. The battery provides sufficient duration for typical manhole inspection and repair tasks while maintaining portability.
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
Enables efficient and unobtrusive lighting within manholes, allowing single operators to perform tasks without obstructing access, reducing setup time and costs, and ensuring reliable illumination without external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
providing focused LED lighting
Implementation Method 2
secures to the manhole rim using adjustable screws or magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A portable lighting system including a ring shaped body having a top surface, a bottom surface, an outside wall and an inside wall, the ring shaped body defining a body perimeter, a rim secured to the body and extending away from the outside wall, a plurality of lights secured about the body perimeter, and a power source operatively connected to the plurality of lights. The power source may be a battery or other power source and can power the lights in addition to a controller, camera, transceiver, or sensor. One or more of the lights may be flexibly secured to the body and the body may be secured in place through a variety of ways. A safety ring and/or accessory bracket may be secured atop the portable lighting system.