Sealed Hatch Assembly with Elastomeric Gasket for Underground Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hatch assemblies for underground enclosures lack effective sealing mechanisms to prevent the intrusion of contaminants such as water, dust, and debris, which can compromise the integrity of the equipment housed within.
Innovation Solution
A hatch assembly with a pivotally mounted door featuring a surrounding elastomeric gasket that engages an upstanding L-shaped bracket within the hatch frame upon closure, forming a fluid-tight seal. The hinge position allows the door to seal as it begins to close, and the gasket is made from silicone with a Shore A hardness of 10 for enhanced sealing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional hatch assembly is used without specialized sealing mechanisms, then the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but contaminants such as water, dust, and debris can intrude into the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastomeric gaskets (flexible sealing elements) that conform to the mating surfaces and create effective seals against water, dust, and debris intrusion. The gaskets are made of flexible material that can deform to accommodate surface irregularities while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary sealing components including elastomeric gaskets and O-rings that mediate between the door and frame surfaces. These intermediary elements fill gaps and irregularities, creating effective seals without requiring the mating surfaces to be perfectly precise.
2Strength
If the door is made heavy enough to support foot and vehicle traffic, then structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring complex lift assist devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates compression springs (counterbalancing elements) that provide upward force to counteract the weight of the heavy door. This allows the door to be sufficiently heavy for structural strength while reducing the effort required to operate it through the compression spring assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hinge mechanism that allows dynamic movement of the door between open and closed positions. The hinge enables controlled rotation and movement, making operation easier despite the door's weight, while maintaining structural integrity when closed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the door opens widely to allow large equipment loading, then adaptability is improved, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric gaskets are flexible enough to accommodate the door's movement and wide opening capability while maintaining sealing effectiveness. The flexibility allows the gaskets to conform to the mating surfaces even when the door is in various positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism provides dynamic movement capability allowing the door to open widely for equipment loading while the elastomeric gaskets dynamically adjust to maintain sealing during movement and when closed.
4Reliability
If multiple cam locking mechanisms are used to secure the door, then reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a minimal number of cam locking mechanisms (only where necessary) rather than multiple mechanisms. This partial application provides sufficient reliability for securing the door while minimizing the complexity and effort required for operation.
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 described hatch assembly effectively reduces or eliminates the intrusion of contaminants, providing a reliable seal that protects the equipment within the enclosure while allowing for easy access and minimal use of cam locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric gasket that is formed about the entire peripheral edge of the hatch door. This gasket is adapted to seat upon an L-shaped bracket formed about the periphery of the hatch frame
Implementation Method 2
The gasket is made from silicone with a Shore A hardness of 10 for enhanced sealing capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a hatch assembly with a gasket that seals when the hatch is closed. The sealed hatch assembly is fluid tight and prevents water, dust, or other contaminates from entering the enclosure protected by the hatch. In a preferred embodiment, the gasket is formed about a peripheral edge of the hatch door. This gasket is adapted to seat upon an L-shaped bracket formed about the periphery of the hatch frame. A center beam is also included for dividing the frame into two openings. The center beam includes a U-shaped bracket that can also form a seal with the gasket. The various components of the present disclosure, and the manner in which they interrelate, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.