Segmented Inspection Chamber Cover for Easier Manhole Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manhole covers are heavy and difficult to handle, requiring additional auxiliary covers that incur administrative and storage costs, and are often lost, leading to delays and additional expenses.
Innovation Solution
A two-part manhole cover system with a smaller first segment fixed to a frame and a larger second segment that can be folded and locked in place using a self-locking mechanism, allowing easier handling and eliminating the need for additional covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete manhole cover is used, then the shaft opening is fully covered, but the cover becomes heavy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into a first segment (annular ring) and a second segment (inner circular portion). The first segment is fixed to the frame and remains in place, while only the lighter second segment needs to be handled for opening and closing operations. This segmentation reduces the weight that must be moved while maintaining complete coverage when closed.
2Reliability
If traditional manhole covers are used, then shaft openings are covered, but auxiliary covers are needed for height adjustment, increasing administrative and storage costs
Solution Approach 1:
The first segment of the cover is designed to be fixed to the frame and can serve as a permanent cover or an auxiliary cover during height adjustment operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate auxiliary covers, as the first segment itself can be used to cover the shaft opening while the second segment is removed for frame adjustment.
3Reliability
If auxiliary covers are stored for replacement, then shaft coverage is maintained, but storage space and administrative work increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first segment serves dual purposes: as part of the operational cover during normal conditions and as an auxiliary cover during height adjustment. This eliminates the need to store separate auxiliary covers, reducing the total number of covers required from multiple units to just the single two-segment cover assembly.
4Reliability
If auxiliary covers are transported to and from storage, then shaft coverage is maintained, but ecological and economic costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first segment remains permanently installed on the frame and serves as both the operational cover and the auxiliary cover. This eliminates all transportation activities associated with auxiliary covers, as no separate auxiliary covers need to be moved to or from storage locations.
5Reliability
If a one-piece cover is used, then the shaft opening is covered, but the cover cannot be easily opened for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into a fixed first segment and a movable second segment connected by a folding hinge. The second segment can be folded open for maintenance access while the first segment remains in place, providing both complete coverage when closed and easy opening for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The second segment is designed with a folding hinge that allows it to be dynamically opened and closed. A locking mechanism secures the second segment in the open position during maintenance, while a spring mechanism assists in closing it back into place, making the opening operation simple and controlled.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a cover (2) for a shaft (17). The cover (2) comprises a first segment (3) and a second segment (4), wherein the first segment (3) and the second segment (4) are complementary in shape to each other and together form a substantially circular circumference. The segments (3, 4) are preferably detachably connected to one another. The first segment (3) is smaller than the second segment (4). The first segment (3) can be fixedly mounted to a frame (4), and the second segment (4) can be brought into at least one open position and one closed position by a folding movement (11). The invention also relates to an attachment system (1) comprising a cover (2) and a frame (5).