Swing-Arm Pedestal Housing for Flush-to-Grade Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underground utility enclosures are limited in their ability to be easily converted between flush-to-grade and above-ground pedestal installations, requiring permanent installations for splice connections which can be cumbersome and inefficient for maintenance and upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A convertible underground electrical utilities vault and distribution enclosure system that includes a grade level box with a swing-arm mechanism allowing the pedestal housing to be easily raised from a flush-to-grade installation to an above-ground position and vice versa, using a plug and cover plate assembly for releasable connection and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a permanent flush-to-grade installation is used, then the enclosure is stable and sealed, but conversion to above-ground installation is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pedestal housing movable between two fixed positions (below-ground and above-ground) through a swing-arm mechanism with hinged connections. The pedestal housing is no longer permanently fixed but can dynamically transition between installation configurations, resolving the contradiction between stability and convertibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the enclosure system into separable components: the grade level box remains stationary while the pedestal housing is divided into a movable assembly that can be detached and repositioned. This segmentation enables independent movement of the pedestal housing without affecting the sealed enclosure, facilitating quick conversion between installation types.
2Ease of operation
If a permanent above-ground pedestal installation is used, then access for splice connections is easy, but the enclosure cannot be easily converted to flush-to-grade installation
Solution Approach 1:
The swing-arm mechanism with hinged connections enables the pedestal housing to dynamically switch between above-ground (easy access) and flush-to-grade (aesthetic/sealed) positions. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs rather than being permanently fixed in one position.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal housing assembly serves multiple functions: it provides above-ground accessibility for splice connections when raised, and maintains a sealed flush-to-grade appearance when lowered. The swing-arm mechanism enables this multi-functionality, allowing a single installation to fulfill both accessibility and aesthetic/sealing requirements at different times.
3Reliability
If the pedestal housing is permanently installed, then the connection is stable and reliable, but maintenance and upgrades require extensive work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pedestal housing into a detachable assembly that can be independently removed from the grade level box. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and service the pedestal housing without disturbing the sealed enclosure or underground connections, improving ease of repair while maintaining connection stability through the swing-arm mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal housing can be extracted from its mounted position on the swing-arm for maintenance, upgrades, or replacement. This extraction capability allows the pedestal to be serviced independently while the grade level box and underground connections remain undisturbed, resolving the contradiction between stable installation and ease of maintenance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the pedestal housing is made movable for conversion, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of the mounting mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple hinged connections and swing-arm mechanisms to enable dynamic movement of the pedestal housing between two positions. These mechanical elements provide the necessary adaptability without requiring complex actuators, motors, or control systems, thus achieving convertibility with relatively simple added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing-arm assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stationary grade level box and the movable pedestal housing. This intermediary component simplifies the conversion process by providing a straightforward mechanical linkage that enables movement without requiring complex direct coupling or disassembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A grade level enclosure conversion assembly adapted for converting a pedestal housing between a flush-to-grade and an above-ground pedestal installation. The base of the pedestal housing carries a plug removably mounted to a swing-arm in the grade level enclosure. The swing-arm holds the pedestal assembly in a stored position in the flush-to-grade installation, containing wiring for service connections. To convert to the above-ground installation, a solid grade level cover plate lid is removed, and the pedestal assembly is rotated on the swing arm to a raised position from which it can be removed from the swing-arm (along with the wiring) and fed through an access opening in a separate cover plate lid. The plug on the pedestal housing is then positioned in the access opening to hold the pedestal assembly in the above-ground position. A series of separate fiber optic splice connections, or other underground utility service connections, can be made when rotating the pedestal between the stored position and the above-ground position.