Ground Surface Access Assembly with Tilting Pivot Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ground surface access assemblies, commonly used in road drainage systems, pose safety risks due to the need for manual lifting of heavy covers, potential accidental closure of covers during impact, and damage to pivot members under heavy loads, with existing solutions not adequately addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
A ground surface access assembly with a loosely pivotally mounted cover that can only be removed when in a fully open position, featuring a pivot mechanism that allows ±5° tilt in horizontal and vertical planes, an automatic engagement mechanism for secure open positioning, and a design that prevents accidental closure and pivot member damage by allowing the pivot axis to move in both vertical and horizontal directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover is pivotally mounted to facilitate access, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of accidental closure and injury to operatives
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a tilting mechanism that allows the pivot axis to dynamically adjust its position and orientation in response to applied forces. When lateral force is applied to the cover, the pivot axis tilts sideways, causing the cover to disengage from the hinge assembly and become removable. This dynamic response eliminates the need for rigid fixed-pivot hinges while maintaining ease of operation and improving safety by preventing accidental closure.
2Force
If heavy loads are supported by the pivot members, then load bearing capacity is improved, but durability deteriorates due to damage to pivot members
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly uses a tilting pivot axis that can dynamically adjust its position when lateral forces are applied. This tilting mechanism allows the cover to disengage from the hinge assembly, transferring the load path away from the pivot members during heavy load conditions. The pivot members are no longer subjected to damaging forces when the cover is in the disengaged position, significantly improving their durability while maintaining load bearing capacity when engaged.
3Reliability
If the cover is securely retained in open position, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement of lifting heavy covers
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a tilting pivot axis that responds dynamically to applied forces. When lateral force is applied to the cover, the pivot axis tilts sideways, automatically disengaging the cover from the hinge assembly. This mechanism provides secure retention when the cover is properly positioned while dramatically easing release operations, as operatives only need to apply lateral force rather than lift the heavy cover vertically.
4Manufacturing precision
If the pivot axis is rigidly fixed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly uses a tilting pivot axis mechanism that allows the pivot position to dynamically adjust in response to lateral forces and impacts. The pivot axis can tilt sideways within controlled limits, accommodating impact forces and lateral loads without requiring high-precision fixed positioning. This dynamic adaptability maintains manufacturing feasibility while significantly improving the assembly's ability to withstand unexpected impacts and lateral forces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ground surface access assembly (10) comprising a frame (12), and a cover (14) adapted to seat within said frame (12); further comprising: hinge means formed by members located partly on an inside surface (18) of the frame (12) and partly on a side face (30) of the cover (14); said members comprising a pivot (16) that loosely locates within a recess (20) within which during use said pivot (16) partially rotates relative to said recess (20); further comprising two such hinge means located on opposite side faces (30) of the cover (14) and opposite inner walls (18) of the frame (12); said two hinge means together, in use, allowing the cover (14) to pivot relative to the frame (12) about an axis (A-A') that is not rigidly fixed and may tilt by several degrees in a horizontal and vertical plane to accommodate easier opening and closing of the cover.