Torsion Spring Hinge for Heavy Inground Enclosure Covers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for opening and closing heavy doors or lids, such as those for inground utility enclosures, require significant effort and often involve costly support mechanisms to prevent injury, with existing solutions either using lightweight materials or pneumatic lifts that increase installation and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A hatch assembly with a frame and torsion-spring-assisted hinge assemblies that pivotally connect the cover assembly to the frame, featuring a support structure of flatbars and anchor bars for embedding into concrete or asphalt, allowing controlled opening and closing with reduced user effort and incorporating a stop mechanism for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials such as aluminum are used to reduce the weight of the lid, then the weight of the lid is reduced, but the material strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a torsion spring mechanism that stores mechanical energy to counteract the weight of the heavy steel lid. The spring is pre-compressed during installation and automatically expands to provide upward lifting force, effectively creating a counterweight system that offsets the lid's weight without requiring lightweight materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of the torsion spring, hinge assembly, and linkage mechanism. This intermediary system mediates between the heavy lid and the user, transforming the user's small input force into sufficient lifting force through mechanical advantage and energy storage, thereby eliminating the need to use lightweight materials.
2Force
If pneumatic lifts are used to reduce operating force, then the operating force required is reduced, but the installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system with a purely mechanical torsion spring system. The torsion spring uses elastic deformation and mechanical energy storage to provide the lifting force, eliminating the need for pneumatic components such as cylinders, compressors, and control valves. This substitution significantly reduces installation complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining low operating force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive torsion spring mechanism that is easier and cheaper to install and maintain compared to pneumatic systems. The mechanical components are designed for durability and ease of replacement, providing a cost-effective solution that eliminates the high installation and maintenance costs associated with pneumatic lifts.
3Strength
If heavy covers are used to ensure high material strength, then the material strength is improved, but the physical effort required to open and close the cover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compressing the torsion spring during the installation process. The spring is wound up in advance to store mechanical energy that will automatically assist in opening and closing the heavy cover during normal operation. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the need for continuous manual effort during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring mechanism provides continuous useful action throughout the entire range of motion of the cover. As the cover opens or closes, the spring continuously expands or compresses, providing constant mechanical assistance. This continuous action maintains high material strength while continuously reducing the physical effort required from the user throughout the entire operation cycle.
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 solution significantly reduces the physical effort required to open and close heavy covers, enhances safety by preventing uncontrolled falls, and lowers installation, maintenance, and repair costs by using a durable and easily repairable design.
Implementation Method 1
torsion-spring-assisted hinge assemblies that pivotally connect the cover assembly to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
Described are hatch assemblies comprising a frame having sidewalls, a pivotally connected cover, and a number of easily repairable and replaceable torsion-spring-assisted hinge assemblies. Hinge assemblies may comprise a torsion spring having a coiled body along the center axis of which a carriage bolt is inserted. Once one end of the torsion spring that extends vertically from the center axis is engaged by a support member, such as a semi-open enclosure that is mounted on a hinge plate, the spring is rotated and supports the torque generated by the weight of the cover when operated by a user. Advantageously, this provides for a controlled and almost effortless opening and closing of a heavy door or covers of hatch assemblies.