Trench Cover With Gravity-Actuated Movable Retainers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trench covers tend to dislodge and become unstable when subjected to pedestrian or vehicle traffic, posing a risk of injury or damage, and existing anchoring methods are either damaging or require separate procedures that can be omitted, leaving the cover unanchored.
Innovation Solution
A trench cover design featuring a retainer system with movable pins or fingers that automatically extend under gravity to resist lateral movement, eliminating the need for additional anchoring steps and minimizing surface damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If separate anchoring procedures (pins or spikes) are used to secure the trench cover, then the cover stability is improved, but the device complexity increases and surface damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer means is integrated into the trench cover structure itself, combining the cover and anchoring functions into a single unit. The retainer means comprises a housing with openings and movable retainers (pins or fingers) that are built into the cover, eliminating the need for separate anchoring procedures and reducing device complexity while maintaining cover stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable retainers automatically extend under the action of gravity when the cover is positioned, securing themselves without requiring additional anchoring steps. The retainers are spring-biased or gravity-biased to automatically engage with the ground surface or trench walls, making the anchoring process self-service and eliminating procedural complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pins or spikes are used to anchor the trench cover, then the cover stability is improved, but harmful factors (surface damage) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainers are designed to adapt to different surface conditions - they can extend into the ground on stable surfaces or engage with trench walls in excavation areas. This localized adaptation allows the same anchoring mechanism to work effectively without causing damage to finished surfaces while providing secure anchoring where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainers are movable between retracted and extended positions, allowing them to dynamically adapt to the surface conditions. When the cover is lifted for access, the retainers can be retracted to minimize surface damage, and when the cover is in position, they extend to provide stable anchoring.
3Ease of operation
If the trench cover is designed to be easily positioned, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of anchoring decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic extension of retainers under gravity or spring bias ensures that anchoring occurs reliably without requiring additional steps. The retainers self-activate when the cover is positioned, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable anchoring through the automatic engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer means is pre-configured in the housing with movable retainers ready to extend. When the cover is positioned, the retainers automatically extend to engage the anchoring points, performing the anchoring action in advance of any potential displacement, thus ensuring reliability without complicating the positioning process.
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 automatic extension of pins or fingers provides stable anchoring, ensuring the trench cover remains secure and safe for continued use without additional installation procedures, reducing the risk of injury and damage while accommodating various surface conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the pins located over the trench will move to their extended positions under the action of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A trench cover comprising a main body arranged to cover or partially cover a trench, in use, and retainer means operable to resist lateral movement of the cover, in use, the retainer means comprising a plurality of movable retainers, each being movable between a retracted position in which it projects beneath a lower surface of the main body.