U-Bracket for Composite Manhole Cover Sensor Protection

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic components integrated into manhole covers face challenges in communication and are vulnerable to environmental damage due to exposure when attempting to facilitate easier communication.

Innovation Solution

A custom U-Bracket is bolted into a threaded stainless steel expanding anchor, attached to molded-in holes on a compression-molded composite manhole cover, housing and protecting a sensor, transmitter, and battery pack within the cover's structurally reinforcing ribs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If electronic components are coupled to a manhole cover in a manner that makes communications easier, then communication capability is improved, but the electronic components are exposed to the environment that makes them vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic components are nested within a housing structure that is integrated into the manhole cover. The housing contains the sensor, transmitter, and battery pack, while the manhole cover provides an additional protective layer. This nested arrangement allows the components to maintain communication capability through the cover while being shielded from environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A housing structure serves as an intermediary between the electronic components and the manhole cover environment. This housing mediates the interaction by providing a protected space that allows communication functions to operate while blocking direct exposure to harmful environmental factors such as moisture and debris.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are integrated into a manhole cover, then communication capability is improved, but the components are exposed to environmental damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidcomponent protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic components are nested within a housing structure that is integrated into the manhole cover. The housing contains the sensor, transmitter, and battery pack, while the manhole cover provides an additional protective layer. This nested arrangement allows the components to maintain communication capability through the cover while being shielded from environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The manhole cover is constructed as a composite structure combining the housing material with the cover material. This composite construction provides enhanced protection for the electronic components while maintaining the overall structural integrity and communication functionality of the manhole cover system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20230287648A1Bracket Attached to a Stainless Steel Anchor For a Compression-Molded Composite Manhole Cover

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 COMPOSITE ACCESS PROD GP LLC

AI summary

A custom U-Bracket bolted into a threaded, fastening stainless steel expanding anchor affixed to molded-in attachment holes on a compression-molded, thermoset composite manhole cover to attach, house and protect a sensor, transmitter, and battery pack completely surrounded by the composite cover’s structurally reinforcing ribs.