Utility Cover Identification System with Mechanical Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching identification indicia to utility covers are inefficient, particularly for small production runs, and face issues with adhesive reliability, material dimensional accuracy, and increased costs due to labor and material challenges in exposed environments.
Innovation Solution
A utility cover identification system featuring a tray embedded within the cover with recesses and an identification plate having edge protrusions that engage the tray recesses, allowing for easy installation and retention, while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adhesive is used to attach identification plate to cover, then installation is simple, but adhesive may not hold if surface is not clean and dry, and glued-on plates may come off and/or crack from thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive system with a mechanical retention system. The identification plate includes retention features (such as recesses or cavities) that mechanically interlock with corresponding features on the cover, eliminating the need for adhesive while providing reliable attachment that accommodates thermal expansion and contraction.
2Reliability
If fasteners such as rivets or bolts are used to attach identification plate, then attachment is secure, but time and labor required increases, thus cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems (rivets, bolts) with a simplified mechanical retention system integrated into the identification plate structure. The retention features provide secure attachment through friction and interlocking geometry, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing assembly time and labor costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If identification plates are applied early in production, then cost efficiency is good for large production runs, but storage space and inventory costs increase with variety of identification indicia and cover sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal identification plate structure with standardized retention features that can accommodate multiple identification indicia and fit various cover sizes. This modular approach allows a single plate design to serve multiple functions and applications, reducing the variety of unique components needed in inventory while maintaining cost efficiency for both large and small production runs.
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
This solution reduces inventory and storage needs, decreases production costs, and ensures durable and reliable attachment of identification indicia across various utility cover sizes and environments.
Implementation Method 1
an identification plate insertable into the tray to engage the tray recess to retain the identification plate within the tray
Data Source
AI summary
A utility cover identification system including a cover, a tray having a recess and being embedded within the cover, and an identification plate insertable into the tray to engage the tray recess to retain the identification plate within the tray. A method of forming the cover identification system includes the steps of coupling the cover and a tray together, curing the cover to secure the tray to the cover, and inserting an identification plate into the tray and retaining the identification plate in the tray.