Vacuum Utility Cover Lifting With a Compliant Sealing Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility covers are heavy and difficult to remove and move due to their weight, and existing lifting devices are ineffective on covers with surface features or texturing.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a curved body and compliant flange that forms a seal with the utility cover, coupled with a vacuum system to reduce internal pressure and increase lifting force, allowing easy attachment and removal of utility covers with various surface textures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic lifts or clamp mechanisms are used to lift utility covers, then lifting capability is provided, but effectiveness is reduced on covers with surface features or texturing
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device uses a flexible flange made of compliant material that can conform to various surface textures and irregularities of utility covers. This flexible sealing surface maintains reliable contact and sealing regardless of whether the cover has a smooth or textured surface, resolving the inconsistency in effectiveness across different cover types.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device establishes a seal with the utility cover surface before applying lifting force through vacuum or mechanical means. By pre-forming the seal through the compliant flange that adapts to the surface geometry, the device ensures reliable attachment prior to the lifting action, preventing failure during operation.
2Strength
If utility covers are made heavy to support weight, then structural strength is improved, but removal and movement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device employs a vacuum system that creates a pressure differential between the interior of the lifting device and the external atmosphere. This pneumatic lifting force counteracts the weight of the heavy utility cover, enabling easy removal and movement despite the cover's substantial mass and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum-generated lifting force acts as a counterweight mechanism, providing an upward force that balances and overcomes the downward gravitational force on the heavy utility cover. This allows utility personnel to move covers that would otherwise be too heavy to handle manually.
3Force
If a vacuum system is used to create lifting force, then lifting capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible flange serves a dual function: it creates the vacuum seal necessary for the vacuum system to operate, and it provides the lifting surface for attachment to the utility cover. By integrating the sealing function into the lifting mechanism itself, the design avoids adding separate complex sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant flange material automatically adapts to the cover surface geometry, self-adjusting to create an effective seal without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances or additional adjustment mechanisms. This self-sealing capability reduces the complexity of the vacuum system setup and operation.
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 lifting device effectively lifts and moves utility covers by creating a pressure differential, overcoming surface irregularities and reducing manual effort, enabling efficient handling of heavy covers.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum pump is operably coupled to the lifting device and is configured to remove a portion of the air from the interior area when the flange is sealed to the top surface
Implementation Method 2
The pressure is reduced in an interior portion defined by the body in response to deforming the body. The utility cover is moved with the lifting device based at least in part on the sealing of the flange to the utility cover and the reducing of pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting device, a method, and a system for lifting for utility cover is provided. The lifting device includes a body having a curved portion, the curved portion defining an interior area. A flange extends about the periphery of the body, the flange made from a compliant material that forms a seal with a top surface of an irregular or smooth surface utility cover. A lifting element is coupled and centrally positioned to the body.