Utility Vault Swing Arm Assembly With Dual-Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swing arm assemblies for utility vaults are expensive, bulky, difficult to assemble, and inconvenient for technicians to work on due to the low position of the vault, and they do not effectively prevent buoyant equipment from causing vault bursting in case of flooding.
Innovation Solution
A swing arm assembly with a latch support arm and elongate vertical support that allows the utility equipment to be rotated and raised to a comfortable working height, featuring automatic locking mechanisms at multiple positions and a design that prevents buoyant equipment from bursting the vault, with components like a latch pin, locking slot, and plunger lever for easy operation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional swing arm assemblies are used to support utility equipment in vaults, then the equipment can be accessed, but the assemblies are expensive, bulky, and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm assembly is divided into separate components: a swing arm bracket that attaches to the vault sidewall, a support arm with latch mechanism, and a locking slot system. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled in place, reducing overall assembly complexity and cost while maintaining functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the vault is positioned at ground level for easy access, then technicians can work on equipment conveniently, but the vault requires more excavation and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm assembly provides a dynamic solution that allows the equipment to be moved between a stowed position (when not in use) and a service position (when technicians need to work on it). This dynamic positioning system eliminates the need for permanent ground-level vault installation, reducing excavation requirements while maintaining technician accessibility during servicing.
3Volume of moving object
If the equipment is kept in a stowed position to minimize vault space, then the vault remains compact, but technicians cannot easily service the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm mechanism enables the equipment to dynamically transition between a compact stowed position within the vault and an extended service position outside the vault. The latch pin and locking slot system securely holds the equipment in either position, allowing compact storage when not in use and easy accessibility during maintenance operations.
4Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used to secure equipment, then the equipment is stable, but the locking mechanisms are complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through gravity and simple manual intervention. When the swing arm is moved to the service position, the latch pin automatically engages with the locking slot. To release, a technician simply pulls the latch pin outward, allowing the arm to swing freely. This self-service design provides reliable stability during operation while requiring minimal effort to engage or disengage.
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 swing arm assembly provides quick and safe access to underground utility equipment, reduces the risk of vault bursting, and simplifies installation by allowing the equipment to be raised to a comfortable working height without the need for bolting or tying, while being easy to operate and reducing excavation requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a locking slot is formed in the other one of the swing arm bracket and the latch support arm for slidably receiving the latch pin
Implementation Method 2
a swing arm bracket for supporting the utility equipment and a latch support arm both rotatably coupled to a sidewall of the utility vault
Implementation Method 3
an elongate vertical support is slidably couple to a sidewall of the utility vault. The swing arm bracket supporting the utility equipment and the latch support arm are both rotatably attached to the vertical support
Data Source
AI summary
A swing arm assembly for a utility vault housing a utility equipment includes a swing arm bracket for supporting the utility equipment and a latch support arm both rotatably coupled to a sidewall of the utility vault. A latch pin is attached to one of the swing arm bracket and the latch support arm and a locking slot is formed in the other one of the swing arm bracket and the latch support arm for slidably receiving the latch pin. The locking slot has a first locking end that locks the latch pin in a stowed position for stowing the utility equipment and a second locking end that locks the latch pin in a service position for servicing the utility equipment.