Vented Manhole Cover Valve for Sewer Gas and Rain Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manhole covers do not effectively vent sewer gas while preventing precipitation from entering sanitary sewers, leading to potential overflow and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A vented precipitation guarding manhole cover assembly with a valve assembly that allows sewer gas to exit while preventing fluid ingress, featuring a valve body with angled passages and a movable valve member to switch between open and closed positions based on fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a manhole cover is designed to vent sewer gas, then gas can exit from the manhole, but precipitation can enter the sanitary sewer causing overflow and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve member that automatically transitions between open and closed positions based on fluid pressure conditions. The valve member is movable within the valve body, responding to pressure differentials between sewer gas accumulation and precipitation ingress, thereby dynamically adjusting the vent opening state to maintain gas venting while preventing water entry
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly acts as an intermediary component between the vent opening and the manhole interior. It includes a valve body with angular passages and a movable valve member that mediates the flow control, allowing selective passage of gases while blocking precipitation based on pressure-driven positioning of the valve member within the passage system
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional manhole cover is used, then it provides basic closure, but it cannot selectively vent gas while preventing fluid ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the manhole cover system into distinct functional components: the manhole cover itself, the valve body with angular passages, and the movable valve member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the valve assembly providing selective adaptability while the cover maintains structural closure
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly integrates multiple functions within a single component structure: it provides gas venting through angular passages when the valve member is in the open position, prevents precipitation ingress when closed, and maintains structural integrity as part of the manhole cover assembly. This multi-functionality achieves selective adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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
Effectively vents sewer gas while limiting precipitation and storm water overflow, maintaining sewer integrity and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
A valve member is provided and it is moveable between an open position and a closed position, such that in response to fluid entering through the first opening, the valve member moves from the open position to the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for use with and extending from an underside of a vented manhole cover assembly. The valve assembly is operable between an open position, to enable gas to exit from the manhole, and a closed position, to prevent the flow of the fluid into the manhole. The valve assembly includes a valve body having a first opening and a second opening and a fluid passage extending between the first and second openings. The valve assembly further includes a drain hole extending through the valve body configured to allow fluid drain therethrough. The valve assembly also includes a valve member moveable between the open position and the closed position, such that in response to the fluid entering through the first opening, the valve member moves from the open position to the closed position to prevent the flow of the fluid into the manhole, and wherein in response to fluid draining through the drain hole, the valve member moves from the closed position to the open position.