The Idea

How the concept was born

Working on water and wastewater network maintenance identified the need for a robust method of warning of known hazards within the networks. Traditionally assets are inspected and defects reported for repair, but this information is not always readily available for other maintenance teams that may need to enter the network

A solution to this issue was needed and we quickly realised that the best solution was for the team that identified the hazard to mark the inspection chamber before they left site. We needed something that was easy to use, acted as a visual warning and would require a positive act to gain access to the chamber.

After several ideas and prototypes The Denton Lock was born. A simple marker plate that fits into the cover keyway thus requiring removal before a lifting key can be inserted, providing a visual warning that needs to be acknowledged by removal before the cover can be lifted.

First prototype face plates 2015

Made from aluminum with plastic inserts these developed to include a dished spring retainer

First complete prototype using a spring and rubber coated wing nut to secure into keyway

Second generation prototype face plates 2016

3d CAD modeled and printed in PLA with different conceptual shapes that would allow for the inclusion of an NFC chip

NFC enabled prototype used for demonstration video

Pre - production face plates 2017

Pre production design, all components produced in high impact ABS

Range of colour coded face plates available in pairs

Integration of NFC data chips  and final designs 2018

NFC data chips added to range to enable data storage and interactive content

Range of NFC enabled products developed

Final production design and colour coding

Installed and in use

Production and implementation  2018

Designed and made in the UK

The Denton Lock is manufactured and distributed by Utility Data Tags Ltd. To find out how to purchase the Denton Lock please visit:
 www.utilitydatatags.com