Support seat for installing projection lamp in arch of steel arch bridge
An adjustable support system for lighting in steel arch bridges addresses the welding challenges of traditional methods by providing secure, cost-effective installation without compromising bridge integrity or aesthetics.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422120655.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-08-30
AI Technical Summary
Traditional lamp installation methods require welding and fixing, which increases construction difficulty and cost, and may have adverse effects on the safety of bridge structure.
A bracket seat without welding is designed, with an adjustable support arm and lock rod structure, which is bolted to the inner surface of the bridge arch to adapt to different bridge arch curvatures, and is equipped with a floodlight angle adjuster to ensure the stability and safety of the floodlight.
It realizes the stability and safety of the projector lamp, reduces construction costs and time, protects the integrity and aesthetics of the bridge structure, and is suitable for various steel arch bridges.
Smart Images

Figure CN223105966U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of steel arch bridge construction, and more specifically, relates to a support base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge. Background Art
[0002] For the engineering lighting of steel arch bridge construction, floodlights need to be installed inside the arch for night lighting. Due to its unique structure and aesthetics, traditional lighting installation methods for steel arch bridges often require welding and fixing to the bridge body. Moreover, one floodlight needs to be installed in each web member arch hole, and nearly 200 sets of lamp supports are required for nearly 200 arch holes across the whole bridge. This not only increases the construction difficulty and cost but may also have an adverse impact on the structural safety of the bridge. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a floodlight support base for steel arch bridge construction that does not require welding.
[0003] To solve this problem, this design proposes a support base that does not require welding, which can effectively support the floodlight and ensure its stability and safety. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of the above defects or improvement requirements of the prior art, the utility model provides a support base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge. The installation process does not require welding and fixing to the bridge body, and can effectively support the floodlight to ensure its stability and safety.
[0005] To achieve the above object, the utility model provides a support base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge, which is used for installing lighting equipment inside the arch of a steel arch bridge. It includes a fixed base, adjustable support arms arranged on both sides of the fixed base and capable of adapting to different arch curvatures of the bridge, and a locking rod arranged between the adjustable support arms and the fixed base; the adjustable support arms are connected to the inner surface of the arch; the angle between the adjustable support arms and the fixed base is finely adjusted according to the curvature of the arch, and the adjustable support arms are locked to the fixed base with the locking rod.
[0006] Further, the fixed base includes a first bottom support rod and a second bottom support rod arranged in parallel at intervals, and floodlight mounting plates respectively connecting the two ends of the first bottom support rod and the second bottom support rod.
[0007] Further, the first bottom support rod and the second bottom support rod have the same structure and size; both the first bottom support rod and the second bottom support rod are galvanized square tubes that have been treated against rust.
[0008] Further, the floodlight mounting plate is a rectangular strip structure;
[0009] Both ends of the floodlight mounting plate are respectively connected to the tops of the first bottom support rod and the second bottom support rod;
[0010] Both ends of the floodlight mounting plate are flush with the sides of the first bottom support rod and the second bottom support rod that are away from each other;
[0011] On the sides of the two floodlight mounting plates that are away from each other, they are flush with the ends of the corresponding first bottom support rod and the second bottom support rod on that side.
[0012] Furthermore, the adjustable support arm includes an adjustment slot mounting angle plate and a fixed angle plate that are arranged in parallel and spaced apart on the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod or the second bottom support rod, and a first connecting bolt that connects the adjustment slot mounting angle plate and the fixed angle plate;
[0013] The adjustment slot mounting angle plate includes an adjustment slot mounting plate and a first vertical connecting plate that are perpendicular to each other;
[0014] The fixed angle plate includes a fixed plate and a second vertical connecting plate that are perpendicular to each other; an adjustment slot is provided on the adjustment slot mounting plate;
[0015] The adjustment slot mounting plate and the fixed plate are arranged in a fitting manner with the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod or the second bottom support rod;
[0016] The first vertical connecting plate and the second vertical connecting plate are perpendicular to the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod or the second bottom support rod;
[0017] The adjustment slot mounting angle plate and the fixed angle plate are arranged back to back.
[0018] Furthermore, the first vertical connecting plate and the second vertical connecting plate are respectively provided with first bolt holes corresponding in position; during installation, the tops of the first vertical connecting plate and the second vertical connecting plate are respectively placed on both sides of the inner surface of the bridge arch, and the first connecting bolt passes through the two first bolt holes to fix the first vertical connecting plate, the bridge arch, and the second vertical connecting plate, thereby fixing the adjustment slot mounting angle plate and the fixed angle plate to the bridge arch together.
[0019] Furthermore, second bolt holes are respectively provided at the connection positions of the adjustment slot mounting plate with the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod or the second bottom support rod; third bolt holes corresponding to the second bolt holes are provided on the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod or the second bottom support rod;
[0020] Fourth bolt holes are respectively provided at the connection positions of the fixed plate with the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod or the second bottom support rod; fifth bolt holes corresponding to the fourth bolt holes are provided on the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod or the second bottom support rod.
[0021] Further, one end of the lock rod is connected to the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod or the second bottom support rod, and the other end is slidably connected to the adjustment groove mounting plate.
[0022] A sixth bolt hole is provided at the connection between the lock rod and the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod or the second bottom support rod;
[0023] A seventh bolt hole corresponding to the sixth bolt hole is provided on the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod or the second bottom support rod;
[0024] A fourth connecting bolt passes through the sixth bolt hole and the seventh bolt hole to fix the lock rod to the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod or the second bottom support rod.
[0025] Further, a fastening bolt adapted to the adjustment groove is provided at the connection end of the lock rod and the adjustment groove mounting plate.
[0026] Further, a floodlight angle adjuster is provided on the fixed base;
[0027] The floodlight angle adjuster is provided on the floodlight mounting plate;
[0028] The floodlight angle adjuster is of a U-shaped structure;
[0029] Mounting holes are provided at the bottom of the U-shaped structure;
[0030] Retaining holes adapted to the positions and sizes of the mounting holes are provided on the floodlight mounting plate.
[0031] The floodlight is rotatably arranged between the two side walls of the U-shaped structure.
[0032] Generally speaking, compared with the prior art through the above technical solutions conceived by the present utility model, the following beneficial effects can be achieved:
[0033] A bracket seat for installing a floodlight inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to the present utility model has a simple structure, reasonable design, and modular construction, which is convenient for manufacturing and installation; standardized materials and components are adopted, reducing production and maintenance costs; through bolt fixation and adjuster adjustment, the safety and stability of the floodlight are ensured; the installation process of the bracket seat does not require welding, avoiding potential impacts on the bridge structure caused by welding, and is applicable to the arches of various steel arch bridges. Each bracket seat of the present utility model can install two floodlights, and two floodlights in two adjacent web member arches can share one bracket seat. The overall installation quantity and workload are reduced by half compared with the traditional lamp holder installation, which can save half of the cost and also save installation time; the present utility model can not only provide a safe and effective lighting solution for the steel arch bridge, but also effectively protect the structural integrity and appearance beauty of the bridge. Description of the Drawings
[0034] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a bracket base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0035] Figure 2 This is a side-view structural schematic diagram of a bracket base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0036] Figure 3 This is a top-view structural schematic diagram of a bracket base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0037] Figure 4 This is a front-view structural schematic diagram of a bracket base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0038] In all the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same technical features, specifically: 1 - fixed base, 11 - first bottom support rod, 12 - second bottom support rod, 13 - floodlight mounting plate, 2 - adjustable support arm, 21 - adjustment slot mounting angle plate, 211 - adjustment slot mounting plate, 212 - first vertical connection plate, 213 - adjustment slot, 22 - fixed angle plate, 221 - fixing plate, 222 - second vertical connection plate, 23 - first connection bolt, 24 - second connection bolt, 25 - third connection bolt, 26 - fourth connection bolt, 3 - locking rod, 31 - fastening bolt, 4 - floodlight angle adjuster. Specific Embodiments
[0039] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present utility model and are not used to limit the present utility model. In addition, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0040] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, when an element is referred to as "fixed to", "arranged on" or "provided on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element; the terms "installed", "connected", "connected to", "provided with" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.
[0041] In addition, the terms "first", "second",... are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present utility model, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.
[0042] As Figures 1-4 shown, the present utility model provides a support base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge, which is used for installing lighting equipment inside the arch of a steel arch bridge. It includes a fixed base 1, adjustable support arms 2 arranged on both sides of the fixed base 1 and capable of adapting to different arch curvatures, a locking rod 3 arranged between the adjustable support arms 2 and the fixed base 1, and a floodlight angle adjuster 4 arranged on the fixed base 1; the adjustable support arms 2 are connected to the inner surface of the arch; during installation, the fixed base 1 and the adjustable support arms 2 are bolted and fixed, and the adjustable support arms 2 and the inner surface of the arch are bolted; the angle between the adjustable support arms 2 and the fixed base 1 is finely adjusted according to the curvature of the arch, and the adjustable support arms 2 and the fixed base 1 are locked with the locking rod 3 to ensure that the support base can adapt to different arch structures; the floodlight is fixed by the floodlight angle adjuster 4, and the angle of the floodlight is precisely adjusted to achieve the best lighting effect.
[0043] Furthermore, as Figures 1-4As shown, the fixed base 1 includes a first bottom support rod 11 and a second bottom support rod 12 that are arranged in parallel at intervals, and floodlight mounting plates 13 that are respectively connected to both ends of the first bottom support rod 11 and the second bottom support rod 12; the fixed base 1 is the basic part of the bracket base and needs to be firmly fixed inside the bridge arch to support the entire structure; the first bottom support rod 11 and the second bottom support rod 12 have the same structure and dimensions; both the first bottom support rod 11 and the second bottom support rod 12 are galvanized square pipes that have been treated against rust; the floodlight mounting plate 13 is a rectangular strip structure; both ends of the floodlight mounting plate 13 are respectively connected to the tops of the first bottom support rod 11 and the second bottom support rod 12; both ends of the floodlight mounting plate 13 are flush with the sides of the first bottom support rod 11 and the second bottom support rod 12 that are away from each other; on the side where the two floodlight mounting plates 13 are away from each other, they are flush with the ends of the corresponding first bottom support rod 11 and second bottom support rod 12; the floodlight mounting plate 13 is a platform for mounting the floodlight, and is designed with specific fixing points or interfaces to ensure that the floodlight can be safely installed and maintain its position.
[0044] Further, as Figures 1-4 shown, the two adjustable support arms 2 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the longitudinal central axis of the fixed base 1; the adjustable support arms 2 are designed to adapt to the curvatures of different bridge arches, allowing the bracket base to be used on bridge arches of different shapes; adjustability is crucial to ensure that the floodlight can be correctly aligned and illuminate the required area; the adjustable support arm 2 includes an adjustment groove mounting angle plate 21 and a fixed angle plate 22 that are arranged in parallel at intervals on the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12, and a first connecting bolt 23 that connects the adjustment groove mounting angle plate 21 and the fixed angle plate 22; the adjustment groove mounting angle plate 21 includes an adjustment groove mounting plate 211 and a first vertical connecting plate 212 that are perpendicularly arranged; the fixed angle plate 22 includes a fixing plate 221 and a second vertical connecting plate 222 that are perpendicularly arranged; an adjustment groove 213 is provided on the adjustment groove mounting plate 211; the adjustment groove mounting plate 211 and the fixing plate 221 are attached to the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12; the first vertical connecting plate 212 and the second vertical connecting plate 222 are perpendicular to the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12; the adjustment groove mounting angle plate 21 and the fixed angle plate 22 are arranged back to back.
[0045] Further, as Figures 1-4As shown, first bolt holes corresponding in position are respectively provided on the first vertical connecting plate 212 and the second vertical connecting plate 222. During installation, the tops of the first vertical connecting plate 212 and the second vertical connecting plate 222 are respectively placed on both sides of the inner surface of the bridge arch, and the first connecting bolt 23 passes through the two first bolt holes to fix the first vertical connecting plate 212, the bridge arch, and the second vertical connecting plate 222, thereby fixing the adjusting groove mounting angle plate 21 and the fixed angle plate 22 to the bridge arch together. Second bolt holes are respectively provided at the connection positions of the adjusting groove mounting plate 211 with the outer side walls of the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12. Third bolt holes corresponding to the second bolt holes are provided on the outer side walls of the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12. The second connecting bolt 24 passes through the second bolt hole and the third bolt hole to fix the adjusting groove mounting plate 211 to the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12. Fourth bolt holes are respectively provided at the connection positions of the fixing plate 221 with the outer side walls of the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12. Fifth bolt holes corresponding to the fourth bolt holes are provided on the outer side walls of the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12. The third connecting bolt 25 passes through the fourth bolt hole and the fifth bolt hole to fix the fixing plate 221 to the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12.
[0046] Further, as Figures 1-4 shown, the locking rod 3 is located between the adjustable support arm 2 and the fixed base 1 and is used to finely adjust the position of the adjustable support arm 2 to ensure the stability and directivity of the floodlight. One end of the locking rod 3 is connected to the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12, and the other end is slidably connected to the adjusting groove mounting plate 211. A sixth bolt hole is provided at the connection position of the locking rod 3 with the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12. A seventh bolt hole corresponding to the sixth bolt hole is provided on the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12. The fourth connecting bolt 26 passes through the sixth bolt hole and the seventh bolt hole to fix the locking rod 3 to the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12. A fastening bolt 31 adapted to the adjusting groove 213 is provided at the connection end of the locking rod 3 with the adjusting groove mounting plate 211. Adjust the position of the fastening bolt 31 in the adjusting groove 213 according to the curvature of the bridge arch, adjust the included angle between the two adjustable support arms 2 and the first bottom support rod 11 or the second bottom support rod 12, and lock the locking rod 3 and the adjusting groove mounting plate 211 through the fastening bolt 31, so as to fix the adjustable support arm 2 and the fixed base 1, and finally enable the bracket seat to adapt to bridge arch structures with different curvatures.
[0047] Furthermore, as Figures 1-4 shown, the spotlight angle adjuster 4 is used to finely adjust the angle of the spotlight to ensure that the light can be evenly distributed inside the bridge arch while avoiding glare or shadows; the spotlight angle adjuster 4 is arranged on the spotlight mounting plate 13; the spotlight angle adjuster 4 is of a U-shaped structure; the bottom of the U-shaped structure of the spotlight angle adjuster 4 is provided with mounting holes; the spotlight mounting plate 13 is provided with retention holes that are adapted to the positions and sizes of the mounting holes; the bottom of the U-shaped structure is fixed to the spotlight mounting plate 13 by fifth connecting bolts; the spotlight is rotatably arranged between the two side walls of the U-shaped structure; the angle of the spotlight is precisely adjusted by the spotlight angle adjuster 4 to achieve the best lighting effect.
[0048] For the bracket seat for installing the spotlight inside the bridge arch of the steel arch bridge provided by the present utility model, the installation does not require welding. It only needs to use bolts to firmly fix the fixed base on the inner surface of the bridge arch through the locking rod 3 and the adjustable support arm 2; after the adjustable support arm 2 is fixed to the spotlight, adjusting the angle of the spotlight on the spotlight angle adjuster 4 can complete the entire installation process; during the installation process, no welding treatment is required for the bridge, effectively avoiding damage to the bridge structure.
[0049] The structure of the present utility model is simple, the design is reasonable, and the modular structure is convenient for manufacturing and installation; using standardized materials and components reduces production and maintenance costs; through bolt fixation and adjuster adjustment, the safety and stability of the spotlight are ensured; the installation process of the bracket seat does not require welding, avoiding the potential impact of welding on the bridge structure, and is applicable to various steel arch bridge arches. Through the bracket seat of the present utility model, not only can a safe and effective lighting solution be provided for the steel arch bridge, but also the structural integrity and appearance beauty of the bridge can be effectively protected.
[0050] It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not used to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A bracket base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge, used for installing lighting equipment inside the arch of a steel arch bridge, characterized in that: It includes a fixed base (1), adjustable support arms (2) provided on both sides of the fixed base (1) and capable of adapting to different bridge arch curvatures, and a locking rod (3) provided between the adjustable support arms (2) and the fixed base (1); the adjustable support arms (2) are connected to the inner surface of the bridge arch; the angle between the adjustable support arms (2) and the fixed base (1) is finely adjusted according to the curvature of the bridge arch, and the adjustable support arms (2) and the fixed base (1) are locked with the locking rod (3).
2. The bracket base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed base (1) includes a first bottom support rod (11) and a second bottom support rod (12) arranged in parallel at intervals, and floodlight mounting plates (13) respectively connecting the two ends of the first bottom support rod (11) and the second bottom support rod (12).
3. The bracket seat for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first bottom support rod (11) and the second bottom support rod (12) have the same structure and size; both the first bottom support rod (11) and the second bottom support rod (12) are galvanized square pipes treated with rust prevention.
4. The bracket seat for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The floodlight mounting plate (13) is a rectangular strip structure. Both ends of the floodlight mounting plate (13) are respectively connected to the tops of the first bottom support rod (11) and the second bottom support rod (12). Both ends of the floodlight mounting plate (13) are flush with the sides of the first bottom support rod (11) and the second bottom support rod (12) away from each other respectively. The sides of the two floodlight mounting plates (13) away from each other are flush with the ends of the corresponding first bottom support rod (11) and the second bottom support rod (12).
5. A bracket seat for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that: The adjustable support arm (2) includes an adjustment groove mounting angle plate (21) and a fixed angle plate (22) arranged in parallel at intervals on the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod (11) or the second bottom support rod (12), and a first connecting bolt (23) connecting the adjustment groove mounting angle plate (21) and the fixed angle plate (22). The adjustment groove mounting angle plate (21) includes an adjustment groove mounting plate (211) and a first vertical connecting plate (212) arranged perpendicular to each other. The fixed angle plate (22) includes a fixing plate (221) and a second vertical connecting plate (222) arranged perpendicular to each other; an adjustment groove (213) is provided on the adjustment groove mounting plate (211). The adjustment groove mounting plate (211) and the fixing plate (221) are arranged in contact with the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod (11) or the second bottom support rod (12). The first vertical connecting plate (212) and the second vertical connecting plate (222) are perpendicular to the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod (11) or the second bottom support rod (12). The adjustment groove mounting angle plate (21) and the fixed angle plate (22) are arranged back to back.
6. The bracket base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first vertical connecting plate (212) and the second vertical connecting plate (222) are respectively provided with first bolt holes corresponding in position; during installation, the tops of the first vertical connecting plate (212) and the second vertical connecting plate (222) are respectively placed on both sides of the inner surface of the bridge arch, and the first connecting bolt (23) passes through the two first bolt holes to fix the first vertical connecting plate (212), the bridge arch, and the second vertical connecting plate (222), thereby fixing the adjusting groove mounting angle plate (21) and the fixed angle plate (22) to the bridge arch together.
7. A support base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The adjusting groove mounting plate (211) is respectively provided with second bolt holes at the connection positions with the outer side walls of the first bottom support rod (11) or the second bottom support rod (12); the outer side walls of the first bottom support rod (11) or the second bottom support rod (12) are provided with third bolt holes corresponding to the second bolt holes; The fixed plate (221) is respectively provided with fourth bolt holes at the connection positions with the outer side walls of the first bottom support rod (11) or the second bottom support rod (12); the outer side walls of the first bottom support rod (11) or the second bottom support rod (12) are provided with fifth bolt holes corresponding to the fourth bolt holes.
8. The bracket base for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the locking rod (3) is connected to the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod (11) or the second bottom support rod (12), and the other end is slidably connected to the adjusting groove mounting plate (211); The connection position of the locking rod (3) and the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod (11) or the second bottom support rod (12) is provided with a sixth bolt hole; The outer side wall of the first bottom support rod (11) or the second bottom support rod (12) is provided with a seventh bolt hole corresponding to the sixth bolt hole; The fourth connecting bolt (26) passes through the sixth bolt hole and the seventh bolt hole to fix the locking rod (3) to the outer side wall of the first bottom support rod (11) or the second bottom support rod (12).
9. The bracket seat for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connection end of the locking rod (3) and the adjusting groove mounting plate (211) is provided with a fastening bolt (31) adapted to the adjusting groove (213).
10. The bracket seat for installing floodlights inside the arch of a steel arch bridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixed base (1) is provided with a floodlight angle adjuster (4); The floodlight angle adjuster (4) is arranged on the floodlight mounting plate (13); The floodlight angle adjuster (4) is of a U-shaped structure; The bottom of the U-shaped structure is provided with mounting holes; The floodlight mounting plate (13) is provided with retention holes adapted in position and size to the mounting holes; The floodlight is rotatably arranged between the two side walls of the U-shaped structure.