Cover Grating Load Transfer via Interlocking Webs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover gratings for drainage channels and similar hollow bodies face challenges in load dissipation, particularly in the transverse direction, and have complex manufacturing processes, leading to insufficient static load capacity and high production effort.
Innovation Solution
A cover grating design featuring sheet metal with two longitudinal webs and transverse webs that have support sections engaging in complementary receiving sections on the longitudinal webs, enhancing load transfer and rigidity while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplified manufacturability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If longitudinal webs are designed as support webs rolled into a closed profile, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the sheet metal thickness cannot be further reduced due to insufficient load dissipation in the transverse direction
Solution Approach 1:
The cover grating is segmented into longitudinal webs and transverse webs that form a grid-like structure. This segmentation allows loads to be distributed along multiple paths - both longitudinally and transversely - enabling thinner sheet metal while maintaining load-bearing capacity through the combined action of both web directions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds transverse webs as a second dimension of load-bearing elements perpendicular to the longitudinal webs. This creates a two-dimensional load distribution network instead of relying solely on one-dimensional longitudinal support, allowing reduced material thickness while maintaining structural integrity
2Strength
If transverse webs are added to improve load transfer in the transverse direction, then the load dissipation is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal webs and transverse webs are merged into a single integrated cover grating structure made from sheet metal. Both web systems are formed simultaneously during the shaping process rather than being separate components, simplifying manufacturing while providing bidirectional load transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet metal cover grating serves multiple functions: it provides longitudinal support through longitudinal webs, transverse support through transverse webs, creates inlet slots for drainage, and forms a rigid integrated structure. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single manufacturing process that forms all features simultaneously
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
A cover grating for a drainage channel (20) or a similar hollow body which can be installed in the ground is presented, comprising at least two longitudinal webs (4) extending on a lower side (3) of the cover grating (1) and inlet slots (8) formed in the cover grating (1) between these longitudinal webs (4), and comprising transverse webs (6) resulting from the slot-forming operation and extending on the lower side (3) of the cover grating (1), wherein the transverse webs (6) are provided at each of their end regions (7) with at least one receiving projection (12) which at least partially engages into a respective complementarily formed receiving slot (9) in the longitudinal web (4). There is also presented a method of producing a cover grating (1), in particular for a drainage channel (20) or a hollow body which can be similarly installed in the ground, from a sheet metal strip (32), comprising the following steps: forming at least one inlet slot (8) between two parallel edge regions (30) of the sheet metal strip (32), with the formation of at least one, in particular bent-over, transverse web (6) which protrudes from a lower side (3) of the sheet, extends parallel to the inlet slot (8) and has in each case at least one receiving projection (12) at the end region (7); forming, in particular stamping out, receiving slots (9) in the two edge regions (30) of the sheet metal strip (32) in a complementary manner to the receiving projections (12) of the transverse web (6) and in an axis with the transverse web (6); folding over the longitudinal webs (4) having the receiving slots (9) from the edge regions (30) such that the receiving projections (12) of the transverse webs (6) at least partially engage in the complementary receiving slots (9) of the longitudinal webs (4).