Drainage Cover Crossbeam Angled Ends Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainage covers face challenges in balancing simplicity and cost-effectiveness with stability and maintainability, often suffering from wear under dynamic loads and clogging issues while impairing drainage performance.
Innovation Solution
A drainage cover design featuring edge rails with vertical side portions, inwardly and downwardly sloping surfaces, and cross members with angled ends that lock into slots, providing enhanced stability and ease of assembly, along with retaining clips and sheet metal tabs for secure attachment and reduced clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the ends of crossbeams rest directly on the lower edges of vertical side sections, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the stability and load distribution are insufficient causing wear under dynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into two distinct components: support sections for vertical load bearing and inclined surfaces for lateral stability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with support sections providing a broader base for load distribution and inclined surfaces preventing lateral movement of crossbeam ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a one-dimensional point contact (lower edges) to a two-dimensional surface contact (inner surfaces of support sections). This dimensional change distributes loads across a larger area and provides more stable support against dynamic forces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the drainage cover is wider at the bottom to improve stability, then stability increases, but transportation and storage become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The edge rails feature asymmetric geometry with support sections that extend inward more than the side sections extend outward. This creates a tapered profile that is wider at the top for stability during assembly and operation, but narrower at the bottom for easier handling and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The transitions between different sections of the edge rails are formed with curved surfaces instead of sharp angles. This rounding facilitates easier handling during transportation while maintaining structural integrity and stability in the assembled state.
3Ease of operation
If the inner spaces of edge rails are more open to facilitate assembly, then assembly ease improves, but clogging with dirt or debris increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the edge rails have different levels of openness tailored to their specific functions. The areas requiring assembly access have sufficient openness, while the inner spaces are configured with appropriate restrictions to prevent debris accumulation. This localized optimization balances accessibility with protection against clogging.
4Reliability
If crossbeams are securely locked in slots to improve stability, then reliability increases, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbeam ends are pre-formed with bending geometry that enables self-locking into the slots. This preliminary preparation of the locking geometry allows for quick assembly without requiring additional locking operations or complex fastening mechanisms, reducing assembly time while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbeam ends are designed to automatically lock themselves into the slots through their angled geometry and stop edges. This self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for external fasteners or complex assembly procedures, providing both secure connection and rapid installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drainage cover comprising a pair of edge rails (10, 10') each with vertical side sections (11, 11'), support sections (12, 12'), and inwardly and downwardly inclined inclined surfaces (13, 13') which are connected to the side sections (11, 11') at their upper edge. This forms an interior space (14, 14'). Vertical slots (15) are provided in the inclined surfaces (13, 13'). Crossbeams (20) are provided, the ends (21, 21') of which are inserted into the slots (15) and connect the edge rails (10, 10') in such a way as to form a grating. The edge rails (10, 10') and the crossbeams (20) are made of sheet metal. To facilitate manufacturing and improve stability, it is proposed to angle the ends of the crossbeams (20) within the interior spaces (14, 14') of the edge rails (10, 10') such that the crossbeams (20) are fixed in the slots (15).