Embedded Trench Frame Design for Heavy-Duty Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trench grate assemblies require a concrete ledge for mounting, limiting the size and width of the drainage system, increasing material usage and cost, and are prone to damage due to inadequate framing and debris accumulation in fastener apertures.
Innovation Solution
A frame design featuring a support member with a horizontal flange and reinforcement member, embedded in concrete with rib members for enhanced structural integrity, eliminating the need for a concrete ledge and allowing easier fastener insertion by keeping apertures open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a concrete ledge is used to mount the frame, then the frame can be securely anchored, but the size and width of the drainage system are limited and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame transitions from a two-dimensional ledge-mounted structure to a three-dimensional embedded structure with vertical sidewalls extending into the pavement. This dimensional change allows the frame to be anchored within the pavement thickness rather than requiring a protruding ledge, thereby increasing the available width of the drainage system while maintaining secure anchoring through the embedded sidewalls.
2Strength
If a concrete ledge is used to mount the frame, then the frame can be securely anchored, but material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the redundant concrete ledge component from the traditional mounting system. Instead of requiring a separate ledge structure, the frame's own sidewalls are directly embedded into the pavement, integrating the anchoring function into the frame itself and reducing overall material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure merges the mounting function with the drainage structure itself. The sidewalls that form the frame also serve as the anchoring elements by being embedded in the pavement, eliminating the need for a separate ledge component and reducing total material requirements.
3Strength
If fastener apertures are positioned on the concrete ledge, then the frame can be anchored, but the apertures become filled with dirt or debris making fastener installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning fastener apertures on the upper surface of a ledge where debris accumulates, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the apertures on the horizontal flange that extends over the trench. This reversal of aperture location moves them to a position where water and debris flow away, preventing accumulation and facilitating easier fastener installation while maintaining anchoring strength through the embedded sidewalls.
4Device complexity
If the frame has limited framing for retaining, then the structure is simpler, but the frame is subject to damage when used heavily or subjected to substantial weights
Solution Approach 1:
The frame employs a composite structural design combining vertical sidewalls for embedding, horizontal flanges for grate support, and reinforcement members integrated into the frame body. This composite structure distributes loads across multiple components and the surrounding pavement, significantly enhancing load-bearing capacity and resistance to heavy use while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for retaining a grate over a trench for directing storm water to subterranean basins includes a frame that is embedded in the concrete surrounding the trench. The frame includes a support member, including a vertical support that is sized and dimensioned to abut the wall of the trench, and a horizontal flange that is cantilevered over the trench to receive a grate member. The frame further includes a reinforcement member that runs parallel to the length of the support member, and a plurality of rib members that couple the reinforcement member to the support member. The reinforcement member and rib members are embedded in the pavement adjacent the trench, to provide a back structure for reinforcing the support of the grate.