Grate Support Assembly for Aperture Strength Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grates with apertures formed for passing objects through them suffer from reduced structural strength and integrity, leading to construction delays and increased costs due to the need for new grates.
Innovation Solution
A grate support assembly is installed in situ, comprising support rails, bearing bars, and cross bars that engage with the modified grate to enhance structural strength and integrity, using brackets and fasteners to secure the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an aperture is cut in the grate or a section is removed to allow object passage, then the grate can accommodate piping or other objects, but the structural strength and integrity of the grate is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The grate is divided into two separate components: the original grate structure and the modular support assembly. The support assembly consists of individual support members that can be independently installed around the aperture, allowing the grate to maintain its integrity while accommodating objects. This segmentation enables the support function to be added without compromising the overall structural strength of the grate.
Solution Approach 2:
A modular support assembly acts as an intermediary element between the aperture and the load-bearing requirements of the grate. The support assembly includes support members with bearing surfaces that distribute loads around the aperture, effectively mediating the conflict between needing an opening for object passage and maintaining structural strength. The support assembly transfers loads from the aperture region to the intact portions of the grate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an aperture is cut in the grate or a section is removed, then object passage is enabled, but the grate requires replacement which causes construction delays and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The modular support assembly is designed and prepared in advance as a pre-fabricated unit that can be quickly installed after the aperture is cut. The support members are configured with attachment mechanisms that enable rapid installation without requiring custom fabrication or grate replacement. This preliminary preparation of the support system minimizes on-site construction time and avoids project delays.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding or replacing the entire grate when an aperture is needed, the invention recovers and utilizes the existing grate structure by adding the modular support assembly. The original grate remains in place and continues to function, while the support assembly is added to compensate for the structural reduction caused by the aperture. This approach recovers the value of the installed grate and avoids the time and cost of replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an aperture is cut in the grate or a section is removed, then object passage is enabled, but the structural integrity of the grate is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solution creates a composite structure combining the original grate material with the support assembly materials. The support assembly includes support members made of structural materials that complement the grate material, forming a composite load-bearing system. This composite structure maintains structural integrity by distributing loads through both the original grate and the added support members, ensuring reliable performance despite the aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly provides beforehand cushioning or compensation for the structural weakness introduced by the aperture. The support members are positioned and configured to preemptively bear and distribute loads that would otherwise concentrate at the aperture edges, cushioning the structure against potential failure points and maintaining reliable load-bearing capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A grate support assembly for engagement with a grate having a plurality of bearing bars and a plurality of cross bars. The grate assembly has at least one support rail adapted to be engaged with the grate. The grate assembly also has at least one support bearing bar operably engaged with the at least one support rails and at least on support cross bar operatively engaged with the at least one support bearing bar. The at least one support bearing bar has a first and second support bearing bar located a distance laterally apart from one another. The at least one support cross bar has a first and a second support cross bar located a distance longitudinally apart from one another. The at least one support rail is oriented at a right angle to the at least one support bearing bar.