Clamped Support Ring for Grating Aperture Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gratings with apertures formed for passing objects like pipes through them lose structural stability, necessitating additional support like collars or toeboard links, which often reduce their load capacity.
Innovation Solution
A support ring system comprising a first and second ring with connectors to clamp the grate surrounding the aperture, providing structural reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an aperture is formed in the grating to allow objects to pass through, then the functionality of the grating is improved, but the structural stability and load capacity of the grating deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is installed during the manufacture of the grating, before the grating is put into service. This preliminary reinforcement ensures that the structural stability is maintained from the beginning, preventing the deterioration that would otherwise occur after aperture formation. The support ring is positioned and secured in advance to compensate for the weakened areas around the aperture.
2Strength
If additional support in the form of a collar is added to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is integrated with the grating structure during manufacture, merging the reinforcement function with the existing grating design. Rather than adding a separate, complex collar structure that requires additional installation steps, the support ring becomes part of the grating assembly itself, simplifying the overall device while maintaining structural stability.
3Strength
If a collar is welded to the grating to support the aperture, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is installed during the manufacture of the grating, before the grating is put into service. This preliminary reinforcement ensures that the structural stability is maintained from the beginning, preventing the deterioration that would otherwise occur after aperture formation. The support ring is positioned and secured in advance to compensate for the weakened areas around the aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring is integrated with the grating structure during manufacture, merging the reinforcement function with the existing grating design. Rather than adding a separate, complex collar structure that requires additional installation steps, the support ring becomes part of the grating assembly itself, simplifying the overall device while maintaining structural stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A support ring for strengthening a grate modified to form an aperture therein, wherein the support ring includes a first and a second ring. The first and second rings are secured to one another with one or more fasteners such that a portion of a modified grate is clamped between the first ring and the second ring. The support ring is installed on a modified grate. The modified grate includes a plurality of cross bars installed in or on a surface and a plurality of bearing bars installed in or one the surface which together form a grid. The modified gate includes an aperture bounded and defined by a portion of the plurality of the cross bars and a portion of the plurality of bearing bars to receive a construction member therethrough. The support ring operably engages with the grate adjacent the aperture.