Grating Frame Assembly Onsite Anchor Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing grating assemblies for sidewalks and roads require welded anchors during fabrication, which are prone to damage during shipment, leading to construction delays and increased costs due to the need for repairs or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A grating frame assembly with separate anchors that can be securely attached to the embed grate frame on-site without tools or welding, using a design with a main body, protrusion, and leg that engages with a concrete form, and a compound material is poured to secure the assembly in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anchors are welded onto the embed grate frame during factory fabrication, then the anchors are securely attached, but the embed grate frame becomes prone to damage during shipment and requires expensive repairs or replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor and embed grate frame are separated into independent components that can be shipped separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation prevents damage to the integrated assembly during shipping while maintaining secure attachment through the interlocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion is pre-formed on the embed grate frame during fabrication, but the anchor attachment is deferred until on-site installation. This preliminary preparation of the attachment feature without completing the full assembly avoids shipment damage while ensuring proper installation.
2Reliability
If anchors are welded onto the embed grate frame at the factory, then the anchors are securely attached, but shipping costs increase and construction delays occur due to damage and repairs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the anchor and embed grate frame into independent components, the system eliminates shipment damage and associated repair delays. The modular design allows for faster on-site assembly without the risks of integrated shipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is extracted from the factory fabrication process and moved to on-site installation. This extraction eliminates the vulnerability of the welded assembly during shipping while maintaining the secure attachment function through the protrusion-interpolation mechanism.
3Reliability
If anchors are welded onto the embed grate frame, then the anchors are securely attached, but shipping costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler processes, avoiding complex welding operations. The on-site assembly is simplified to a straightforward insertion operation rather than requiring welding equipment and skilled labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process is replaced with a mechanical interlocking system using the protrusion and interpolation. This substitution eliminates the need for welding equipment, reduces installation complexity, and maintains secure attachment through the mechanical engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A grate frame assembly including an embed grate frame and an anchor which is installed on the embed grate frame onsite without tools or welding. The embed grate frame includes a main body, a protrusion, and a leg. The anchor has a body with a support end and an attachment end. The attachment end is selectively engaged with the protrusion. The leg of the embed grate frame is configured to engage a concrete form. The support end of the installed anchor contacts a wall located a distance from the concrete form. Together, the anchor and the leg on the embed grate frame hold the main body in place so that a compound material can be poured into a free space defined between the wall and the concrete form. The compound material secures the embed grate frame into a surface such as a sidewalk or road.