Universal Grating Frame Anchor for Weld-Free Onsite Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grating assemblies face issues with anchors breaking during shipment, leading to installation delays and increased costs due to the need for on-site welding or replacement, which complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A grating frame assembly with separate anchors that can be secured to the embed grate frame on-site without tools or welding, using a protrusion and leg design that engages with a concrete form to stabilize the frame during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anchors are welded onto the embed grate frame at the factory, then the anchors are securely attached, but the embed grate frame becomes more expensive to ship and anchors may break during shipment
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is divided into separate components: the embed grate frame and the anchors are shipped as distinct items rather than as a welded assembly. This segmentation allows the anchors to be attached later at the installation site, preventing damage during shipping while maintaining secure attachment through the protrusion and engagement mechanism.
2Reliability
If anchors are welded onto the embed grate frame, then secure attachment is achieved, but on-site welding is required causing installation delays and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process is replaced with a mechanical engagement system consisting of a protrusion on the embed grate frame that fits into a corresponding recess on the anchor. This substitution eliminates the need for on-site welding equipment and skilled welders, significantly speeding up installation while maintaining secure attachment.
3Ease of repair
If damaged embed grate frames are repaired by welding anchors back on, then installation can continue, but construction delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the embed grate frame and anchors allows for simple replacement of damaged frames without complex welding repairs. If a frame is damaged, it can be quickly replaced by installing a new frame and reattaching the anchors using the mechanical engagement system, eliminating time-consuming welding repairs.
4Ease of operation
If embed grate frames are shipped with installed anchors, then installation is simplified, but shipping costs increase and anchors may break
Solution Approach 1:
The embed grate frame and anchors are shipped as separate components, which reduces shipping costs and prevents anchor damage during transit. At the installation site, the anchors are easily attached to the embed grate frame using the protrusion engagement mechanism, maintaining installation simplicity while eliminating shipping-related damage.
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.