Tool-Free Grating Frame Anchors to Prevent Shipping Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grating assemblies face issues with anchors breaking during shipment, leading to construction delays and increased costs due to the need for on-site welding or replacement, which complicates installation.
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 anchors may break during shipment and require expensive repairs or replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is divided into two separate components: the embed grate frame and the removable anchors. This segmentation allows the anchors to be attached at the jobsite rather than being permanently welded at the factory, reducing damage during shipment while maintaining secure attachment during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The embed grate frame is prepared with protrusions at the factory that will receive the anchors. This preliminary preparation allows for simple, tool-free anchor attachment at the jobsite without requiring welding equipment or skilled labor, while the anchors remain separate during shipping to prevent damage.
2Ease of manufacture
If anchors are welded at the factory, then the embed grate frame is ready for installation, but on-site welding is required which causes construction delays and increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the anchor component from the embed grate frame, the system eliminates the need for on-site welding. The anchors are simply attached to the pre-prepared protrusions, dramatically reducing installation time and eliminating welding-related costs and delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process is replaced with a simple mechanical attachment system. Instead of requiring welding equipment, electricity, and skilled welders, the anchors are attached through a straightforward mechanical interface between the anchor and the protrusion, significantly improving installation productivity.
3Strength
If anchors are welded onto the embed grate frame, then the anchors are permanently fixed, but broken anchors require welding repairs or replacement of the entire embed grate frame
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor and embed grate frame are separate components that can be independently replaced. If an anchor breaks, only the anchor itself needs to be replaced by simply detaching the old anchor and attaching a new one to the protrusion, rather than replacing or repairing the entire embed grate frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for easy disposal of damaged anchors and recovery of the embed grate frame. Broken anchors can be removed and replaced without affecting the integrity of the embed grate frame, enabling selective replacement of only the damaged component.
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.