Grating Fastening Assembly Using Friction-Clamped Mesh Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening methods for attaching structural elements to gratings, particularly in offshore wind turbines, are complex and costly, posing challenges due to local conditions.
Innovation Solution
A grating arrangement with a fastening element that is inserted into the mesh and clamped by frictional engagement, utilizing a deformable base body with a spreading element to create a secure frictional connection, allowing easy assembly and production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used to attach structural elements to gratings, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: the fastening element with base body that inserts into the mesh, and the spreading element that creates the clamping force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element is designed to create its own secure connection through the interaction between the base body and spreading element. The spreading element, when actuated, automatically generates the clamping force needed to secure the fastening element within the mesh without requiring additional fastening operations or complex assembly steps.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used to attach structural elements to gratings, then the connection is secure, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is designed as a cost-effective, potentially disposable component that can be easily manufactured and installed. The simple structure consisting of a base body and spreading element allows for economical production through conventional manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for expensive traditional fastening systems while maintaining adequate connection security for the application.
3Ease of operation
If a deformable base body with spreading element is used, then easy assembly is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is designed to change its physical state from a deformable configuration during insertion to a clamped configuration when the spreading element is actuated. This parameter change allows the fastening element to adapt to the mesh geometry during assembly while maintaining precise clamping forces once installed, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision in the initial dimensions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and reliable method for attaching structural elements to gratings, suitable for offshore wind turbines, with a secure frictional connection that facilitates easy installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one fastening element is supported on an inner wall of the mesh such that the at least one fastening element is clamped in the mesh and held therein by frictional engagement
Implementation Method 2
the base body is deformable in the spreading region by means of the spreading element, in particular movable radially outward, such that, in the assembled state of the at least one fastening element, the base body presses against the inner wall in the spreading region
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a grating arrangement comprising at least one grating (1) with webs (3), wherein the webs (3) delimit meshes (2), and at least one fastening element (4), and wherein the at least one fastening element (4) can be inserted into a mesh (2) and is supported on an inner wall (20) of the mesh (2) in such a way that the at least one fastening element (4) is clamped in the mesh (2) and held therein by frictional engagement.