Grating Step Reinforcement with L-Shaped Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal staircases with grating surfaces face challenges in reducing weight while maintaining load-bearing capacity and ensuring an anti-vertigo function, as existing solutions do not incorporate reinforced elements underneath the steps.
Innovation Solution
Integration of press-bent L-shaped sectional elements and sheet metal bands underneath the grating surface, which are fixed to enlarged end plates and provide structural reinforcement, reducing weight while enhancing load-bearing capacity and creating an anti-vertigo effect by obscuring the view of the step's depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional grating steps are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the weight is high and load-bearing capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The step is divided into two functional parts: a lightweight grating surface for walking and separate reinforcement elements (L-shaped sectional elements and bands) that provide structural strength. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the grating remains light while the reinforcements provide necessary load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines different structural elements (grating bars, L-shaped sectional elements, and sheet metal bands) into a composite step assembly. This composite structure achieves superior load-bearing capacity compared to a single solid grating step, while maintaining lower overall weight through the strategic placement and design of reinforcement elements.
2Strength
If the grating mesh size is reduced to increase strength, then load-bearing capacity improves, but weight increases and anti-vertigo function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement function is segmented from the grating surface itself, allowing the grating to maintain larger mesh openings for weight reduction and anti-vertigo function, while separate L-shaped elements and bands provide the necessary structural reinforcement independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing strength by reducing mesh size in the horizontal plane, the invention adds reinforcement in the vertical dimension through L-shaped sectional elements extending downward and sheet metal bands positioned underneath the grating surface, thereby maintaining the original mesh configuration while achieving enhanced load-bearing capacity.
3Length of stationary object
If wide operating spans are required, then structural reinforcement is needed, but adding reinforcement increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement is applied locally only where structurally necessary - L-shaped elements are positioned at critical support points and sheet metal bands are placed underneath the grating in areas requiring additional strength for wide spans. This localized reinforcement approach provides the necessary support for wide operating spans while minimizing overall weight increase compared to uniform reinforcement throughout.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~5
AI summary
An improved step for treadable-grating staircases, of the type comprising a grating stair tread (1) having a length suitable for the width of the staircase, as well as at least two end plates (5) for attachment of the step to the outer stringers of the staircase, welded on which are the bars of the grating. To obtain a functional and structural co-operation between said stair tread (1) and reinforcement elements that are provided underneath the treading surface of the step itself, in the bottom part of the stair tread (1) an obscuring panel with inclined bars (2') is integrated to implement an anti-vertigo function, which inclined bars (2') are rendered fixed to the end plates (5), as well as structurally participating by means of one or more bands (3) made of sheet metal arranged orthogonal thereto and to the treading surface.