Rack Beam Connection Brackets With Protrusions for Gap-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage rack systems face challenges in achieving precise and secure assembly due to imprecisions in the construction of high-strength steel components, leading to gaps and reduced stability under heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of vertical connection brackets with protrusions on the horizontal support beams to fill gaps between components, enhancing the fit and stability by using L-shaped angle brackets with dimpled protrusions or wedged protrusions that improve contact with vertical columns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If preformed bolt receiving holes are made larger to facilitate bolt insertion, then ease of assembly is improved, but manufacturing precision of the connection bracket deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Protrusions are pre-formed on the connection bracket before assembly, anticipating the gap issue and proactively compensating for it. This preliminary structural modification ensures that when the bracket is assembled to the vertical column, the protrusions fill the gaps that would otherwise exist due to manufacturing tolerances and hole alignment requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If gaps of 1/16 to 1/4 inch are allowed between connection bracket and vertical column to accommodate construction imprecisions, then ease of manufacture is improved, but stability of the storage rack deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the entire connection bracket to be manufactured with high precision, the invention applies localized protrusions only at specific areas where gaps would occur between the bracket and vertical column. This local modification maintains ease of manufacture for the overall bracket while providing targeted stability enhancement at the critical interface with the column.
3Manufacturing precision
If clean, precise corners and highly precise dimensions are formed in horizontal beam, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies precise dimensional features (protrusions) only where needed for gap compensation, rather than requiring the entire horizontal beam to be manufactured with high precision. This localized approach to precision maintains ease of manufacture for the overall beam while providing necessary precision at critical connection points.
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal support beam is provided with a vertical connection bracket, constructed to attach the horizontal beam to a vertical column of a storage rack system. The vertical connection bracket includes a plurality of protrusions positioned to eliminate some of the gaps that can exist between the bracket and column. The vertical connection bracket can be an L shaped angle bracket. An inside surface of the first arm can include a plurality of protrusions, which can be formed by pressing dimples into the first arm, to help ensure a tight, contacting fit between the inside surface of the first arm and the vertical column.