Stair Tread Grating Orientation for Aesthetic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for stair steps require complex and costly welding and forming processes, and their aesthetic appeal is compromised by unsatisfactory rod orientations.
Innovation Solution
The support rods run perpendicular to the side walls, with a support profile arranged parallel to the side panels and connected to a carrier profile, allowing for a material-saving and aesthetically preferable design where the rod direction aligns with stair landings, utilizing a preferred I-profile and resistance projection welding for connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bearing bars and support profiles are welded together as in US patent 2,994,417 A, then structural strength is ensured, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components: side walls, support profiles, and grating floors that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation simplifies production while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Support profiles serve as intermediary elements between the side walls and grating floors, providing a standardized connection interface that simplifies assembly while ensuring structural strength without requiring complex welding processes.
2Strength
If load-bearing bars are arranged parallel to side stringers as in EP 2 267 238 B1, then structural support is provided, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging support bars parallel to side stringers, the invention inverts the orientation by positioning them perpendicular to the side walls, aligning with stair landings to achieve both structural support and aesthetic appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The support profiles are positioned asymmetrically relative to the grating floor, with specific spacing and orientation that creates visual interest while maintaining structural functionality. The perpendicular arrangement of support bars to side walls creates an asymmetric pattern that enhances aesthetics.
3Reliability
If complex welding and forming processes are used, then structural integrity is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Support profiles and connection elements are pre-manufactured with standardized geometries and connection features before assembly. This preliminary preparation enables simpler, faster assembly processes while ensuring structural integrity, reducing both manufacturing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of support profiles to optimized standard dimensions that balance structural requirements with manufacturing efficiency. By standardizing profile dimensions and wall thicknesses, the design achieves structural integrity while simplifying production and reducing costs.
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
This solution simplifies production, reduces costs, and enhances the visual appeal by aligning the rod direction with stair landings, while maintaining structural integrity through material-locking connections.
Implementation Method 1
the support profile is materially bonded to the side wall. A further development of the invention consists in at least one support rod being connected to the support profile. In this context, it is possible that the load-bearing bar is connected to the support profile by a form-fit, force-fit, or material-fit connection. A material-fit connection is preferred, which can be implemented, for example, as a welded joint, particularly by resistance projection welding.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a supporting structure, in particular a stair tread, with a grating floor connected to at least one side stringer, wherein the grating floor comprises bearing bars and infill bars, and wherein the supporting structure has at least one support profile. To create a more material-efficient solution in which the bearing bar direction corresponds to that of the stair landings and which is simultaneously easier to automate, the invention proposes that the bearing bars run perpendicular to the side stringer, that the support profile is arranged perpendicular to the bearing bars, and that the support profile is connected to a support profile. This achieves, in a simple manner, that the bearing bar direction corresponds to that of the stair landings, which is preferable to known solutions from an aesthetic point of view.