Modular Stair Tread with Mechanical Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures require complex and costly welding processes, making them difficult to assemble and transport in a modular and compact manner.
Innovation Solution
The use of a U-profile reinforcement with supporting rods connected via a tongue and groove or other non-positive connections, allowing for tool-free assembly and compact stacking of support structures without the need for welded connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welded connections are used to connect supporting rods and reinforcement profiles, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical connection system consisting of connection elements that engage with recesses in the reinforcement profiles. This substitution eliminates the need for welding equipment and processes while maintaining connection strength through precise mechanical interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connection elements as intermediary components that facilitate the connection between supporting rods and reinforcement profiles. These connection elements act as mediators that provide a standardized, tool-free connection mechanism, simplifying the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable mechanical coupling.
2Reliability
If welded connections are used to connect supporting rods and reinforcement profiles, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements and recesses are pre-designed and pre-positioned on the reinforcement profiles during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that during assembly, workers simply need to insert the supporting rods into the pre-configured recesses, eliminating the need for on-site welding operations and significantly improving assembly productivity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical connection system consisting of connection elements that engage with recesses in the reinforcement profiles. This substitution eliminates the need for welding equipment and processes while maintaining connection strength through precise mechanical interlocking.
3Volume of moving object
If modular support structures are designed for compact stacking, then the storage and transport efficiency is improved, but the structural stability during assembly may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nesting arrangement where support structures are designed with recesses that allow one structure to be stacked inside or alongside another. The reinforcement profiles with integrated recesses enable the supporting rods to nest within the structural framework, achieving compact stacking for storage and transport while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking recess-profile design.
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting structure (1), in particular a stair tread, is proposed with a grating floor (2) which is connected to at least one side stringer (6), wherein the grating floor has bearing bars (3) and infill bars (4), wherein the bearing bars run parallel to the side stringer, wherein the grating floor has at least one reinforcing profile (5) which extends substantially perpendicular to the side stringer, and wherein at least one bearing bar is positively and/or force-fit connected to the reinforcing profile.