One-Piece Metal Step Edge Profile for Corner Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stair nosing profiles do not effectively cover and protect the sharp corners of individual steps, posing a risk of injury and requiring labor-intensive on-site processing to create corner profiles.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece step edge profile with angled sections that cover both the step edge and corner, featuring bearing legs for secure attachment and a continuous edge web to enclose the corner, allowing for easy assembly without additional shaping, using metal materials and optional recesses for bending flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional straight profiles are used for step corners, then the step edge can be covered, but the corner protection is insufficient and requires labor-intensive on-site processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the step edge covering function and corner protection function into a single integrated profile element. The L-shaped cross-section combines a first profile section for the step edge and a second profile section for the corner, eliminating the need for separate corner pieces and on-site processing while providing continuous protection against injury risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile is segmented into distinct functional sections: a first profile section for covering the step edge with bearing legs, and a second profile section for enclosing the corner. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining ease of assembly through the integrated design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate corner profiles are used, then corner protection can be achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (step edge covering, corner enclosing, bearing surface provision) into a single profile element with an L-shaped cross-section. This integration eliminates the need for assembling separate corner profiles and reduces installation steps while maintaining comprehensive corner protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The single profile element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it covers the step edge, protects the corner from injury, provides bearing surfaces for attachment, and encloses the corner geometry. This multi-functionality reduces assembly complexity compared to using separate specialized components.
3Device complexity
If one-piece profile is used, then assembly is simplified, but flexibility for different corner angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The profile incorporates localized bending zones with reduced wall thickness in specific regions, allowing flexible forming to various angles while maintaining structural integrity in other areas. This local modification enables the one-piece profile to adapt to different corner angles without compromising overall assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile design allows modification of geometric parameters such as the angle between profile sections and the positioning of bearing legs to accommodate different step configurations. The bending zones enable parameter changes during manufacturing while maintaining the one-piece construction advantage.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a step edge profile, in particular made of metal, for covering a step edge, comprising: at least one bearing leg (11) for resting on a tread surface and/or at least one contact leg (12) for abutting at least a riser surface, as well as a first profile section (13) configured to cover a step front edge, and at least one second profile section (14) configured to cover a step side edge, wherein the first profile section (13) is angled to the second profile section (14) in order to enclose a step corner, and the step edge profile (10) is formed in one piece.