Trough Lid Fixing Bracket With Projection And Nut

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for fixing trough lids fail when concrete is poured around the trough, as they require gaps for operation, have low fixed strength, or are prone to damage and loosening due to the use of bolts and nuts.

Innovation Solution

A fixing structure with a bracket that includes projection parts on the trough sides, grasping parts, and a connecting part with a nut, allowing the lid to be securely fastened from the top without gaps, using a bolt and nut system that prevents rotation and damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixing methods (clip with hook, lid fixing member with side plate) are used, then the lid can be fixed to the trough, but these methods cannot be adopted when concrete is poured around the trough and no gap exists between the trough and surrounding structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different installation conditionsVSAvoidease of fixing operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing bracket is divided into multiple functional parts: a body portion that attaches to the trough, a projecting portion that extends through the lid, and a grasping portion that secures the lid. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, enabling the fixing mechanism to work effectively whether gaps exist or concrete is poured around the trough.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from side-based fixing (requiring gaps) to top-based fixing (through the lid). The projecting portion extends vertically through the lid from the bottom surface, allowing fixing operations to be performed from the top dimension rather than requiring lateral access from the sides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If elastic clamping pieces are used to fix the lid, then the lid can be fixed from the upper part, but the fixed strength is low and the lid may easily separate when strong force is added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fixing from upper partVSAvoidfixed strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple fixing mechanisms into one integrated bracket: the body portion provides structural attachment to the trough, the projecting portion penetrates the lid, and the grasping portion secures the lid with sufficient strength. This merging of functions achieves both ease of operation from the upper part and high fixed strength simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If bolts and nuts are used to fix the lid, then high fixed strength can be achieved, but the nut may rotate inside resin and the trough side wall may be damaged when the bolt is fastened too tightly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed strengthVSAvoiddamage to trough side wall
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The projecting portion acts as an intermediary element between the bolt and the trough side wall. It distributes the fastening force over a larger area and provides a dedicated path for the bolt, preventing direct contact between the nut/bolt assembly and the resin trough wall, thereby eliminating the risk of damage while maintaining high fixed strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If a nut is cast in the trough side wall, then the lid can be fixed with a bolt, but the productivity of trough manufacturing is reduced and the nut may loosen when resin deforms under strong bolting force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed strengthVSAvoidproductivity of trough manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the nut from the trough structure entirely and relocates it to the fixing bracket. This eliminates the need for complex mold setting and casting operations during trough manufacturing, improving productivity. The bracket with the nut can be separately manufactured and attached, simplifying the overall production process while maintaining secure fixing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The solution provides high fixed strength and ease of use, even when concrete is poured around the trough, ensuring the lid remains securely attached and resistant to breakage.

Implementation Method 1

clamping the constricted part of a lid control pin, which penetrates a lid, by elastic clamping pieces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2541713B1Fixing structure for trough and lid, and fixing method for trough and lid
Publication Date: 2015.05.13 FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP2541713B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2541713B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2541713B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(B)

AI summary

An upper projection grasping part 15a and a lower projection grasping part 15b are formed at approximately parallel in the upper and lower parts of a fixing bracket 7, respectively, and a connecting part 17 is formed so that the upper projection grasping part 15a and the lower projection grasping part 15b are connected. A cutout 23 is formed in the approximately center part of the upper projection grasping part 15a. The cutout 23 is a part where a bolt penetrates. A nut part 19 is joined to the undersurface of the lower projection grasping part 15b. The nut part 19 is being fixed to the lower projection grasping part 15b, for example, by welding. The hole is formed in the joined part of the lower projection grasping part 15b and the nut part 19, and the nut part 19 is possible to screw together with the bolt inserted from the cutout 23 side.