Underground Vent Grating Security With Adjustable Hold-Down Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing ventilation grating over underground ventilation shafts are cumbersome, particularly when dealing with removable sections that require alignment with embedded ledges, and can lead to galvanic corrosion due to dissimilar metal shim plates, complicating the installation and removal process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vertically extending support body with anchoring members and hold-downs that secure the grating without direct attachment to the embedded ledge, using clips and clamps that can be aligned and secured through the grating itself, allowing for shim placement without attaching shims to the ledge, and accommodating manufacturing variability in grating dimensions and locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grating sections are made removable for maintenance and debris removal, then ease of operation is improved, but alignment difficulty increases due to manufacturing variability in cell dimensions and locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fastening parameter from fixed-position screw holes to adjustable clamp positions. The clamps can be positioned at different locations along the bearing bars, allowing alignment compensation for manufacturing variability in cell dimensions and locations while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability in the fastening system. The clamps can be repositioned along the bearing bars to accommodate variations in cell locations, transforming a static alignment problem into a dynamic adjustment solution that adapts to manufacturing tolerances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shim plates are used to accommodate sidewalk slopes and grade variations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to galvanic corrosion concerns between dissimilar metals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-conductive intermediary material (such as plastic or rubber) between the shim plates and the grating sections. This mediator prevents direct electrical contact between dissimilar metals, eliminating galvanic corrosion while maintaining the adaptability needed for sidewalk slope and grade variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive non-conductive materials as isolation layers between dissimilar metals. These materials are easy to install and replace, providing effective galvanic corrosion prevention without adding significant complexity to the system.
3Ease of operation
If multiple drill holes are created in the embedded ledge for reinstallation, then ease of operation is improved, but strength decreases due to weakening of the cement embedding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the embedded ledge by using clamps that attach to the grating sections themselves rather than requiring new screw holes in the ledge. This removes the need to repeatedly drill into and weaken the cement embedding while maintaining secure reinstallation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the clamp as an intermediary fastening device that bridges the grating section and the support structure without requiring direct attachment to the embedded ledge. This mediator protects the ledge from further drilling and weakening while providing secure attachment points.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and process for securing a grating over an atmospheric opening of a ventilation shaft fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct. A vertically extending support for arrangement in the shaft has horizontal flanges for projecting across a top of at least two opposing sides of said shaft to hang said support in said shaft for over topping by said grating. An anchoring member is supported in the support at a level below the flanges and proximate the atmospheric opening. A hold-down connects to the anchoring member to secure the hold-down and the grating to the anchoring member.