Weld-Free Stringer Tabs for Modular Decking Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular working platforms require complex and time-consuming welding processes for assembly, which increases costs and reduces efficiency, while also posing challenges in maintaining sanitary conditions and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The use of weld-free tabs integrated into the structural body of stringers and decking support frames, which allow for the assembly of modular working platforms without structural welds, enhancing structural strength and enabling easier installation with fillet welds and precise decking pitches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional structural members with square or rectangular cross-sections are used to build support frames, then structural integrity is achieved, but structural welds are required at each joint which increases complexity and installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The structural member is segmented into a body portion and integrated tab portions that are formed as separate features from the same material. The tabs are created by cutting or forming the material such that they appear to be separate welding components but are actually integral to the body, eliminating the need for separate welding operations to attach tabs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab portions are merged with the body portion to form a monolithic structure from a single piece of material. This combining of what would traditionally be separate components (body and tabs) into one integrated piece eliminates the need for welding to join them, while still providing the structural strength and decking support functionality.
2Ease of operation
If tabs are welded onto the frame to support decking, then decking support is achieved, but the welding process is time-consuming and increases installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are pre-formed as integral features of the structural member during manufacturing, rather than being attached during field installation. This preliminary formation of the tabs eliminates the need for time-consuming welding operations on-site, while still providing the necessary decking support functionality when the decking is installed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If round structural members are used, then sanitary conditions are improved by preventing material accumulation, but welding tabs remains expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The round structural member is segmented to include integrated tab portions that are formed from the same round material. The tabs are created by cutting or forming the round material into tab shapes that are integral to the body, maintaining the sanitary benefits of round members while eliminating the need for separate tab welding operations.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If square or rectangular members are turned on a 45 degree angle, then material accumulation is prevented improving sanitation, but cutting and preparation becomes difficult and many structural welds are required
Solution Approach 1:
The structural member uses an asymmetric 45-degree angled configuration that prevents material accumulation on top surfaces. The tabs are integrated into this asymmetric geometry, allowing the member to maintain its sanitary advantages while the tabs are formed as integral features rather than requiring separate welding operations to attach them.
Data Source
AI summary
A stringer for a decking support frame, the stringer including a structural body having a front side, a back side, a top side, and a bottom side. The structural body also includes a plurality of weld free mounting tabs integral with the structural body extending from the top side and away from the bottom side. A plurality of apertures extend evenly spaced along a longitudinal length of the structural body and each aperture extends completely through the front side to the back side.