A modular plate system with nested tautological cells and superstructure

Abstract

A modular, plate-like nested tensile-expanding cell and superstructure are disclosed, specifically relating to the field of metamaterials / structures. This invention addresses the challenge of large-scale, large-size fabrication of existing tensile-expanding structures. The cell comprises three sets of assembled components, which are sequentially nested and connected along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. The superstructure includes multiple such assembled cells arranged in a matrix, with adjacent cells fixedly connected. This invention provides a glue-free, modular tensile-expanding structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metamaterials / structures, specifically to a modular plate-system nested tensile cell and metastructure. Background Technology

[0002] Tensile structures, due to their unconventional or even anti-conventional deformation modes, possess numerous advantages such as high shear modulus, unidirectional curvature, good indentation resistance, vibration damping performance, and energy absorption performance, making them widely applicable in numerous fields such as consumer goods, aerospace equipment, and military equipment. However, existing fabrication technologies significantly hinder the further development of tensile structures. Because tensile structures often have complex geometric configurations, additive manufacturing technology, with its high precision, low cost, and high speed, has become the mainstream method for fabricating tensile structures. However, its strict dimensional limitations and the difficulty in fabricating two / multi-material structures greatly restrict their fabrication feasibility, thus preventing their application in practical engineering. To address this issue, braided tensile structures and interlocking assembly structures have been proposed, but they still have significant limitations. For example, braided structures often exhibit uneven strength due to inhomogeneous braiding quality, resulting in significant dispersion. Furthermore, once braided structures are fabricated, they often face difficulties in disassembly and replacement, demonstrating significant irreversibility. In addition, interlocking assembly technology also has many problems, such as the structure exhibiting good mechanical properties only in specific directions, sacrificing strength in other directions. Furthermore, the disassembly structure of interlocking assemblies is highly complex, difficult to assemble, and often requires the use of adhesives. This means that the performance of the structure depends to some extent on the quality of the adhesive, and is even subject to the influence of environmental factors on the quality of the adhesive, exhibiting uncertainty, instability, and irreversibility. Therefore, designing a glue-free, modular tension structure that enables rapid assembly, disassembly, replacement, and irregular assembly of large-sized components for engineering applications and transportation is of great significance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the problem that existing tumbling structures are difficult to fabricate on a large scale and in large dimensions, this invention proposes a modular plate-system nested tumbling cell and superstructure.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0005] A modular plate system nested expansion cell includes three sets of assembly components, which are nested and connected sequentially along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions, respectively.

[0006] Furthermore, the three sets of assembly components include a first set of assembly components, a second set of assembly components, and a third set of assembly components. The first set of assembly components is arranged along the X-axis direction, the second set of assembly components is arranged along the Y-axis direction, and the middle part of the second set of assembly components is inserted into the inner side of the first set of assembly components. The third set of assembly components is arranged along the Z-axis direction, and the third set of assembly components is fitted into the middle part of the first set of assembly components, with the middle part of the third set of assembly components inserted into the inner side of the second set of assembly components.

[0007] Furthermore, the assembly includes two end plates and two concave plates. The two concave plates are arranged opposite each other, and the two end plates are arranged side by side on the inner side between the two concave plates. The two ends of the end plates are respectively inserted and connected to the end sidewalls of the concave plates. The middle part of the inner side of the end plates is inserted and connected to the outer side of the middle part of the adjacent concave plate in the assembly assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the end plate has end blocks at the middle of both ends, a middle block at the middle of the inner side of the end plate, an end slot on the end side wall of the concave plate, a middle slot on the middle side wall of the concave plate, the end blocks are vertically inserted into the end slots, and the middle blocks are vertically inserted into the middle slots of the adjacent concave plates in the assembly assembly on its inner side.

[0009] Furthermore, the concave plate includes an outer straight segment, an outer inclined segment, an inner inclined segment, and an inner straight segment. The outer inclined segment is inclined from the outside to the inside, and the inner inclined segment is inclined from the inside to the outside. The inner end of the outer straight segment is connected to the outer end of the outer inclined segment, the inner end of the outer inclined segment is connected to the outer end of the inner inclined segment, and the inner end of the inner inclined segment is connected to the outer end of the inner straight segment.

[0010] Furthermore, the end slots are respectively located at the middle of the end faces of the outer straight segment and the inner straight segment, and are arranged along the length direction of the concave plate. The middle slot is located at the middle of the connection between the outer inclined segment and the inner inclined segment, and is arranged along the width direction of the concave plate.

[0011] A superstructure based on the aforementioned assembled plate system nested expansion cells includes multiple assembled cells arranged in a matrix, with adjacent assembled cells being fixedly connected.

[0012] Furthermore, adjacent assembly cells are connected by a connecting plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the connecting plate is formed by fixing the outer ends of two end plates at the connection point of two adjacent assembled cells.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting plate has an integral structure.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0016] 1. The assembly design scheme mentioned in this invention effectively avoids problems such as large-size preparation, transportation, and irreversibility of tensile structures. It has the functions of rapid assembly, disassembly, and replacement, and the overall shape can be freely designed according to engineering needs to adapt to the requirements of engineering application environment.

[0017] 2. The assembly design method allows for the use of multiple component materials to assemble the structure without being limited by the manufacturing process, thus giving the structure a high degree of freedom in design and enabling the structure to exhibit excellent performance. This invention uses TPU90A and NylonPA12 as two matrix materials as component materials, achieving increased energy absorption efficiency and recoverability and reusability under large deformations.

[0018] 3. Quasi-static flat compression test and drop hammer impact test proved that the structure has high specific stiffness, excellent tensile expansion effect, regular deformation mode and good impact resistance. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the two concave plates in this invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate structure in this invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure for connecting the flat plate in this invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly components that connect other cells in this invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cell structure in this invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a cell structure in this invention that can connect to other cells;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the assembly process of the nested plate structure in this invention;

[0026] Figure 8 It is a nested plate structure with a concave angle of 57.5°;

[0027] Figure 9 It is a nested plate structure with a concave angle of 65°;

[0028] Figure 10 It is a nested plate structure with a concave angle of 72.5°;

[0029] Figure 11 This is example 1 of an irregularly shaped assembly scheme;

[0030] Figure 12 This is example 2 of an irregularly shaped assembly scheme;

[0031] Figure 13 It is the Poisson's ratio of the structure within a small deformation range, measured by quasi-static plane compression;

[0032] Figure 14 These are the stress-strain curves of the nested plate structure obtained through quasi-static plane compression.

[0033] Figure 15 The stress-strain curve of the nested plate structure was obtained by drop hammer impact test (impact energy 30J);

[0034] Figure 16 These are the stress-strain curves of a nested plate structure under repeated loading conditions, obtained through drop hammer impact testing.

[0035] Wherein: 1-cell; 2-assembly assembly; 3-end plate; 3-1-end insert; 3-2-middle insert; 4-inner concave plate; 4-1-end slot; 4-2-middle slot; 4-3-outer straight section; 4-4-outer inclined section; 4-5-inner inclined section; 4-6-inner straight section; 5-connecting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Specific implementation method one: Combining Figures 1 to 16 This embodiment describes a modular plate system nested expansion cell comprising three sets of assembly components 2, which are sequentially nested and connected along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0037] This invention proposes a novel nested plate assembly structure with excellent tensile strength. Considering engineering practicality, the structure is designed as a glue-free assembly type, allowing for free assembly, disassembly, and replacement. Unlike other complex assembly processes, the structure consists of only three assembly components with simple geometric configurations (end plate 3, concave plate 4, and connecting plate 5). This means that it can be manufactured not only through additive manufacturing technology but also through simpler, more efficient, lower-cost, and higher-quality processes, such as molding, thus broadening the range of available manufacturing processes.

[0038] The assembly components 2 are connected to each other and internally by interference fit.

[0039] Specific Implementation Method Two: Combining Figures 1 to 16This embodiment describes three sets of assembly components 2, including a first set, a second set, and a third set. The first set is arranged along the X-axis, the second set along the Y-axis, and its middle portion is inserted inside the first set. The third set is arranged along the Z-axis, fitted onto the middle portion of the first set, and its middle portion is inserted inside the second set. Undisclosed technical features in this embodiment are the same as in Specific Embodiment One.

[0040] Specific implementation method three: Combining Figures 1 to 16 This embodiment describes an assembly component 2 comprising two end plates 3 and two concave plates 4. The two concave plates 4 are arranged opposite to each other, and the two end plates 3 are arranged side-by-side on the inner side between the two concave plates 4. Both ends of the end plates 3 are respectively inserted into the end sidewalls of the concave plates 4, and the middle portion of the inner side of the end plates 3 is inserted into the outer side of the middle portion of the adjacent concave plate 4 in the assembly component 2. The undisclosed technical features in this embodiment are the same as in specific embodiment two.

[0041] The two concave plates 4 are arranged parallel to each other and opposite to each other, and the end plates 3 are respectively arranged on the inner and outer sides between the two concave plates 4. The width direction of the end plates 3 is perpendicular to the length direction of the concave plates 4.

[0042] The insertion connection between the concave plate 4 and the end plate 3 is an interference fit.

[0043] Specific implementation method four: Combination Figures 1 to 16 In this embodiment, end blocks 3-1 are provided at the middle of both ends of the end plate 3, and a middle block 3-2 is provided at the middle of the inner side of the end plate 3. An end slot 4-1 is provided on the end sidewall of the concave plate 4, and a middle slot 4-2 is provided on the middle sidewall of the concave plate 4. The end blocks 3-1 are vertically inserted into the end slots 4-1, and the middle blocks 3-2 are vertically inserted into the middle slots 4-2 of the adjacent concave plate 4 in the assembly assembly 2 inside it. The undisclosed technical features in this embodiment are the same as in specific embodiment three.

[0044] Both the end plug 3-1 and the middle plug 3-2 are T-shaped plugs. The vertical end of the T-shaped plug is fixed to the end plate 3. During installation, the horizontal end of the T-shaped plug passes through the slots of the end slot 4-1 and the middle slot 4-2 and is locked on the outside of the slots. The vertical end of the T-shaped plug is set in the slot.

[0045] The T-shaped insert has beveled edges on both sides of its outer end face at the horizontal end, and the cross-sectional shape of the horizontal end of the T-shaped insert is an isosceles trapezoid. This design facilitates the insertion of the insert.

[0046] Both the end slot 4-1 and the middle slot 4-2 are rectangular slots.

[0047] The horizontal end of the T-shaped insert is slightly larger than the slot size to ensure a stable connection.

[0048] Specific Implementation Method Five: Combining Figures 1 to 16 This embodiment describes a concave plate 4 comprising an outer straight segment 4-3, an outer inclined segment 4-4, an inner inclined segment 4-5, and an inner straight segment 4-6. The outer inclined segment 4-4 is inclined from the outside inwards, and the inner inclined segment 4-5 is inclined from the inside outwards. The inner end of the outer straight segment 4-3 is connected to the outer end of the outer inclined segment 4-4, the inner end of the outer inclined segment 4-4 is connected to the outer end of the inner inclined segment 4-5, and the inner end of the inner inclined segment 4-5 is connected to the outer end of the inner straight segment 4-6. Undisclosed technical features in this embodiment are the same as in specific embodiment four.

[0049] This design, with the outer inclined section 4-4 and the inner inclined section 4-5 forming the central concave structure of the concave plate 4.

[0050] Specific Implementation Method Six: Combination Figures 1 to 16 In this embodiment, the end slots 4-1 are respectively located at the middle of the end faces of the outer straight segment 4-3 and the inner straight segment 4-6, and are arranged along the length direction of the concave plate 4. The middle slot 4-2 is located at the middle of the connection between the outer inclined segment 4-4 and the inner inclined segment 4-5, and is arranged along the width direction of the concave plate 4. The undisclosed technical features in this embodiment are the same as those in specific embodiment five.

[0051] Specific implementation method seven: Combination Figures 1 to 16 This embodiment describes a superstructure based on nested expansion cells of a modular plate system, comprising multiple modular cells 1 arranged in a matrix, with adjacent modular cells 1 fixedly connected.

[0052] Specific implementation method eight: Combination Figures 1 to 16 In this embodiment, two adjacent assembly cells 1 are connected by a connecting plate 5. The undisclosed technical features in this embodiment are the same as in specific embodiment seven.

[0053] Specific Implementation Method Nine: Combining Figures 1 to 16 This embodiment describes a connecting plate 5 formed by fixing the outer ends of two end plates 3 at the connection point of two adjacent assembly cells 1. The undisclosed technical features in this embodiment are the same as in specific embodiment eight.

[0054] Specific Implementation Method Ten: Combining Figures 1 to 16 This embodiment describes a connecting plate 5 as an integral structure. Undisclosed technical features in this embodiment are the same as in specific embodiment nine.

[0055] In the superstructure described in this embodiment, the end plate 3 is used for the edge of the superstructure, and the connecting plate 5 is used for the connection between cells 1. Through this connection, the cells can be connected to form a complete structure.

[0056] Example

[0057] Taking a nested cubic plate structure with 2×2×2 cells as an example, it is necessary to prepare an attachment Figure 1 24 components, with Figure 2 24 components, with Figure 3 There are 12 components. (The following will be attached.) Figure 1 The end slot 4-1 on the outer straight segment 4-3 of the concave plate 4 on the left side and the attached Figure 2 The end plug 3-1 on the left side of the middle plate 3 is connected, with attachment Figure 1 The end slot 4-1 and the attached slot 4-1 on the outer straight segment 4-3 of the concave plate 4 on the right side. Figure 2 The end plug 3-1 on the right side of the middle plate 3 is connected, with attachment Figure 1 The end slot 4-1 on the inner straight section 4-6 of the concave plate 4 on the left side of the middle is attached to the... Figure 3 Connecting the upper left end of the connecting plate 5 to the end plug 3-1, with attachment Figure 1 The end slot 4-1 on the inner straight section 4-6 of the concave plate 4 on the right side and the attached Figure 3 Connect the upper right end plug 3-1 of the connecting plate 5 to obtain the attached plate. Figure 4 The given structure. If the structure is located at a boundary position and does not need to connect to the next cell structure, then use append... Figure 2 The end plate 3 component is closed, and the closed structure will be a complete and independent structure, not allowed to be connected to other cell structures, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 5 As shown. If it is necessary to connect other cell structures, an attachment needs to be used in the connection direction. Figure 3 The provided connection components for the tablet 5 are shown in the attached document. Figure 6 As shown. Based on the above assembly rules, combined with the attached... Figure 7 This allows for the assembly of a complete nested structure of expansion plates.

[0058] The modular design makes it easier to increase the number of structural cells and change the configuration. (See attached image) Figure 8 , 9 Figures 1 and 10 show plate-like nested structures with 3×3×3 cells and concave angles of 57.5°, 65°, and 72.5°, respectively.

[0059] The assembly scheme also facilitates the assembly of irregularly shaped components, allowing workers to freely assemble them according to the engineering environment. (See attached image) Figure 11 and attached Figure 12 As shown, two examples of irregular assembly are given, but it is clear that it is not limited to these two assembly methods.

[0060] Using TPU90A and NylonPA12 as component materials, a series of nested plate-like structures with 3×3×3 cell units and a concave angle of 65° were fabricated through a combination of 3D printing technology and assembly methods. The Poisson's ratio of the structures within a small deformation range was measured through quasi-static planar compression experiments, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 13 As shown, the three sets of experiments have good repeatability and verify that the plate-nested structure in this invention has a tensile expansion effect.

[0061] The stress-strain curves of the structure in this invention, obtained by static crushing test, are shown in the attached figure. Figure 14 As shown, the structure has two plateau stress stages, and the value of the second plateau is much higher than that of the first plateau, which significantly enhances the energy absorption efficiency of the structure.

[0062] The stress-strain curves of the structure under impact load were obtained using a drop hammer impact testing system, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 15 As shown, it still has two distinct stress plateau stages, exhibiting good energy absorption performance.

[0063] The stress-strain curves of the structure under multiple impact loads were obtained using a drop hammer impact testing system, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 16 As shown, the structure did not experience a significant drop in stress level during repeated loading, demonstrating its recoverable and reusable properties.

[0064] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A type of assembled plate system nested expansion cell, characterized in that: It includes three sets of assembly components (2), which are nested and connected sequentially along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions respectively; The three sets of assembly components (2) include a first set of assembly components (2), a second set of assembly components (2) and a third set of assembly components (2). The first set of assembly components (2) is set along the X-axis direction, the second set of assembly components (2) is set along the Y-axis direction, the middle part of the second set of assembly components (2) is inserted into the inner side of the first set of assembly components (2), the third set of assembly components (2) is set along the Z-axis direction, the third set of assembly components (2) is fitted into the middle part of the first set of assembly components (2), and the middle part of the third set of assembly components (2) is inserted into the inner side of the second set of assembly components (2); The assembly component (2) includes two end plates (3) and two concave plates (4). The two concave plates (4) are arranged opposite to each other, and the two end plates (3) are arranged side by side on the inner side between the two concave plates (4). The two ends of the end plates (3) are respectively inserted and connected to the end sidewalls of the concave plates (4). The middle part of the inner side of the end plates (3) is inserted and connected to the outer side of the middle part of the adjacent concave plate (4) in the assembly component (2) on its inner side. The end plate (3) has end inserts (3-1) at the middle of both ends, and a middle insert (3-2) at the middle of the inner side of the end plate (3). The end slot (4-1) is opened on the end side wall of the concave plate (4), and the middle slot (4-2) is opened on the middle side wall of the concave plate (4). The end inserts (3-1) are vertically inserted into the end slot (4-1), and the middle inserts (3-2) are vertically inserted into the middle slot (4-2) of the adjacent concave plate (4) in the assembly assembly (2) on its inner side. The concave plate (4) includes an outer straight segment (4-3), an outer inclined segment (4-4), an inner inclined segment (4-5), and an inner straight segment (4-6). The outer inclined segment (4-4) is inclined from the outside to the inside, and the inner inclined segment (4-5) is inclined from the inside to the outside. The inner end of the outer straight segment (4-3) is connected to the outer end of the outer inclined segment (4-4), the inner end of the outer inclined segment (4-4) is connected to the outer end of the inner inclined segment (4-5), and the inner end of the inner inclined segment (4-5) is connected to the outer end of the inner straight segment (4-6).

2. The assembled plate system nested expansion cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end slots (4-1) are respectively located in the middle of the end faces of the outer straight segment (4-3) and the inner straight segment (4-6), and are arranged along the length direction of the concave plate (4). The middle slot (4-2) is located in the middle of the connection between the outer inclined segment (4-4) and the inner inclined segment (4-5), and is arranged along the width direction of the concave plate (4).

3. A modular plate-system nested elastomeric superstructure, based on the modular plate-system nested elastomeric cell described in any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: It includes multiple assembled cells (1), which are arranged in a matrix and are fixedly connected to each other.

4. The assembled plate-type nested tensile expansion superstructure according to claim 3, characterized in that: Two adjacent assembly cells (1) are connected by a connecting plate (5).

5. The assembled plate-type nested tensile expansion superstructure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connecting plate (5) is formed by fixing the outer ends of the two end plates (3) at the connection point of two adjacent assembled cells (1).

6. The assembled plate-type nested tensile expansion superstructure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting plate (5) is an integral structure.

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