Aluminium Lattice Beam Coupling via Rib-Groove Mechanical Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lattice beams made from aluminium suffer from low load-bearing capacity due to material weakening in the heat-affected zone from welding, mechanical play in coupling arrangements, and shear stress issues from clamping means, leading to reduced strength and increased weight when using thicker materials or steel.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical coupling arrangement for lattice beams that eliminates the need for welding by using a connector element with rib-shaped projections and groove-shaped recesses, arranged parallel to the load transfer direction, to efficiently transfer loads and reduce shear stresses, and employs fasteners parallel to the diagonal members to minimize play and enhance frictional resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If welding is used to join aluminium diagonal members to aluminium chord members, then the lattice beam can be manufactured, but the material strength is severely weakened in the heat affected zone
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the welding process entirely from the manufacturing method. Instead of welding diagonal members to chord members, the patent uses mechanical connections with connection elements that have contact surfaces pressing against the members, eliminating the harmful heat affected zone while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal welding process with a mechanical connection system. Connection elements with contact surfaces apply compression forces to join diagonal members and chord members mechanically, substituting the thermal field with a mechanical field to avoid material degradation
2Ease of operation
If mechanical fasteners are arranged perpendicular to the load transfer direction, then the coupling arrangement can be assembled, but mechanical play is generated reducing load bearing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional fastener arrangement by placing contact surfaces and compression forces parallel to the load transfer direction instead of perpendicular. This orientation eliminates mechanical play and gaps, ensuring full load transfer capacity while maintaining ease of assembly through the compression-based connection mechanism
3Ease of manufacture
If clamping means are used to press contact surfaces together, then the connection can be formed, but shear force on the clamping means reduces the effectiveness and increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic friction grip mechanisms where friction coefficients and compression forces work together to transfer shear loads. The connection elements utilize friction between contact surfaces to resist shear forces, allowing the system to adapt to load conditions and reducing the need for oversized clamping means
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection parameters by using compression forces and friction coefficients as the primary load transfer mechanism instead of relying solely on mechanical shear resistance of clamping means. This parameter change allows for reduced clamping force requirements and lighter connection elements
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 a lightweight lattice beam with increased load-bearing capacity, reduced material stress, and a cost-effective manufacturing process, while maintaining or reducing the number of clamping means and stress levels.
Implementation Method 1
said first contact surface comprises at least one rib-shaped projection extending in said transverse direction and engaged in at least one corresponding groove-shaped recess arranged in said first chord member
Implementation Method 2
The shear force is normally transferred to the chord member partly by frictional resistance at the contact surface between the chord member and the diagonal member
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the present invention is to provide an inventive mechanical coupling arrangement (1) for a lattice support beam (2)having a longitudinal direction (X) and a transverse direction (Y), said mechanical coupling arrangement(1)comprising at least a first chord member (5), a first diagonal member (6), and a connector element (7) for joining said first chord member (5) with said first diagonal member(6), wherein each of said first chord member (5), said first diagonal member (6), and said connector element(7) is made of extruded aluminium profile, said connector element (7) comprising at least a first attachment portion (8) having a first contact surface (9) in contact with said first chord member (5), and a second attachment portion (10) having a second contact surface (11) in contact with an abutment surface (12) of said first diagonal member (6), said first contact surface (9) comprising at least one rib-shaped projection (13) extending in said transverse direction (Y) and engaged in at least one corresponding groove-shaped recess (14) arranged in said first chord member (5), and said second contact surface (11) is pressed against said abutment surface (12) of said first diagonal member (6) by means of at least one fastener (15), whose longitudinal direction is arranged substantially parallel with a longitudinal direction (16) of said first diagonal member (6).