Apparatus, systems and methods for improved vertical structural supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
The solar industry faces challenges in optimizing the cost and stability of vertical structural supports for solar panel arrays, as traditional wide flange beams are prone to structural failures under lateral loads due to inadequate shear center alignment and neutral axis orientation, leading to increased material usage and installation costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of acute Z-shaped vertical support structures with acute angles and ribs, formed using a roll forming process, which optimizes material usage, aligns the neutral axis with expected lateral loads, and enhances structural stability by maintaining the shear center at the cross-sectional centerpoint, thereby reducing material weight and costs while improving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wide flange beams are used for vertical supports, then structural stability is maintained, but material usage and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the support structure by transitioning from traditional wide flange beams to Z-shaped sections with specific acute angles (20-45 degrees). This parameter change optimizes the distribution of material while maintaining structural integrity, reducing material usage by 15-30% compared to conventional beams while preserving lateral load resistance capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs asymmetric Z-shaped cross-sections with acute angles rather than symmetric wide flange sections. This asymmetry is strategically designed to align the shear center with the neutral axis, creating optimal resistance to lateral loads while minimizing material requirements. The asymmetric geometry allows for more efficient material distribution compared to traditional symmetric sections.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional wide flange beams are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but structural failures occur under lateral loads due to inadequate shear center alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters by introducing acute angles (20-45 degrees) in the Z-shaped section, which fundamentally changes the structural behavior. This parameter change achieves proper alignment between the shear center and neutral axis, enabling the structure to resist lateral loads effectively while maintaining compatibility with existing roll forming manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a dynamic optimization where the acute angled Z-shape adapts the structural response to lateral loads. The geometry is designed so that under lateral loading conditions, the stress distribution naturally aligns with the optimized section properties, allowing the structure to perform differently under various load conditions while being manufactured using standard processes.
3Ease of operation
If standard pile driving equipment is used with prescribed beams, then installation process is simplified, but out-of-plane deflection failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric Z-shaped cross-section with acute angles is specifically designed to prevent out-of-plane deflection failures. The geometry creates inherent structural stability that resists lateral and out-of-plane loads, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures or specialized equipment while preventing the deflection failures that plague traditional beam installations.
4Quantity of substance
If acute Z-shaped structures with optimized geometry are used, then material usage and costs are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the Z-shaped section, specifically the acute angles (20-45 degrees), to achieve the best balance between material efficiency and structural performance. This parameter optimization reduces material weight by 15-30% while keeping the manufacturing process compatible with existing roll forming technology, avoiding excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are various methods, systems, and devices relating to vertical structural supports, including acute Z-shaped piers and further including vertical structural features that provide additional structural support for various types of piers.