Lightweight Beam Coupling Apparatus with Box-Section Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam systems for cargo transportation are heavy due to thick metal construction, leading to increased fuel costs and reduced cargo capacity, as they need to be strong enough to support heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight beam coupling apparatus with a box-section arm assembly and rotatable head assembly, fabricated from thin sheet metal, which provides increased tensile strength and a slimmer profile, allowing for reduced material usage and weight while maintaining strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thick metal construction is used for beam systems, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam coupling apparatus is divided into separate functional components: an arm assembly with first and second parts that can be coupled together, and a head assembly that is rotatably coupled to the arm assembly. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while using thinner materials overall, reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The head assembly is made rotatably coupled to the arm assembly, introducing dynamic movement capability. This allows the apparatus to adapt its configuration during operation, enabling it to maintain strength where needed while using less material in other areas, thereby reducing overall weight compared to static thick metal construction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If beam weight is reduced, then fuel cost decreases, but strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the apparatus have different thicknesses and material densities optimized for their specific functions. The arm assembly uses thin sheet metal with appropriate thickness variations, while the head assembly has localized reinforcement where it engages the rail. This local quality optimization maintains strength at critical points while minimizing weight overall, reducing fuel costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes thin sheet metal construction with potentially different material properties in different sections. The combination of thin metal parts coupled together creates a composite structure that achieves the required strength-to-weight ratio, enabling weight reduction for fuel efficiency without compromising strength.
3Weight of moving object
If thin sheet metal is used for arm assembly, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly is divided into a first part and a second part that are coupled together. These parts can be manufactured separately using standard sheet metal forming processes, then assembled together. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing of individual components while achieving the weight reduction benefits of thin sheet metal construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part and second part of the arm assembly are coupled together to form the complete arm structure. This merging of separate manufactured parts creates the final lightweight component, combining the benefits of simplified individual manufacturing with the weight advantages of thin sheet metal construction.
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 apparatus achieves a significant weight reduction of approximately 1 kg per beam, resulting in lower fuel costs and increased cargo capacity, along with cost savings from reduced material usage, while maintaining or improving strength.
Implementation Method 1
a head assembly, rotatably coupled to the second end of the arm assembly, arranged to engage said rail to inhibit movement of the head portion along the rail
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for coupling a beam to a rail along which the apparatus can move. The apparatus (100) comprises an arm assembly (102) having a first end arranged to interface with a said beam and a second end opposite the first end. A head assembly (104) is rotatably coupled to the second end of the arm assembly (102), and arranged to engage said rail to inhibit movement of the head portion (104) along the rail. The arm assembly (102) comprises a first part (202a) and a second part (202b), the first part (202a) and the second part (202b) being coupled together to form a box section.