Buckling Brace Scale Model Assembly With CNC-Folded Steel Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing small-scale models of buckling-controlled brace devices with rotationally symmetric cross sections are expensive, require custom molds, are not suitable for batch production, or result in insufficient tensile strength due to voids in 3D printing, and are difficult to control under laboratory conditions using smart materials.
Innovation Solution
A method involving CNC machining and assembly of sub-energy-dissipation segments with specific folds and connections, using steel plates and self-tapping screws to form a rotationally symmetric tubular structure, avoiding welding and ensuring geometric accuracy and standardization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If integral forming by customized mold extrusion is used to prepare origami configurations, then the origami configuration can be formed, but it requires custom molds for different geometric sizes which is expensive and not suitable for batch preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex origami configuration into multiple simple flat steel plate components that can be independently prepared and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standardized processes rather than requiring custom molds for the entire complex structure, enabling batch production while maintaining forming accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connection elements (such as bolts or rivets) as intermediaries to join the flat steel plate components into the final origami configuration. These connection elements serve as mediators that allow assembly of pre-fabricated components without requiring complex custom molding processes, thus enabling batch preparation while maintaining geometric accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If self-folding technology using smart materials is used to prepare origami configurations, then external load assistance is not needed, but it requires strict control of external excitation under laboratory conditions and smart materials that are difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the self-service principle by designing the origami configuration to automatically form its three-dimensional structure through its own geometric design when assembled from flat components. The structure's inherent geometry enables it to self-organize into the required configuration without requiring external excitation or smart materials, making it accessible for standard manufacturing and field applications.
3Productivity
If 3D printing metal technology is used to prepare origami configurations, then rapid prototyping can be achieved, but voids between stacked metal particles result in insufficient compactness and tensile strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses homogeneous flat steel plate components with uniform material properties throughout. By avoiding layered deposition processes like 3D printing and instead using traditional steel plate fabrication and assembly, the structure achieves homogeneous material distribution without internal voids, ensuring consistent tensile strength and compactness while maintaining rapid preparation through standardized component manufacturing.
4Strength
If welding is used to connect components in small-scale model preparation, then strong connections can be achieved, but welding residual stress affects the support force of the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection function from the welding process and implements it through mechanical connection elements such as bolts or rivets. This extraction eliminates the harmful thermal effects and residual stresses associated with welding while maintaining strong, reliable connections between components, thereby preserving the structural support force without the adverse effects of welding-induced stress.
Data Source
AI summary
A small-scale model of a buckling-controlled brace device with a rotationally symmetric cross section is provided. The preparation method includes the following steps: S100. a CNC machine tool cuts into sub-energy-dissipation segments on a flat steel plate along a panel group I and a panel group II split by the fifteenth and sixteenth edges, the panel group I includes the ninth edge, the fifteenth edge, the sixteenth edge, the thirteenth edge, the eighth edge, the eleventh edge and the fourth edge, and the panel group II includes the tenth edge, the second edge, the sixth edge, the fourteenth edge, the sixteenth edge, the twelfth edge and the fifteenth edge; S200. connecting the panel group I and the panel group II in S100 by oblique hill creases, to form the sub-energy-dissipation segments; and S300. connecting the four groups of sub-energy-dissipation segments in S200 along a direction of the eleventh edge.