Cold Formed Joist Modular Chord and Web Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of metal joists designed for composite and non-composite applications that are lightweight, strong, durable, economically manufactured, and adaptable to various requirements, as existing prefabricated metal joists lack interchangeable parts for specific applications.
Innovation Solution
A cold-formed metal joist system comprising interchangeable elements, including an upper chord, lower chord, and web portion, where the upper chord has downwardly and upwardly opening channels and a flange for load engagement, and the lower chord has upwardly opening channels for secure connections, allowing for customizable dimensions and assembly methods, including integration with hardenable fluids for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If prefabricated metal joists are used, then manufacturing economy and structural strength are improved, but adaptability to different application requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The metal joist is divided into multiple modular components including upper chords, lower chords, and web portions that can be assembled in different configurations. Each component can be manufactured using standardized cold-forming processes while allowing for variable dimensions and arrangements to meet different span and load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The joist components are designed with universal connection features and standardized interfaces that allow the same basic elements to be used across multiple applications. The modular components can be configured for different span lengths, load capacities, and structural arrangements while using the same fundamental manufacturing processes.
2Weight of moving object
If metal joists are made lightweight, then ease of installation is improved, but load-bearing capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The metal joist incorporates composite construction elements where steel components are combined with concrete or other materials to create a composite structural system. This allows the metal portions to remain lightweight while the composite action provides enhanced load-bearing capacity through the combined properties of different materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The joist components utilize curved and shaped metal sections rather than simple straight members. The cold-forming process creates optimized structural geometries including curved web portions and shaped chords that provide higher strength-to-weight ratios through improved structural efficiency and material distribution.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If cold forming is used instead of hot forming, then manufacturing economy and energy efficiency are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design utilizes parameters and dimensions optimized specifically for cold-forming processes. Component geometries, thicknesses, and shapes are selected to be manufacturable by cold-forming while achieving the required structural performance, avoiding designs that would require complex hot-forming operations.
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 system provides a strong, adaptable, and economically viable metal joist solution for composite and non-composite applications, offering superior load resistance and flexibility in construction, with the ability to span larger distances and support greater weights while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the hardenable fluid is received in the upwardly opening of each first channel and hardens within each first channel to form a hardened fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a cold formed joist that can be used in a variety of construction applications. The present cold formed joist contains three elements, each formed from sheet metal: an upper chord, an intermediate web, and a lower chord. The upper chord further contains a downwardly facing receiving channel adapted to receive the upper edge of the intermediate web, and two upwardly facing channels.