Composite Structural Element with Voids for Modular Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structural elements are passive and made of single materials, lacking the ability to integrate multiple functionalities and enhance strength and flexibility effectively.
Innovation Solution
A composite structural element comprising a basal member with predefined voids and filling elements designed to fit into these voids, providing a smooth surface and enhanced strength, flexibility, and the option to integrate sensors, heating elements, and wiring, with materials selected for specific strength and elasticity requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional single-material passive elements are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but mechanical strength and functional versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The structural element is divided into a basal member and multiple filling elements that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. The basal member contains voids that accommodate separate filling elements, allowing each component to be optimized independently for strength while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines different materials in a composite structure where the basal member and filling elements are made from different materials with complementary properties. This composite approach enables the final structure to achieve superior mechanical strength by leveraging the advantages of each material while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity through standardized composite element production
2Adaptability or versatility
If single-material elements are used, then manufacturing process is simple, but functional integration capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The filling elements are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions within the same structural framework. The same filling element geometry can accommodate different functional materials (sensors, heating elements, wiring, or structural fillers), allowing the basal member with its array of voids to integrate diverse functionalities without requiring fundamentally different element designs
Solution Approach 2:
Functional components such as sensors, heating elements, and wiring are nested within the filling elements or positioned within the voids of the basal member. This nesting approach allows multiple functional layers to be integrated within the single structural element volume, achieving functional versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall element composition and structure
Data Source
AI summary
A composite structural element is provided herein, which comprises a basal member having voids of a predefined shape that are open to a surface thereof; and filling elements designed to fit into the voids. The predefined shape of the voids and/or an interface between the filling elements and the voids are arranged to maintain the filling elements within the voids.