Composite Load-Bearing Hook Structure for High Strength at Low Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load-bearing components, such as hooks and chain links, face challenges in reducing mass while maintaining load-bearing capacity, with prior solutions either increasing weight or reducing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A plastic-metal composite system with a fiber-plastic composite core and a metal outer shell, featuring cone-shaped or wedge-shaped fiber-directional elements for optimal fiber alignment and force distribution, and optionally incorporating electronic components and shock-absorbing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional steel load-carrying hook is used, then high load-bearing capacity is achieved, but the dead weight is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a fiber-plastic composite core with a metal outer shell to create a hybrid structure that leverages the high strength-to-weight ratio of fibers for load-bearing capacity while using the metal shell for surface pressure distribution and protection, thereby achieving high strength with reduced weight compared to conventional steel hooks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials in different regions of the component - the fiber-plastic composite core provides lightweight structural strength throughout, while the metal outer shell is applied specifically at the load-bearing section and connection section where surface pressure distribution is critical, optimizing each region's material properties for its specific functional requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If the core material thickness is increased to improve fiber alignment, then manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the cyclic reinforcement pattern where cone-shaped or wedge-shaped fiber-directing elements are periodically arranged along the core structure at locations where fiber misalignment risks occur, creating a rhythmic reinforcement strategy that maintains fiber alignment without requiring continuous complex manufacturing interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies intermediary elements by introducing cone-shaped or wedge-shaped fiber-directing elements as mediator structures within the core that actively guide and align fibers during the manufacturing process, serving as temporary but essential intermediaries that ensure proper fiber orientation without requiring complex external alignment equipment
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 solution achieves a balance of low weight and high load-bearing capacity, with the metal outer shell distributing forces effectively and the fiber-plastic composite core conducting forces efficiently, while also providing corrosion resistance and integrated electronic functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the core made of a fiber-plastic composite that extends continuously from the load-bearing section to the connection section and forms a carrying structure
Implementation Method 2
The outer shell on the load-bearing section and/or connection section made of a metal material prevents excessive surface pressure from occurring when a force is introduced from the sling into the component
Implementation Method 3
In the vicinity of the fiber-directional element, the fibers are aligned in particular tangentially to its surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A load-bearing component (1) comprising a plastic-metal composite system (4) that forms at least one load-bearing section (2) and/or at least one connection section (3). The load-bearing section (2) serves for attaching and/or suspending a load, for example, using a lifting device. The connection section (3) allows the component (1) to be attached to an object, such as a load or another component (1). To make the component (1) as lightweight as possible while maintaining high load-bearing capacity, the plastic-metal composite system (4) comprises a core (5) made of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite (16) extending continuously from the load-bearing section (2) to the connection section (3), forming a support structure (6), and at least one outer shell (8) made of a metallic material located at the load-bearing section (2) and/or connection section (3).The outer shell (8) serves to transfer a force acting on the component (1) from the outside to the core (5) over a large area.