Composite Structural Members with Integrated Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current construction methods using concrete and steel are slow and costly, especially in disaster-prone areas, and existing composite materials for modular structures lack the necessary strength and cost-effectiveness for rapid building solutions without requiring additional metal connection members.
Innovation Solution
Development of composite structural members made from a combination of fibers and resin, featuring integrated connection mechanisms that allow for tool-free assembly and high strength, similar to steel, but with reduced weight and cost, using materials like carbon fiber, glass fiber, and mineral powders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If concrete and steel based construction techniques are used, then structural strength and durability are improved, but construction time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into modular structural members that can be pre-fabricated and assembled on-site. Each module contains integrated connection elements, allowing rapid assembly without traditional slow construction processes while maintaining structural integrity through standardized interlocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials combining fiber reinforcement (carbon fiber, glass fiber) with resin matrices to create structural members that achieve steel-level strength-to-weight ratios. This allows faster construction with lighter materials while maintaining the required structural strength, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and construction speed.
2Weight of moving object
If traditional composite materials with foam are used, then weight is reduced, but resistance to momentum and drawing forces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using high-strength fiber reinforcements (carbon fiber, glass fiber) with optimized resin matrices, replacing traditional foam-based composites. This achieves both weight reduction and enhanced resistance to momentum and drawing forces through superior material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural members use advanced composite materials with fiber reinforcement that provide both light weight and high strength. The combination of carbon fiber, glass fiber, or other reinforcement materials with appropriate resin matrices creates composites that simultaneously reduce weight and increase resistance to various forces compared to traditional foam-based materials.
3Strength
If additional metal connection members are used for assembling structural members, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection members are merged into the structural members themselves through integrated connection elements molded directly into the composite material. This eliminates the need for separate metal connection hardware, reducing assembly complexity and cost while maintaining connection strength through monolithic integration of the connection features into the structural members.
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
Enables rapid and cost-effective construction of buildings with enhanced resistance to forces like pressure and bending, while eliminating the need for additional connection members, and providing a rigid structure suitable for carrier elements like columns.
Implementation Method 1
a composite material comprising at least one type of fiber and at least one type of resin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a structural member made of composite material, characterized by comprising a body which is made of a composite material with at least one type of fiber and at least one type of resin; and at least one connection member which is one piece with said body in order to provide connection to another structural member with the same characteristics. The present invention also relates to modular structures like buildings produced using said structural members.