Composite Wall Support with Pre-Tensioned Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supporting structures for wall and roof partitions, particularly in outdoor applications like greenhouses and fences, face challenges such as difficulty in tooling, high material costs, thermal conductivity issues, and aesthetic impairments, while metallic materials are often required for stiffness and load-bearing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A supporting structure comprising an internal core of high-stiffness material bands interconnected by bracket structures, which are partially covered by low-stiffness external profiles, allowing for easy assembly and reduced thermal conductivity, with the bands extending into slits in the profiles for precise positioning and pre-tensioning to enhance stiffness and reduce material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic materials are used for supporting structures to provide stiffness and load-bearing capability, then structural strength is improved, but thermal conductivity increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure uses a composite design with a metallic core structure providing strength and stiffness, covered by non-metallic profiles (wood or plastic) that provide thermal insulation and aesthetic appearance. This composite approach combines the advantages of both material types to resolve the contradiction between structural strength and thermal conductivity.
2Strength
If metallic materials are used for supporting structures to provide stiffness and load-bearing capability, then structural strength is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure uses a composite design with a metallic core structure providing strength and stiffness, covered by non-metallic profiles (wood or plastic) that provide thermal insulation and aesthetic appearance. This composite approach combines the advantages of both material types to resolve the contradiction between structural strength and thermal conductivity.
3Ease of operation
If pre-tooling is provided for metallic supporting structures to enable self-assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is divided into modular segments (core structure, profiles, connecting elements) that can be assembled without pre-tooling. The segmentation allows for simple connection mechanisms that eliminate the need for complex pre-drilled holes or specialized tooling, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are designed to enable self-assembly without requiring pre-tooling or specialized tools. The structure allows users to assemble components themselves through simple connection mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing processes while maintaining ease of assembly.
4Strength
If high-density metallic materials are used for supporting structures to provide strength, then structural strength is improved, but transportation and handling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure uses a composite design with a metallic core structure providing strength and stiffness, covered by non-metallic profiles (wood or plastic) that provide thermal insulation and aesthetic appearance. This composite approach combines the advantages of both material types to resolve the contradiction between structural strength and thermal conductivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting structure (102) for a wall or a roof partition (104; 120) of a building structure (100), comprises an internal core structure (114) extending in a longitudinal direction, and first and second external covering profiles (106) for at least partially covering the core structure (114). The covering profiles (106) define inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces (108) facing one another, with slits (116) being formed at the inwardly facing surfaces (108). The core structure comprises at least two bands of material (114) which are mutually offset. The supporting structure (102) is suitable as a post, pillar, column, lath, batten, rafter, truss, girder, bar, or beam for a wall or roof partitions of a greenhouse, a cabin or shanty, a wall of a house, a stand-alone wall or roof partition, such as pent roof, a canopy, a fence, a windbreak or a solar panel structure The bands of material (114) are interconnected at their ends only and are pre-tensioned to provide stiffness, and may be configured to minimize their thermal conductivity.