Compound Truss Reinforcement for Equipment Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

In constructions like equipment frames and booths, it is challenging to reinforce the structure without obstructing passages and line equipment, as traditional bracing methods are not feasible due to the presence of passages and line equipment, which restrict the arrangement of braces.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcement structure comprising a pair of compound trusses, each composed of a first truss with a vertical side, obliquely inclined sides, and a second truss with a horizontal side, shared inclined sides, and bent sides, which are symmetrically placed along the inner side surfaces and ceiling, allowing for reinforcement without obstructing the internal space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional braces are placed obliquely between inner side surfaces of constructions, then earthquake resistance is improved, but passages and line equipment are obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveearthquake resistanceVSAvoidarrangement of passages and line equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement structure is divided into multiple truss units (first truss, second truss, third truss) that are connected to each other. Each truss unit can be independently installed and positioned, allowing passages and line equipment to be routed between them without obstruction from a single large brace

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement structure transitions from traditional 2D planar bracing to a 3D spatial configuration with trusses arranged in multiple dimensions. The first, second, and third trusses create a three-dimensional framework that provides structural reinforcement while leaving internal space accessible for passages and equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If a pair of braces are placed to configure two sides of an isosceles triangle, then earthquake resistance is improved, but the arrangement of passages and line equipment is extremely limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveearthquake resistanceVSAvoidarrangement flexibility of passages and line equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single pair of braces forming an isosceles triangle, the invention segments the reinforcement into multiple truss units (first, second, and third trusses) that can be independently positioned and configured, providing both structural strength and flexibility for routing passages and equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple truss units are arranged in a nested configuration where they work together as an integrated system. The trusses are positioned relative to each other to create a compact yet flexible reinforcement structure that accommodates passages and line equipment within the nested arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If braces are provided in constructions with passages and line equipment, then earthquake resistance is improved, but the internal space is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveearthquake resistanceVSAvoidinternal space
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement structure moves from 2D planar bracing to 3D spatial configuration, creating a volumetric framework that provides earthquake resistance while minimizing obstruction of internal space. The multi-dimensional arrangement of trusses allows passages and equipment to occupy the available internal volume efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10947748B2Reinforcement structure, equipment frame, and booth
Publication Date: 2021.03.16 TRINITY IND CORP
  • US10947748B2 patent drawing
  • US10947748B2 patent drawing
  • US10947748B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A reinforcement structure includes compound trusses placed horizontally symmetrically, and each compound truss is constituted by a first truss and a second truss. Each first truss has: a vertical side; a first inclined side extending obliquely downward from an upper end of the vertical side; and a second inclined side connecting between the vertical side and a lower end of the first inclined side. Each second truss shares the first inclined side with the first truss and has: a horizontal side extending horizontally from the upper end of the vertical side; and a second inclined side connecting between a tip end of the horizontal side and the lower end of the first inclined side. Each compound truss is coupled to the construction in a state where the vertical side is along an inner side surface of the construction and the horizontal side is along a ceiling surface of the construction.