Curved Open-Section Structural Component for High Load Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Structural components with open section structures face reduced rigidity and reaction force against applied loads, while those with closed section structures are prone to rust and increased production costs due to arc welding.

Innovation Solution

A structural component design featuring a top plate and two side walls with a curved region, where the top plate has a maximum width in the curved region, exceeding the width at the ends, and the side walls are connected by the top plate on the inner side of the curve, forming an open section structure that maintains high rigidity and reaction force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a closed section structure is used, then rigidity and reaction force against applied loads are improved, but rust resistance deteriorates and production cost increases due to arc welding

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidrust resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The structural component is divided into multiple linear sections (first linear section, second linear section, third linear section) instead of forming a closed loop. This segmentation maintains the open section structure while distributing the structural function across multiple straight segments, avoiding the need for arc welding to close the section while preserving overall rigidity through the configured arrangement of these segments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a closed section structure that requires welding, the invention inverts the approach by using an open section structure with multiple linear sections arranged to achieve the desired structural performance. This inversion eliminates the harmful effect of welding-induced rust while maintaining the necessary rigidity through the geometric arrangement of the linear sections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If a closed section structure is used, then rigidity and reaction force against applied loads are improved, but production cost increases due to arc welding

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The structural component is divided into multiple linear sections that can be manufactured separately using simpler, more cost-effective processes without requiring arc welding. This segmentation enables easier manufacturing while maintaining the necessary structural rigidity through the configured arrangement of the sections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the arc welding process from the manufacturing sequence by eliminating the need for closed section formation. The linear sections are connected or positioned without welding, removing this costly and complex manufacturing step while preserving the essential structural function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If an open section structure is used, then rust resistance and production cost are improved, but rigidity and reaction force against applied loads deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverust resistanceVSAvoidrigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

While the overall structure uses linear sections, the third linear section includes a curved surface that provides structural reinforcement. This localized curvature enhances the rigidity and reaction force capability of the open section structure without requiring closed-loop formation, maintaining the balance between rust resistance and structural strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention compensates for the reduced rigidity of open section structures by utilizing the third dimension through the vertical arrangement and spacing of the multiple linear sections. The configured heights and positions of the sections create a three-dimensional structural system that achieves necessary rigidity without closed-section welding

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

Data Source

PatentEP4691806A1Structural component
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
  • EP4691806A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4691806A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4691806A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A structural component (100, 200, 300, 400) includes a top plate (10) and side walls (21, 22). The structural component (100, 200, 300, 400) includes a curved region (30). The curved region (30) is curved with the top plate (10) side being an inner side of a curve and the opposite side of the top plate (10) being an outer side of the curve, when viewed from the side wall (21, 22) side. In the curved region (30), the side walls (21, 22) are connected by the top plate (10) on the inner side of the curve. The curved region (30) is opened on the outer side of the curve. In the curved region (30), the top plate (10) has a maximum width (Wmax) larger than a width (W0) of the top plate (10) on both end sides of the structural component (100, 200, 300, 400). When the curved region (30) is viewed in transverse cross section, the sum of lengths of the two side walls (21, 22) is larger than the width of the top plate (10).