Edge Stiffened Corrugated Polymeric Sheet for Storm Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storm panels face challenges in balancing wind load and impact load performance, as maximizing stiffness for wind resistance often conflicts with the need for energy absorption during impact events.
Innovation Solution
The use of a corrugated polymeric sheet with vertically extending corrugations and complementary corrugated contiguous bands, which provide improved iso-stress distribution and enhanced resistance to both wind and impact loads, is implemented. The bands are strategically placed at the ends and sides of the sheet, with varying thickness and pitch configurations to optimize structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the storm panel is configured to provide maximum stiffness for wind load resistance, then wind load performance is improved, but impact load performance deteriorates due to reduced energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the corrugation pitch along the length of the storm panel. The first portion has a first pitch while the second portion has a second pitch different from the first. This creates zones with different stiffness characteristics - allowing the panel to provide maximum stiffness where needed for wind resistance while maintaining flexibility in other areas for impact energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of corrugation pitch along the length of the panel. By transitioning from a first pitch in the initial portion to a second pitch in the second portion, the structural properties are modified to simultaneously address both wind load stiffness requirements and impact load energy absorption requirements.
2Reliability
If the storm panel uses a less stiff structure for better impact energy absorption, then impact load performance is improved, but wind load performance deteriorates due to reduced stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct zones with different corrugation pitches. The first portion with its specific pitch provides the necessary stiffness for wind resistance, while the second portion with a different pitch provides enhanced energy absorption for impact loads. Each portion is optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storm panel into at least two distinct portions along its length, each with different corrugation pitch characteristics. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone - one for wind resistance and another for impact absorption - thereby resolving the contradiction between these two performance requirements.
3Strength
If the corrugations are made with higher density for increased stiffness, then wind load performance is improved, but the panel weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different corrugation pitches in different portions of the panel rather than uniform high-density corrugations throughout. The first portion has a first pitch that provides adequate stiffness, while the second portion has a second pitch that reduces material usage and weight. This localized approach achieves the required stiffness without unnecessarily increasing overall panel weight.
Data Source
AI summary
Edge stiffened corrugated polymeric sheet material can be utilized as storm panels for mounting about a perimeter surface of an opening so as to protect the opening from wind and impact loads. The panels can include a corrugated sheet material having a corrugated contiguous band horizontally extending at about an end of the top and the bottom, wherein the corrugated contiguous band is complementary and contiguous to the plurality of corrugations of the corrugated sheet panel. The complementary and contiguous corrugated band can be configured to sandwich the sheet material. The panel may also include, individually or in combination, a contiguous band sandwiching the polymeric sheet material at a terminal end of each side and extending vertically from the top to the bottom. The panels provide wind and impact load protection for the opening.