External Truss Mounting Structure for Even Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional trusses lack mounting structures to securely attach objects of varying weights, leading to potential overloading and safety compromises in temporary structures like stages and sales areas.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising connecting elements with attachment means and terminal connectors that allow mounting structures to be attached outside the truss volume, using mechanical double clamps to form intermediate virtual planes, thereby distributing load evenly and preventing direct stress on the truss cross members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If objects are suspended directly from truss pipes or cross members using clamps, hooks, or improvised attachments, then attachment simplicity is improved, but structural safety deteriorates due to potential overloading and lack of proper mounting structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidstructural safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces mounting structures as intermediary elements between the truss and the objects to be suspended. These mounting structures include mounting pipes attached to truss pipes via terminal connectors, and cross members attached to mounting pipes via clamps. This intermediary system distributes loads properly and provides secure attachment points, eliminating the need for improvised attachments while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mounting structures are attached directly to truss cross members, then attachment capability is improved, but truss structural integrity deteriorates due to direct stress on cross members for which they were not designed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidtruss structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the attachment system into a new dimensional space by positioning mounting structures entirely outside the volume of the truss. Terminal connectors attach mounting pipes to truss pipes, and cross members are attached to these external mounting pipes. This external arrangement allows attachment of objects without applying direct stress to the truss cross members, preserving truss structural integrity while providing versatile attachment capability.

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

3Device complexity

If traditional trusses are used without additional mounting structures, then device complexity is reduced, but attachment reliability deteriorates due to lack of proper mounting points for objects of varying weights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the attachment function into distinct modular components: terminal connectors for attaching mounting pipes to truss pipes, mounting pipes as external support structures, and clamps for attaching cross members to mounting pipes. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables easy assembly and disassembly, maintaining relative simplicity while dramatically improving attachment reliability for objects of varying weights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3714115B1Device for strengthening and rigging trusses and method in which such device is applied
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 BRUYNINCKX WILLY
  • EP3714115B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3714115B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3714115B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Device for strengthening and/or rigging trusses (1), comprising at least two connecting elements (5, 5'), which connect at least two parallel truss pipes (2) of the truss (1), characterised in that on these connecting elements (5, 5') attachment means (6) are provided between at least one pair of truss pipes (2), to which mounting structures (7) can be attached.