Hollow Dovetail Beam for Structural Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction systems, such as those disclosed in JPS4989010U and EP3781754, are limited in load-bearing capacity and structural rigidity, making them unsuitable for residential or wind-resistant applications, and require a large number of components for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A hollow beam or post construction system with a profiled straight central element and surrounding elements featuring diametrically opposed hollow outer projections in a dovetail shape, allowing for simplified and more rigid assembly with a reduced number of standardized parts, and enabling modular construction in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solid construction elements with grooves and plates are used (as in JPS4989010U), then the assembly is simple with hidden screws, but the load-bearing capacity is very limited and cannot be used in residential construction
Solution Approach 1:
The construction element is divided into a core element and surrounding elements that can be assembled separately. The core element contains internal ribs that provide structural strength, while the surrounding elements with interlocking profiles enable easy assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the core for strength and the surrounding elements for ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The construction element combines multiple functional components into a single integrated structure. The core element with internal ribs provides structural strength, while the surrounding elements with complementary profiles provide ease of assembly. This composite approach achieves both high load-bearing capacity and simple assembly, resolving the technical contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple surrounding elements are assembled around the core element, then the structural rigidity is enhanced, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core element and surrounding elements are designed to be assembled into a single integrated construction element. The surrounding elements with interlocking profiles merge with the core element to form a unified structure that provides both structural rigidity and structural integrity, reducing the need for additional fasteners or connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The surrounding elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural rigidity through their interlocking profiles, enable easy assembly through their complementary shapes, and contribute to the overall load-bearing capacity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining structural rigidity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the core element has four diametrically opposed hollow outer projections, then the modularity and adaptability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core element features four diametrically opposed hollow outer projections with asymmetric dovetail shapes. This asymmetric design enables versatile assembly configurations and high architectural modularity, allowing the elements to be adapted to various structural arrangements while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow outer projections are designed with specific geometric parameters (dovetail shape, diametrically opposed arrangement) that optimize both modularity and manufacturability. These parameter choices enable the projections to interlock with corresponding hollow inner projections in surrounding elements, achieving high adaptability while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes for plastic or composite materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow beam or post for a construction system, the beam or post comprising a core element formed of a straight hollow central element having a cross-section provided with four diametrically opposed hollow outer projections in the shape of outwardly flaring dovetails, which are arranged crosswise. Said four hollow outer projections have narrowed inner ends which are spaced apart from the narrowed inner ends of the adjacent hollow outer projections and are connected by segments of the hollow central element. Four straight hollow surrounding elements are assembled around the core element to form a square surrounding the core element, the four surrounding elements having an inner cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the four diametrically opposed outer projections of the core element.