Braided Net With Kink-Shaped Curves For High Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective nets lack sufficient strength and deformability to effectively manage natural hazards and architectural applications while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of production.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of kink-shaped curves in elongated legs of the net, which are pressed against each other to form a flat surface shape, increases flexibility and strength, and the use of corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, along with articulated end connections, enhances the net's performance and visual appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional wire mesh structures are used, then production cost is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but tensile strength and tear resistance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strength and tear resistanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by forming kink-shaped curves in the longitudinal elements of the net. These kinks create a three-dimensional structure with alternating bends that increase flexibility and strength. The curved geometry allows the net to deform under load while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat wire mesh to a three-dimensional structure by introducing kinks that protrude from the plane of the net. This dimensional change creates a more complex spatial configuration that enhances mechanical properties such as tensile strength and tear resistance while maintaining cost-effective production through standardized forming processes.

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

2Strength

If rigid wire mesh structures are used, then strength is improved, but deformability and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestrengthVSAvoiddeformability and flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The kink-shaped curves introduce controlled curvature into the longitudinal elements, enabling the net to bend and deform flexibly while maintaining strength. The alternating kinks create a spring-like effect that allows the structure to absorb energy through deformation rather than rigid resistance, simultaneously achieving both strength and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic structure where the kinked longitudinal elements can deform under load and return to their original shape. This dynamic behavior allows the net to adapt to various loading conditions and environmental factors, providing both strength and deformability required for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If simple flat mesh geometry is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but visual appeal and camouflage effect are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appearance and camouflage effectVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The kink-shaped curves create an aesthetically pleasing three-dimensional pattern that provides visual appeal and camouflage effect in natural environments. The alternating bends form a distinctive geometric pattern that is more visually interesting than flat mesh while still being manufacturable through standardized forming processes using stamps or rolling equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The modified net exhibits higher tensile and tear strength, improved deformability, and a visually advantageous camouflage effect, making it suitable for various applications, including natural hazard protection and architectural uses, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of production.

Implementation Method 1

the respective adjacent legs are pressed against one another transversely to their longitudinal extent until they reach the flat surface shape plus an additional angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2817455B1Net, in particular for protection, safety, water rearing or architectural purposes, and an apparatus for producing the net
Publication Date: 2017.12.27 GEOBRUGG AG
  • EP2817455B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2817455B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2817455B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A net, in particular for protection, safety, water-rearing or architectural purposes, is braided together from individual helically curved longitudinal elements (3) to form a braided structure. Individual longitudinal elements (3) curved into a cylinder or screw shape are twisted one inside the other with adjacent ones and compressed such that the braided structure is in more or less planar sheet-like form and the longitudinal elements (3) here each form more or less rectilinear limbs (8a, 8b; 9a, 9b) and curves (10a, 10b; 11a, 11b) therebetween. The curves (10a, 10b; 11a, 11b) between elongate limbs (8a, 8b; 9a, 9b) are inflected in kink form. This gives a net design with unexpectedly high strength values.