Lamp Post Reinforcement Using Glued Extruded Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lamp post designs fail to adequately reinforce the area around openings for accessing internal components, particularly lacking sufficient torsional strength and requiring welding that weakens the structure, while also making it difficult to mount electric connections and locking mechanisms without additional material and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinal extruded profile with arch-shaped arms and a central wall, made from aluminium or aluminium alloy, is glued to the internal walls of the lamp post, providing a U-shaped cross-section for enhanced strength and allowing for the mounting of electric connections and locking mechanisms without welding, using a reduced amount of material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a reinforcement element is added to strengthen the post in the opening area, then the flexural and torsional strength is improved, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is divided into two separate L-shaped parts that are positioned on opposite sides of the post. Each part has a first leg extending from the outer surface toward the center, and a second leg extending perpendicular to the first leg. This segmentation allows the reinforcement to be installed without welding, as each part can be independently secured to the post, thereby reducing construction complexity while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement elements are designed to continuously engage with the post structure through their two legs, which extend in perpendicular directions to provide continuous support around the opening. This continuous geometric configuration ensures that the reinforcement action is maintained throughout the critical area, providing ongoing flexural and torsional strength without requiring additional fastening operations.
2Ease of operation
If welding is used to mount rails or mounting means inside the post, then the electric connection means can be secured, but the construction of the post is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is segmented from the post structure itself. Instead of welding rails directly to the post, separate L-shaped reinforcement parts are used as mounting surfaces. These parts have flat surfaces that can receive electric connection means through mechanical fastening (screws, bolts, or clips), eliminating the need for welding on the post structure and preserving its strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped reinforcement parts act as intermediary elements between the post and the electric connection means. Rather than directly attaching electrical components to the post (which would require welding), the reinforcement parts serve as intermediate mounting surfaces that can be mechanically secured to the post and then used to mount the electric connection means without welding.
3Strength
If a reinforcement element with height exceeding the opening height is used, then the strength in the opening area is enhanced, but the material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement elements are designed with local quality - the L-shaped configuration concentrates material where it is most needed: along the edges of the opening and at the corners. The first leg provides reinforcement along the vertical edge, while the second leg extends to reinforce the corner area. This localized material distribution enhances strength in the critical opening region without requiring excessive material throughout the entire post structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The perpendicular arrangement of the two legs creates a corner-reinforcing geometry that efficiently distributes stresses around the opening. The L-shaped configuration with its 90-degree angle at the corner provides optimal structural support for the corner region, which is a critical stress point when an opening is present in the post.
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
This solution significantly enhances the flexural and torsional strength of the lamp post in the area of the opening while enabling the secure mounting of electric connections and locking mechanisms without additional welding, restoring the initial strength and simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
said reinforcement element consisting of two L-shaped parts, each of which is fastened by means of an adhesive to the outer surface of the post
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A lamp post (1) has an opening (2) closed with a door, allowing for accessing the interior of the lamp post, provided for electric connection means. A reinforcement element is glued to the internal wall of the lamp post (1), said reinforcement element being in the form of a longitudinal extruded profile (3), extending along the longitudinal axis of the lamp post (1), and of a height (H) exceeding the height (h) of the opening (2). The profile (3) enhances the flexural and torsional strength of the lamp post (1). The profile in cross section has the following elements: - two arch-shaped arms (4), each of which is glued to the internal walls of the lamp post (1) on the opposite sides of the opening (2), - two side walls (5) extending from the arch-shaped arms (4) towards the interior of the lamp post (1), and - a central wall (6) connecting the side walls (5) in such a manner that in the cross section the side walls (5) and the central wall (6) form a shape resembling the letter U.