Lightweight semi-permanent truss system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-permanent support structures, primarily composed of solid or hollow tubular members, limit access for internal connections and are prone to structural failure due to flexing stress, posing risks to equipment and personnel safety.
Innovation Solution
A semi-permanent truss system with tubular sections featuring access slots and end-plates with additional bolt holes for multiple connections, allowing for internal access and enhanced load resistance, and the ability to pivot for uneven surfaces, reducing the need for extensive welding and improving structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid girders or hollow tubular members are used to provide adequate support under load, then structural strength is improved, but access for internal connections is limited and welding requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow tubular members are segmented into modular truss sections with standardized end-plates containing multiple bolt holes. This segmentation allows connections to be made at discrete intervals along the structure without requiring continuous welding, while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection function is extracted from the tubular members themselves and relocated to standardized end-plates with pre-configured bolt holes. This extraction allows connections to be made externally without compromising the structural strength of the tubular members or requiring internal access for welding.
2Ease of operation
If bolts are employed to attach support sections in an end-to-end relationship, then ease of assembly is improved, but the number of bolts must be sufficient to resist flexing stress and prevent structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bolt holes are combined into standardized patterns on the end-plates, allowing multiple bolts to be used in conjunction to resist flexing stress. The end-plate design merges several connection points into a single integrated component that distributes loads across multiple fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The end-plates are designed with flexible connection capabilities that allow the structure to accommodate dynamic loads and flexing stresses. The multiple bolt holes enable the connection to flex and redistribute stresses dynamically rather than creating rigid, stress-concentrated joints.
3Strength
If running bolts completely through adjoining sections is used to connect sections, then connection strength is improved, but valuable space within the hollow segment is wasted where additional connections could have been made
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from internal connections (requiring bolts to pass through the hollow interior) to external connections made through end-plates. This dimensional change allows connections to be made at the ends of sections without consuming internal space, enabling additional connections to be made along the peripheral sides of adjacent sections.
4Stability of the object's composition
If extensive welding is required to connect truss sections, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process is replaced with mechanical fastening using bolts and end-plates. This substitution maintains structural integrity through properly engineered bolted connections while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and installation time compared to extensive welding operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A truss support system is disclosed. The system is comprised of a plurality of tubular truss sections configured for attachment to each other. Each of the sections has a plurality of polygonal shaped access slots surrounded by a plurality of bolt holes along each of its peripheral sides and on end-plates at each end of the truss sections. The end-plates of the system have additional bolt holes around the access slot compared to the number of bolts surrounding the access slots on the peripheral sides to provide for increased hold between end-to-end connections of truss sections. The truss sections of the system may be hinged together to compensate for uneven ground or for increased load supported.