Load-Bearing Column Using Segmented Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steel frame construction methods using tubular or joint steel profiles for load-bearing columns are costly and voluminous, requiring complex transport and on-site anti-corrosion treatments, while lacking the same level of buckling resistance, torsional rigidity, and shape stability as tubular columns.

Innovation Solution

A construction method using elongated profiles with channel and edge portions, joined by play-free connections at multiple spots within an internal channel, allowing for compact transport and assembly without anti-corrosion treatment, achieving equivalent stability and rigidity to tubular columns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If tubular columns are used, then buckling resistance and shape stability are improved, but transport volume and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuckling resistanceVSAvoidtransport volume
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The column is divided into multiple separate C-profiles that can be transported individually in a compact arrangement, then assembled on-site to form the complete column structure. This segmentation allows reduced transport volume while maintaining the structural integrity and buckling resistance of the final assembled column.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If welding is used to join profiles, then shape stability is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates requiring aftertreatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape stabilityVSAvoidcorrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process is replaced with a mechanical fastening system using screws or bolts to join the C-profiles together. This mechanical connection achieves the required shape stability and torsional rigidity without compromising the galvanised coating, thereby maintaining corrosion resistance without requiring additional anti-corrosion aftertreatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If welding is used to join profiles, then shape stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to deformation control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex welding process requiring deformation control and skilled operators is replaced with a straightforward mechanical fastening system. The C-profiles are positioned with flanges facing each other and secured using screws or bolts, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the required shape stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Strength

If C-profiles are positioned web-to-web with concrete filling, then bearing capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The concrete filling operation is extracted and eliminated from the construction process. Instead of positioning C-profiles web-to-web and filling with concrete, the invention uses C-profiles with flanges facing each other joined by mechanical fasteners, achieving the required bearing capacity without the additional complexity of concrete placement and curing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4438830B1Construction comprising a load-bearing column
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 VOESTALPINE SADEF NV
  • EP4438830B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4438830B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4438830B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Construction (100) comprising one or more load-bearing columns (200), any of the columns (200) comprising a first (201) and a second elongated profile (202), and each profile comprising: - two opposing side walls (401, 402) and a base wall (403); - a first (405) and a second edge wall (406) directed inwardly, wherein both the opposing first edge walls (305, 405) and the opposing second edge walls (306, 406) are joined at multiple connection spots (503, 504) along the length, wherein the joint provided at any of the connection spots (503, 504) is such that there is no play in the connection at the connection spots, and wherein access holes (300, 400) are provided in the base wall (303, 404) or a side wall (301, 302, 401, 402) of the first and/or second elongated profile (201, 202).