Metal Underframe Additive Filler Structure for Weight and Stress Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional base frames for machines and systems lack application-specific optimization, leading to inefficiencies in absorbing static and dynamic forces, material wastage, and weight, with limited control over stress peaks and dynamic analysis.

Innovation Solution

Integration of additive sections, particularly filler structures, into metallic base frames using additive manufacturing processes, which are designed to optimize mechanical properties and reduce weight while enhancing force absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional base frames are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but material efficiency and weight optimization are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial efficiencyVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base frame is divided into conventional sections and additive sections, allowing different manufacturing approaches for different functional requirements. The additive sections contain filler structures with optimized material distribution, while conventional sections maintain simple manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Additive manufacturing is applied locally to specific sections of the base frame where complex geometries and optimized material distribution are beneficial, rather than manufacturing the entire frame additively. This allows material efficiency improvements in critical areas while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Weight of stationary object

If conventional base frames are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but weight reduction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase frame weightVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Filler structures with porous or lattice geometries are manufactured additively within frame sections, reducing material density while maintaining structural integrity. These porous structures provide weight reduction while preserving the necessary mechanical properties for force absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The filler structures introduce complex three-dimensional geometries within the frame sections, creating optimized material distributions that reduce weight while maintaining strength. The additive manufacturing process enables these complex 3D structures that cannot be achieved with conventional manufacturing.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional base frames are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but control over stress peaks and dynamic behavior is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress control precisionVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The additive sections with filler structures are strategically placed in areas requiring optimized stress distribution and dynamic behavior control. The complex geometries of the filler structures are designed to specifically address stress concentration points and improve dynamic characteristics in critical regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The base frame combines conventional metal sections with additively manufactured filler structures, creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both approaches. The filler structures provide optimized stress distribution and dynamic behavior, while the conventional sections maintain structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4636228A1Additive manufacturing in metal underframes for plants
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 TGM KANIS TURBINEN GMBH
  • EP4636228A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4636228A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4636228A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A subframe (6) for a system (2) contains frame components (8a-e) made of metallic material, wherein at least one of the frame components (8a-e) contains at least one additive section (10) that is at least partially manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, wherein at least one of the additive sections (10) has a frame (12) and an additively manufactured filler structure (20) that is permanently and firmly connected to the frame (12) and that passes through a free space (18). A system (2) contains the subframe (6) and system components (4a-c) that are permanently and permanently attached to the subframe (6) in an assembled state. In a method for producing the subframe (6), at least one additive section (10) is produced for at least one of the frame components (8a-e) by additively manufacturing the filler structure (20) and permanently and firmly connecting it to the frame (12), thereby passing through the free space (18).