Modular Reinforced Beam System with Triangular Head Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural beam systems, particularly those with triangular head portions, face challenges in cost-effective production and assembly due to the need for welding and high material thickness, which increases weight and assembly time, and are not readily formable through automatic processes.
Innovation Solution
A modular reinforced beam system featuring pairs of angularly spaced corner-connected beams with triangular head portions and reinforcement elements inserted within the head portions, utilizing angled connectors to transmit forces without welding, allowing for reduced material thickness and efficient automatic forming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional I-beams are used with standard dimensions and welding processes, then load-bearing capacity is achieved, but production and assembly costs increase and assembly time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The beam system is divided into modular components (beams with triangular head portions and connecting elements) that can be pre-fabricated and assembled quickly on-site, eliminating the need for time-consuming welding operations while maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The triangular head portions are designed with pre-formed geometries that allow connecting elements to be attached through simple mechanical operations before delivery to the construction site, enabling rapid assembly without on-site welding or complex construction processes
2Strength
If sheet metal thickness is increased to achieve structural strength, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but beam weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The triangular head portions concentrate structural strength at critical locations where connections are made, allowing the use of thinner sheet metal (reducing overall weight) while maintaining load-bearing capacity through optimized local geometry and stress distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines lightweight sheet metal beams with strategically placed reinforcement elements and connecting components to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio, creating a composite structural system that is both lightweight and structurally sound
3Strength
If connecting elements are welded to flange, then connection strength is achieved, but stress concentration increases and component mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is extracted from the flange and relocated to the triangular head portion, where the geometry naturally distributes stresses more evenly, eliminating stress concentration at the flange while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The triangular head portion geometry is specifically designed to provide localized stress distribution characteristics that reduce stress concentration at connection points, allowing for lighter components with adequate connection strength
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforced beam system comprises at least one pair of angularly spaced, corner-connected beams configured with two oppositely oriented triangular closed head portions, and a web interposed between head portions; a plurality of reinforcement elements forcibly contacting an interior wall of the corresponding head portion; and for each pair, at least one angled connector. A first leg of the angled connector abuts the flange of a second head portion of the first beam and is connected to a first reinforcement element inserted within the second head portion of the first beam, and a second leg of the angled connector abuts the flange of a first head portion of the second beam and is connected to a second reinforcement element inserted within both the first head portion of the second beam and a first head portion of the first beam. A beam system in one embodiment is devoid of reinforcement elements.