Multi-Sided Hollow Profile with Segmented Bolt Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Closed profiles used in support structures face difficulties in bolt introduction due to their design, which affects their flexural and torsion stiffness, and existing open profiles have low flexural rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A long, hollow, multiple-sided profile with strategically placed bolt openings and boltholes allows for easy bolt insertion and distribution, enhancing buckling stiffness and simplifying connections without the need for bolts through the hollow profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If closed profiles are used to improve flexural and torsion stiffness, then buckling stiffness is improved, but bolt introduction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The profile is segmented into two distinct opening types: boltholes for bolt positioning and separate bolt openings for bolt introduction. This segmentation allows bolts to be introduced through the accessible bolt opening and then positioned in the bolthole, resolving the contradiction between maintaining closed profile stiffness and enabling easy bolt introduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt opening serves as an intermediary element that facilitates bolt introduction. Instead of requiring bolts to pass through the entire hollow profile, the bolt opening provides an alternative access path, acting as a mediator between the external environment and the internal bolthole positioning system.
2Ease of operation
If open profiles are used to simplify bolt introduction, then ease of operation is improved, but flexural rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The profile maintains a closed cross-sectional shape for structural integrity while segmenting the opening functions into two types: boltholes for positioning and bolt openings for introduction. This allows the profile to retain the high flexural rigidity of closed sections while incorporating the operational advantages of open profiles for bolt access.
3Strength
If bolts are introduced through the hollow profile to connect components, then connection strength is improved, but work and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt opening serves as an intermediary access point that eliminates the need for bolts to traverse the entire hollow profile length. Bolts can be introduced through this dedicated opening and positioned in boltholes, maintaining connection strength while significantly reducing installation complexity and work time.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt opening is pre-positioned and sized to accommodate bolt introduction before assembly. This preliminary preparation of the access path allows for quick bolt insertion and positioning, eliminating the need for complex drilling or threading operations through the hollow profile during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A long, hollow, multiple sided profile device where at least one of the sides is provided with a bolthole, and where at least one of the sides of the profile is provided with a bolt opening.