Pre-stressed Sinusoidal Composite Assemblies for Corrosion-Resistant Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building systems and methods are inefficient in utilizing the advanced properties of new materials, particularly in pre-stressing techniques, which are underutilized in steel due to corrosion issues and lack of elastic properties, whereas composite materials like carbon-based composites offer superior corrosion resistance, strength, and flexibility but require innovative methods for effective pre-stressing.
Innovation Solution
The development of pre-stressed three-dimensional sinusoidal shaped members made from high-performance composite materials that store elastic potential energy, using periodic bending moments to form assemblies capable of elastic deformation without permanent change, allowing for efficient energy storage and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pre-stressing techniques are applied to steel structures, then strength and structural performance are improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials (specifically carbon fiber reinforced polymers and other high-performance composites) to replace steel in pre-stressed structural members. These composite materials provide both the necessary strength for pre-stressing applications and inherent corrosion resistance, eliminating the trade-off between strength improvement and corrosion deterioration that plagues steel structures.
2Strength
If pre-stressing is applied to steel members, then mechanical performance is enhanced, but elastic properties are insufficient for effective pre-stressed assembly function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting composite materials with superior elastic properties compared to steel. These composites exhibit higher elastic moduli and better elastic recovery characteristics, enabling them to effectively store and release elastic energy in pre-stressed assemblies, thus resolving the insufficiency of steel's elastic properties while maintaining enhanced mechanical performance.
3Productivity
If conventional building systems are used with new composite materials, then material properties are not fully utilized, but system complexity increases requiring co-engineering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-stressing the composite material members during the assembly process itself. The sinusoidal shaping and pre-stressing are performed as integral parts of the assembly methodology, allowing the material's superior properties to be fully utilized without requiring separate, complex post-processing or specialized installation equipment, thus improving material utilization while controlling system complexity.
4Weight of moving object
If steel structural members are used for weight reduction, then strength-to-weight ratio improves, but corrosion protection and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces steel structural members with composite material members (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers) that inherently provide both lightweight properties and corrosion resistance. These composite members achieve superior strength-to-weight ratios while eliminating corrosion susceptibility, directly resolving the contradiction between weight reduction benefits and corrosion protection requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the mechanical and structural performance of assemblies by leveraging the superior properties of composite materials, reducing weight and increasing strength beyond steel capabilities, while avoiding corrosion issues, and enabling efficient energy storage and release mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
This fundamental system/method of interconnecting pre-stressed sinusoids provides a novel assembly platform capable of storing elastic potential energy to form superior structures and mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Sinusoidal shaped member units and support member units are parts that form pre-stressed assemblies having flexural properties. Sinusoidal shaped members are relaxed material members that have been elastically deformed. Support members maintain the elastically deformed state of the sinusoidal shaped members. The sinusoidal shaped members and support members are organized into pre-stressed curvilinear assemblies containing stored elastic potential energy that is equal to the work done by the forces that deformed their pre-stressed structure. The assemblies' sinusoidal shaped members and support members are adapted to use materials having exceptional mechanical properties and flexural strength. This includes nano-composites. The assemblies' pre-stressed state enhances its mechanical, electrical and structural performance. The size, number, density and possible geometric configurations of the sinusoidal shaped member units and support member units within an assembly/structure is vast. Products of this sinusoidal building system have mechanical and structural applications and can be manufactured using an automated process.