Pyramidal Console Arm Design for Seismic Load Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional console arms for cable trays lack sufficient resistance to dynamic loads, particularly in seismic applications, and are not optimized for material efficiency or lightweight design, making them unsuitable for sensitive installations like nuclear power plants.
Innovation Solution
A console arm with a pyramidal profile having a trapezoidal cross-section, featuring returns on each side that taper towards the end, providing enhanced stress resistance while minimizing material usage and maintaining compatibility with conventional mounting methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a console arm with constant section size is used, then resistance to seismic stresses is improved, but material consumption increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The console arm employs a variable cross-section design where the dimensions change along its length, with larger dimensions at the fixed end and smaller dimensions at the free end. This local variation in geometry concentrates material where stresses are highest (near the support) and reduces material where stresses are lower, thereby maintaining seismic resistance while reducing overall material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the console arm along its length, specifically varying the cross-sectional dimensions from the fixed end to the free end. This parameter variation allows the structure to adapt to the changing stress distribution, providing sufficient strength at the support while minimizing material usage in less critical regions.
2Reliability
If a console arm with constant section size is used, then resistance to seismic stresses is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable cross-section design concentrates material at the fixed end where seismic stresses are most intense, and gradually reduces material toward the free end where stresses are lower. This local quality variation maintains the necessary weight for seismic resistance at critical locations while reducing overall weight of the console arm.
3Quantity of substance
If a console arm with variable cross section is used, then material consumption is reduced, but resistance to seismic stresses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The variable cross-section design strategically places material where it is most needed - at the fixed end with larger dimensions to resist seismic stresses - while using less material at the free end. This creates an optimal distribution that maintains seismic resistance with reduced overall material consumption compared to a constant section design.
4Weight of stationary object
If the console arm is fixed in a cantilevered position, then the structure is lightened and bulk is limited, but resistance to dynamic loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cantilevered console arm uses a variable cross-section with larger dimensions at the fixed end to provide maximum strength for resisting dynamic loads, while tapering to smaller dimensions toward the free end to reduce overall weight and bulk. This local variation in geometry maintains structural efficiency for dynamic load resistance.
Data Source
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
The arm (1) has a monoblock profile comprising an upper face and two flanks (4) forming a U-shaped transversal section (5). The width of the face and the height of the flanks are decreased from one end of the profile till another end. The profile has returns (9) respectively extended from longitudinal edges (6) of the flanks. The returns are coplanar in a plane passing via the edges and directed towards each other. A width of the returns on the same transversal section is less than half of a width of the upper face. A distance between the returns is constant over entire length of the profile. An independent claim is also included for a supporting console comprising an arm.