Quadrangular Metal Extrusion with Web Member for Framework Assemblies

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing cost of metal extrusions due to rising commodity prices has led to a need for lighter, stronger, and less expensive structural components for framework assemblies, which traditional extruded metal components fail to meet effectively.

Innovation Solution

A novel metal extrusion design featuring a base member, side members, a top member, and a web member that incorporates indentations and distension zones for reinforcement, allowing for reduced material usage while maintaining structural integrity and strength, potentially made from aluminum and/or steel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional metal extrusions are used to ensure structural strength, then the framework assembly achieves adequate load-bearing capacity, but the weight and material cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidextrusion weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The extrusion cross-section incorporates varying wall thicknesses with thicker sections at high-stress areas (corners, connection points) and thinner sections at low-stress areas. This local quality variation optimizes material distribution to achieve required strength while minimizing overall weight and material cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The extrusion is divided into multiple wall sections with different thicknesses and structural configurations. The cross-section includes outer walls, inner walls, and partition walls that segment the internal space, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific structural function rather than using uniform thickness throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If traditional metal extrusions are used to ensure structural strength, then the framework assembly achieves adequate load-bearing capacity, but the material cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The extrusion cross-section incorporates varying wall thicknesses with thicker sections at high-stress areas (corners, connection points) and thinner sections at low-stress areas. This local quality variation optimizes material distribution to achieve required strength while minimizing overall weight and material cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing uniform material distribution throughout the extrusion, the design applies material selectively only where structurally necessary. Thinner or absent walls in non-critical areas reduce material consumption while maintaining adequate strength through strategic reinforcement at stress concentration points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Weight of moving object

If lighter metal extrusions are used to reduce weight and cost, then material usage decreases, but structural strength and load-bearing capacity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextrusion weightVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The extrusion cross-section incorporates varying wall thicknesses with thicker sections at high-stress areas (corners, connection points) and thinner sections at low-stress areas. This local quality variation optimizes material distribution to achieve required strength while minimizing overall weight and material cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The extrusion may combine different metal materials (aluminum, steel, stainless steel) with different strength-to-weight ratios in different sections of the cross-section. This allows lighter materials to be used where sufficient while incorporating stronger materials only where structurally critical, optimizing the overall strength-weight ratio.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9340238B2Extrusion

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 PATSY JR GLORIO J

AI summary

An extrusion is provided that may be used in the construction of a framework assembly and that is lighter, stronger and less expensive than previously available extrusions. In various aspects, the extrusion generally has four sides and is quadrangular in cross-section. A web member may extend the inside of the cross-section of the extrusion between two of the sides. The web member thus may bisect the interior of extrusion forming a first interior cavity and a second interior cavity. The first and second cavities may be equally dimensioned in cross-section. The extrusion may be a metal extrusion formed from aluminum and/or steel.