Self-Supporting Beam Structure With Convex Polygon Support Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-supporting load-bearing structures face challenges in optimizing internal volume, stability, simplicity of assembly, material usage, and adaptability to varying terrain geometries, while requiring complex calculations and specific software for stability.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting structure comprising a set of N beams connected by elements that form a convex polygon configuration, allowing beams to intersect at specific support points, enabling stability and adaptability without complex calculations, and allowing for irregularly shaped beams to maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tensegrity structures use cables to connect beams for stress distribution, then structural stability and self-support capability are improved, but device complexity and design calculation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable connection element from the tensegrity structure and replaces it with direct beam-to-beam contact through connecting elements. This eliminates the need for complex cable tension calculations while maintaining stress distribution through the connecting elements between beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the cable-mechanism with a direct mechanical contact system where beams rest on each other through connecting elements. This replaces the tensile force mechanism of cables with a compressive contact mechanism, simplifying the mechanical model and design calculations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If foldable structures use triangular sections for ground stability, then structural stability is improved, but internal volume optimization and adaptability to terrain geometries deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric beam configurations where beams can have different lengths and orientations, allowing the structure to adapt to various terrain geometries while maintaining stability. The connecting elements accommodate asymmetric arrangements without requiring symmetric triangular sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic structure where beams can be positioned at varying angles and heights through the connecting elements, enabling adaptation to different terrain conditions while maintaining ground stability through the convex polygon configuration of support points.
3Strength
If structures use extensive material and complex assemblies at beam ends, then resistance to compressive and tensile forces is improved, but material requirements and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force resistance function across multiple beam-to-beam contact points rather than concentrating it at beam ends. Each connecting element distributes local forces, eliminating the need for extensive end assemblies and reducing overall material requirements while maintaining strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a self-supporting load-bearing structure (SP) having a set (ENS1) of N beams, N being even and greater than or equal to six, the self-supporting load-bearing structure (SP) comprising connection elements connecting the beams (Pk) together and holding each beam (Pk) so as to bear against a first adjacent beam at a first bearing point of the beam (Pk) and against a second adjacent beam at a second bearing point of the beam (Pk), the first bearing point and the second bearing point being spaced apart from a first and a second end (E1, E2) of the beam (Pk), each beam (Pk) crossing the first adjacent beam at the first bearing point and the second adjacent beam at the second bearing point.