Tension Member Deformable Shell Radial Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tension members in structures like cable-stayed bridges face issues with noise and dynamic stress due to transverse movement between tubular casings and tension elements, and previous solutions for vibration damping either render components irreparable or require excessive materials and costly equipment for filling.
Innovation Solution
A tension member design featuring a deformable shell with a fabric-reinforced plastic filling body that fills the free cross-section between the tubular casing and tension elements, allowing for pressure-resistant radial force absorption while permitting longitudinal movement, and can be easily filled and emptied using threaded nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a hardening filling medium is introduced into the tubular covering to prevent transverse movements, then transverse relative movements are reduced, but the filling medium adheres to tension elements and prevents future maintenance or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filling body is divided into multiple individual filling elements (balls, spheres, or irregularly shaped bodies) that can move independently within the tubular covering. This segmentation allows the filling to provide stability while enabling maintenance workers to remove and replace individual tension elements without having to deal with a monolithic adhering mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling medium is designed to be removable and replaceable. The loose filling can be easily poured out through openings in the tubular covering, allowing for complete recovery of the filling medium when maintenance is needed. This enables the tension elements to be replaced and the filling to be reused in the same or different applications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a hose element runs parallel to the entire length of the tension member to maintain distance between tubular casing and tension elements, then linear support is achieved, but large amounts of filling material are required and high pressures are needed for filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a deformable membrane that can be deformed radially outward to create support zones at specific locations along the tension member. This flexible membrane approach eliminates the need for a continuous hose element running the entire length, significantly reducing the quantity of filling material required while maintaining structural support where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing continuous linear support along the entire length of the tension member, the deformable membrane is deformed radially outward only at specific locations where support is required. This creates localized support zones that reduce the overall amount of filling material needed while maintaining structural integrity at critical points.
3Manufacturing precision
If core material is pressed in over the entire length of the hose element to achieve complete filling, then filling is complete, but the mechanical equipment required generates high pressures and costs considerable money
Solution Approach 1:
The filling body is segmented into multiple individual filling elements that can be easily introduced into the tubular covering. This segmentation allows for simple filling operations using basic equipment such as pouring or gravity-fed systems, eliminating the need for complex high-pressure filling machinery while achieving complete filling of the available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive filling elements that can be easily introduced and removed. The filling process uses basic, low-cost equipment rather than expensive high-pressure systems. The filling elements themselves are simple geometric shapes that can be manufactured cheaply and replaced if needed.
4Ease of manufacture
If the tubular casing and tension elements are allowed to move transversely relative to each other, then assembly is easier, but this leads to banging and rattling noises and additional dynamic stress
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable membrane is used to selectively restrict transverse movement between the tubular covering and tension elements. The membrane can be deformed radially outward at specific locations to create frictional contact zones that dampen vibrations and reduce noise from banging and rattling, while still allowing the structure to be assembled with ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The loose filling body acts as a cushioning medium that can be distributed throughout the tubular covering before final assembly. This pre-positioned filling provides vibration damping and noise reduction by absorbing the impacts and reducing relative movements between the tubular casing and tension elements during operation.
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 design effectively reduces transverse relative movements, absorbs radial forces, and allows for maintenance and reinforcement without the need for extensive filling materials or complex equipment, ensuring structural integrity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
fills the free cross-section between the tubular casing and tension elements, allowing for pressure-resistant radial force absorption
Implementation Method 2
A tension member design featuring a deformable shell with a fabric-reinforced plastic filling body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The unit (5) has a filling material (12) arranged in a free remaining cross section (11) of a tubular cover (8) for securing a traction component (10) against transversal movement within the cover. The filling material extends over a limited longitudinal section of the traction unit, and consists of a deformable sheath (13). The sheath is limited, and tightly seals a hollow space filled with a filling medium (27), which is made of a grained material such as sand or granules, and gas or elastic material such as rubber or plastic. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a tension unit.