Tie Rod Stiffening System Using Actuated Deformable Linking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tensioning tie rods in metal lattice structures face challenges in accurately measuring tension and efficiently compensating for manufacturing tolerances, leading to potential buckling and increased assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring deformable linking elements connected to tie rods, actuated to transition between inactive and active tension states, allowing precise control and increased tensile loading to reinforce the structure, with the option for elastic or plastic deformation and guided deformation using a tightening support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thread/nut systems are used at the end of tie rods to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, then the risk of buckling is reduced, but the assembly time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tensioning function from the traditional thread/nut system and relocates it to a hydraulic actuator. The actuator is integrated into the linking element between tie rods, separating the tensioning mechanism from the tie rod ends themselves. This allows tolerance compensation without requiring complex threading at critical fastening points, reducing assembly complexity and time while maintaining buckling prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic actuator serves as an intermediary device between the tie rods, providing a controlled tensioning mechanism. Instead of directly threading nuts onto tie rod ends (which consumes time and increases complexity), the actuator mediates the tensioning process by deforming the linking element, thereby applying precise tensile preload to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and prevent buckling.
2Ease of manufacture
If off-center washers are used to tension tie rods and compensate for tolerance differences, then fastening and tensioning are achieved, but the time for setting tensioning increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical off-center washer system with a hydraulic actuator system. The actuator uses hydraulic pressure to deform the linking element and apply tension, substituting the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated or semi-automated hydraulic system. This maintains the ease of manufacture and fastening capability while dramatically reducing the time required to set and adjust tensioning.
3Device complexity
If welded tie rods are used in lattice beams, then the structure is simplified, but the tie rods cannot be tensioned to achieve prestressed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the tie rod system into three distinct components: the tie rod itself, the linking element, and the hydraulic actuator. This segmentation allows the tie rod to remain a simple welded component (maintaining structural simplicity) while the actuator provides the tensioning capability (maintaining prestressed capability). The linking element connects the actuator to the tie rod, enabling the separation of structural and tensioning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic tensioning capability to an otherwise static welded structure. The hydraulic actuator can adjust and modify the tension in the tie rod over time, transforming the rigid welded connection into a dynamically adjustable system. This allows the structure to adapt to different loading conditions and maintain optimal prestress levels without compromising the simplicity of the welded lattice beam design.
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
Enables simple, reproducible, and precise tension modification in tie rods, reducing the risk of buckling and assembly time, while allowing for controlled tensile loading to mechanically reinforce the structure.
Implementation Method 1
The linking element is elastically deformable and the actuator is configured to elastically deform the linking element
Implementation Method 2
The linking element may be plastically deformable and the actuator may be configured to plastically deform the linking element
Data Source
AI summary
A system for stiffening a structure has at least one pair of tie rods (3), each tie rod (3) of the pair of tie rods (3) having a first end (4) fastened to the structure (2) and a second end (5), and at least one device (6) for tensioning the tie rods (3) having a deformable linking element (7) fastened to the second end (5) of each tie rod (3) so as to connect the tie rods (3). An actuator (10) is configured to deform the linking element (7) so as to make it pass from an inactive configuration in which the tie rods (3) are in a first state of tension to an active configuration in which the tie rods (3) are in a second state of tension, different than the first state of tension.