Layered U-Bracket X-Joint Reinforcement for Collapsible Trusses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable collapsible shelters using lighter weight, lower strength materials like aluminum in truss assemblies often experience deformation and failure at pivotal x-joints due to user abuse and weather-related axial bending stresses, leading to instability and structural failure.
Innovation Solution
The use of reinforced pivotal x-joints with layered u-brackets and internal support bodies to provide additional strength and stability, allowing truss members to pivot with reduced friction and preventing over-tightening, which helps in distributing loads more evenly and enhancing the structural integrity of the truss assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lighter weight materials like aluminum are used in truss members, then portability and ease of transport are improved, but structural strength and resistance to deformation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines aluminum truss members with steel reinforcing elements (internal support bodies and external u-brackets) to create a composite structure. The aluminum provides lightweight properties while the steel components provide high strength at critical joints, resolving the contradiction between weight and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire truss member thicker or using heavier material throughout, the patent applies reinforcement only at specific locations where stress concentrates (pivotal x-joints). This local reinforcement maintains overall lightness while providing strength where needed.
2Weight of moving object
If thin walled truss members are used to reduce weight and cost, then portability is improved, but resistance to deformation and failure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates internal support bodies and external u-brackets during manufacturing, before the truss assembly is put into service. These pre-installed reinforcement elements are positioned to prevent deformation at pivotal joints before loads are applied, ensuring reliability from the first use.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing structures act as preventive measures against potential failure modes. By providing additional structural support at weak points before deformation can occur, the patent cushions against the harmful effects of user abuse and weather-related stresses.
3Ease of operation
If pivotal x-joints are used to enable collapsibility, then ease of operation and portability are improved, but structural integrity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces u-brackets and internal support bodies as intermediary elements between the truss members at pivotal joints. These intermediaries distribute loads and provide additional connection points, maintaining structural integrity while allowing the joint to remain pivotal for collapsibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity to the joints by incorporating multi-layered reinforcement structures (internal support bodies within members, external u-brackets surrounding joints). This adds strength in multiple directions without preventing the pivotal motion needed for collapsibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.