UHMWPE Fiber Tension Elements for Structural Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures, such as statically over-determined and under-determined structures, face premature failure due to internal forces and deformation under external loads, with current materials like steel being heavy and corrosive, polyester fibers having low strength, and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers experiencing excessive creep.
Innovation Solution
A structure comprising rigid elements connected by interconnecting elements, with at least one tension element made of polymeric fibers with ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) that has stabilizing creep of 0.3-10% and a minimum creep rate lower than 1 x 10^-5% per second, reducing internal forces and providing high mechanical strength without the need for mechanical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are used in tension elements, then high mechanical strength and low weight are achieved, but excessive creep occurs leading to premature structure failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines UHMWPE fibers with other materials to create composite tension elements. The composite structure leverages the high strength properties of UHMWPE while incorporating materials that provide creep resistance, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving high mechanical strength and preventing excessive creep deformation in marine structure tension elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the properties of UHMWPE fibers through chemical or physical treatments to reduce their creep behavior. By changing the molecular structure, cross-linking density, or crystallinity parameters of the UHMWPE material, the invention maintains the high strength characteristics while significantly reducing the excessive creep that leads to premature failure.
2Strength
If steel is used in structures, then high mechanical strength is achieved, but heavy weight and corrosion resistance issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces steel mechanical components with polymer-based tension elements made from UHMWPE and composite materials. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy steel structures while maintaining the required mechanical strength, thereby significantly reducing the overall weight of marine structures such as offshore platforms and tension-leg platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials that combine the high strength properties needed to replace steel with lightweight polymer matrices. These composites provide sufficient mechanical strength to support marine structures while being significantly lighter than traditional steel constructions, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If statically over-determined structures are used, then structure stability is improved, but internal forces increase causing premature element failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities to statically over-determined structures, allowing the system to adapt and redistribute internal forces. By making the structure dynamically adjustable, the invention prevents the accumulation of excessive internal forces that would otherwise lead to premature failure of individual elements, while maintaining overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the mechanical properties of structure elements to better accommodate internal forces in over-determined configurations. By changing parameters such as element flexibility, damping characteristics, or connection properties, the system can dissipate or redistribute internal forces more effectively, preventing premature failure while maintaining stability.
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
The structure achieves stability and reduced internal loads, preventing premature failure while maintaining high mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion and abrasion, with a temporary strength reduction that is only temporary, enhancing safety over the structure's lifetime.
Implementation Method 1
ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) that has stabilizing creep of 0.3-10% and a minimum creep rate lower than 1 x 10^-5% per second
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 1a~4
Figure 1a~7
AI summary
The present invention relates a structure comprising rigid elements connected together by interconnecting elements in such a way to form a statically determined or statically over-determined structure, wherein said structure comprises at least one tension element comprising polymeric fibers having a stabilizing creep of at least 0.3 % and at most 10 % and a minimum creep rate lower than 1 x 10-5 % per second, said stabilizing creep and minimum creep being measured at a tension of 900 MPa and a temperature of 30°C. The present invention also relates to said structure being a framing structure, preferably a space frame; a suspended body; a platform, preferably a marine platform; or a wheel comprising spokes. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of polymeric fibers having a stabilizing creep of at least 0.3 % and at most 10 % and a minimum creep rate lower than 1 x 10-5 % per second, said stabilizing creep and minimum creep being measured at a tension of 900 MPa and a temperature of 30°C for a statically determined or statically over-determined structure, preferably for a framing structure, such as a space frame; for a suspended body; for a platform, preferably for a marine platform; or for a wheel comprising spokes.