Wide Span Static Structure Using Composite Arch-Truss System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide span static structures using thin metal panels face challenges in maintaining structural integrity without intermediate support columns, which are unsightly and reduce usable space, and require thicker, more costly materials to avoid wind and snow loading compromises.
Innovation Solution
A building structure featuring an upper chord element, lower chord element, and web elements forming a composite arch-truss system that spans over 50 feet without intermediate supports, using light gauge metals and angled side wall panels for improved stability and load distribution, allowing for uninterrupted floor space and reduced material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If intermediate support columns are added to maintain structural integrity for spans over 50 feet, then structural stability is improved, but usable floor space is reduced and aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large span structure into modular truss segments that can be assembled without intermediate columns. The truss system is segmented into manageable units (e.g., 20-30 foot modules) that connect end-to-end to achieve spans of 60-100 feet, eliminating the need for supporting columns while maintaining structural integrity through distributed load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar support system to a three-dimensional truss configuration. By adding vertical and diagonal members to create a spatial framework, the structure achieves greater stiffness and load-bearing capacity without requiring intermediate columns, effectively using the third dimension to resolve the span-vs.-clear-space contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If thin metal panels are used to reduce material cost, then manufacturing cost is improved, but structural strength deteriorates under wind and snow loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structural system where thin metal panels are integrated with a truss framework. The panels serve as cladding and partial structural elements, while the truss provides the primary load-bearing capacity. This composite approach allows the use of cost-effective thin panels while maintaining strength through the combined action of panels and truss members working together to resist wind and snow loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates curved or arched geometries in the truss configuration and panel shaping. The curved forms provide inherent structural strength and stiffness, allowing thin panels to resist distributed wind and snow loads more effectively. The arch action distributes loads along the curvature, reducing peak stresses and enabling the use of thinner, more economical panel sections.
3Strength
If thicker metal materials are used to maintain structural integrity without intermediate supports, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the structural load path into multiple smaller truss members rather than relying on single thick sections. By distributing structural demands across numerous smaller, standardized truss components, the system achieves equivalent or superior strength to thicker materials while using thinner, more cost-effective individual elements that are easier to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters from solid thick sections to open truss configurations with optimized member sizes and spacing. This parameter transformation allows the structure to achieve required strength and stiffness through geometric arrangement and member distribution rather than material thickness, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A building structure includes an upper chord element, a lower chord element and web elements extending between the upper chord element and the lower chord element. The upper chord element forms part of an outer surface of a roof for the building structure.