US 9,754,057 B2 · Weight optimized thin wall structures and weight optimization system tool

Abstract

A thin wall profile member (TPM) with a cross-sectional shape and dimensions constant along its length is pre-constructed for use as a load carrying, weight optimized structural element. The TPM includes at least one main strip and at least one additional strip each having longitudinal reinforcing ribs. The at least one additional strip has a width that does not exceed a width of the at least one main strip and has a thickness that equals or exceeds a thickness of the at least one main strip. The ratio of the width of the at least one additional strip to the width of the at least one main strip has a value greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1. The ratio of the thickness of the at least one additional strip to the thickness of the at least one main strip has a value that is greater than or equal to 1.

Claims67

Dependent claims

A thin wall profile member (TPM) with a cross-sectional shape and dimensions constant along its length, the TPM being pre-constructed for use as a load-carrying, weight optimized structural element under constructive restrictions, the TPM comprising;

at least one main strip having longitudinal reinforcing ribs;
and
at least one additional strip having longitudinal reinforcing ribs, the at least one additional strip having a width that does not exceed a width of the at least one main strip and having a thickness that equals or exceeds a thickness of the at least one main strip;
wherein a ratio of the width of the at least one additional strip to the width of the at least one main strip satisfies the range from 0.1 to 1.0;
wherein a ratio of the thickness of the at least one additional strip to the thickness of the at least one main strip satisfies the range from 1.0 to 10.0;
and
wherein for each value in the width ratio range from 0.1 to 1.0, there is a corresponding maximum value in the thickness ratio range from 1.0 to 10.0 corresponding to a maximum shape efficiency factor value.

4 more elements

A thin wall profile member (TPM) and panel sheet combination comprising:

a panel sheet;
and
a plurality of TPMs installed longitudinally across a width of the panel sheet with even pitch:
wherein each of the TPMs comprises at least one main strip, and at least one additional strip having a width that does not exceed a width of the at least one main strip and having a thickness that equals or exceeds a thickness of the at least one main strip;
wherein for each of the TPMs, a ratio of the width of the at least one additional strip to the width of the at least one main strip satisfies the range from 0.1 to 1.0;
wherein for each of the TPMs, a ratio of the thickness of the at least one additional strip to the thickness of the at least one main strip satisfies the range from 1.0 to 10.0;
and
wherein for each value in the width ratio range from 0.1 to 1.0, there is a corresponding maximum value in the thickness ratio range from 1.0 to 10.0 corresponding to it maximum shape efficiency factor value.

5 more elements

at least one main strip having longitudinal reinforcing ribs;
and
at least one additional strip having longitudinal reinforcing ribs, the at least one additional strip having a width that does not exceed a width of the at least one main strip and having a thickness that equals or exceeds a thickness of the at least one main strip;
wherein a ratio of the width of the at least one additional strip to the width of the at least one main strip satisfies the range from 0.1 to 1.0;
wherein a ratio of the thickness of the at least one additional strip to the thickness of the at least one main strip satisfies the range from 1.0 to 10.0;
and
wherein the TPM is made of a material in which the actual stress value is greater than the proportion limit stress value thereof.