Inventors:
Frank A. Lee - Charlotte NC, US
International Classification:
E04H 9/00
Abstract:
An electromagnetically reinforced structural assembly includes structural members, rigid mechanical connections joining an adjacent pair of the structural members, and at least one electromagnet disposed in the structural assembly. Each electromagnet is configured to be selectively energized to provide an electromagnetic attractive force between a respective pair of structural members to urge adjoining pairs of structural members to maintain their respective connections. An associated method of reinforcing a structural assembly includes providing a structural assembly with rigid mechanical connections and selectively actuating at least one electromagnet in the structural assembly to provide an electromagnetic attractive force that reinforces the connections.