Structural truss, assembly and method of manufacture
AssigneeNet Zero Projects Limited
InventorAndrew Robert Coward
Life of this patent
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Abstract
There is a truss structure, assembly and method of manufacturing a truss with a span L and a beam depth H. The truss having a main part includes a substantially planar top chord with a longitudinal centerline and webs connecting between the top chord and a bottom chord. The top chord is separated from the bottom chord by the webs. There is a top chord node where each web intersects with the centerline of the top chord and a bottom chord node where each web meets the bottom chord. At least two of the top chord nodes coincide with one another along the top chord. In use, the elements of the main part are in compression and the bottom chord includes a tension member.
Claims19
A truss structure with a span L and a beam depth H, the truss comprising:
- a main part,
- wherein the main part comprises:
- a bottom chord;
- a planar top chord with a longitudinal centerline and having webs connecting between the top chord and the bottom chord, the top chord being separated from the bottom chord by the webs,
- wherein
- each web of the webs intersects with the centerline of the top chord at a top chord node,
- wherein each web of the webs meets the bottom chord at a bottom chord node,
- wherein at least two top chord nodes coincide with one another along the top chord;
- wherein the bottom chord comprises a tension member,
- wherein the bottom chord and the top chord are in compression, and
- wherein the webs are comprised of a 3D-printed additive material;
- and
- a shoe being provided at an end of at least one web of the webs distal from the top chord, said tension member being in a sliding relationship with respect to said shoe, said bottom chord being concurrently restrained from lateral movement relative to said at least one web by said shoe.
A method of manufacturing a truss structure with a span L and a beam depth H comprising the steps of:
- providing a planar top chord with a central main axis and a centerline;
- and
- printing a bay comprising a pair of normal and diagonal webs above and along the centerline on to the top chord, the webs being separated by a panel,
- wherein the printing of the bay is complete when the normal and diagonal webs intersect one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.