Locking arrangement for connecting and interlocking struts at a node within a framework

A locking arrangement for connecting and interlocking rods at a node within a framework, the locking arrangement comprising:

• a plurality of connection rods;
• a central node bearing with a central actuation system comprising:
• a rotatable actuation element that comprises, on an outer circumferential surface thereof, radial ramp portions;
• and
• actuation pins;
• wherein the central node bearing is configured to be engaged from different directions by each of the connection rods at respective mounting ports by plugging each of the connection rods onto a respective mounting port;
• and
• a plurality of locking elements, at least one of which is at each of the respective mounting ports:
• wherein each of the actuation pins is positioned to engage with a corresponding one of the radial ramp portions;
• wherein the rotatable actuation element is configured to rotate and, as the rotatable actuation element rotates, the actuation pins are each engaged by the corresponding one of the radial ramp portions and moved radially outwards to engage with a corresponding one of the locking elements;
• wherein each of the locking elements is configured to be actuated between:
• a locked state, in which the locking element resides in an outward position and a respective one of the connection rods plugged onto the respective mounting port is clutched to the central node bearing by the locking element;
• and
• an unlocked state, in which the locking element resides in an inward position and the respective one of the connection rods is released from the central node bearing;
• wherein radial movement of the actuation pins away from a center point of the central node bearing causes the corresponding one of the locking elements to move from the unlocked state towards the locked state;
• and
• wherein radial movement of the actuation pins towards the center point of the central node bearing causes the corresponding one of the locking elements to move from the locked state towards the unlocked state.