Hub and strut in a reticulated frame
AssigneeOasys Technologies, Inc.
InventorAlexis Rochas
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A plurality of hubs are joined to frame struts thereby forming a space frame structure, wherein the hubs have monolithic bodies with protruding joints adapted for receiving and joining with the frame struts using tubular sleeves. Axes of the joints are aligned to converge at a common point to avoid rotational moment forces on the hubs. The hubs are preferably fabricated by a 3D printing method in a structural material. In a method of the invention, the struts, joint diameters and joint lengths are sized and positioned to avoid interference between adjacent struts.
Claims19
A frame structure comprising:
- a plurality of struts engaged with a plurality of hubs;
- each of said hubs comprising a monolithic body with at least two integral hub joints integrally formed with said monolithic body;
- wherein each one of said hub joints is adapted for engaging an end of one of said struts;
- and wherein axes of said hub joints mutually converge.
A hub for integration into a frame structure said hub comprising:
- a monolithic body with at least two integral hub joints;
- wherein each one of said hub joints is adapted for engaging an end of a strut of said frame structure;
- and wherein axes of said hub joints mutually converge.
A method of producing a frame structure wherein said method comprises:
- engaging a plurality of struts with a plurality of hubs;
- forming each one of said hubs into a monolithic body having at least two integral hub joints;
- adapting each one of said hub joints for engaging an end of one of said struts;
- and
- positioning said hub joints wherein axes of said hub joints mutually converge.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.