Modular system for space frame structures
AssigneeSkilland Engineering, Ltd.
InventorWan-Keung Leung
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention is embodied in a modular system for making structural frameworks in which crystal-like hubs are used to connect lightweight struts in a variety of configurations. The hubs are comprised of uniform nodes and cylindrical trunnions, several embodiments of which be used in a structural configuration to create irregular shapes. The struts are equipped with end grips which snap into engagement with the trunnions and nodes of the crystal-like hubs. The end grips have C-shaped gripping sections and stems which fit into a hollow tube which forms the body of the strut. The end grips are free to rotate about the axis of the strut, and the end grips can rotate about the axis of the trunnions to which it is attached. Such freedom of rotation allows complete flexibility of design.
Claims14
A coupling system for lightweight structures comprising a crystal-like hub having a plurality of trunnions joined at enlarged joints, said trunnions being generally cylindrical members, said crystal-like hub having at least two pairs of parallel trunnions, said system including at least one strut with end grips, said end grips being attached to opposite ends of said strut, each of said end grips comprising generally C-shaped resilient gripping means for snappingly engaging said strut with and disengaging said strut from one of said trunnions with a simple pushing motion, said crystal-like hub defining a plurality of planes, comprised of two identical mating half-hubs, each half-hub having an odd number of cantilevered trunnions extending therefrom prior to being joined with a mating half-hub.
A coupling system for lightweight structures in accordance with claim 6 wherein:
- said strut has a longitudinal axis,
- said end grips being axially fixed to said opposite ends, but free to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the strut.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.