CA3053065A1 - Octet truss toy construction system - Google Patents
Octet truss toy construction system Download PDFInfo
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- CA3053065A1 CA3053065A1 CA3053065A CA3053065A CA3053065A1 CA 3053065 A1 CA3053065 A1 CA 3053065A1 CA 3053065 A CA3053065 A CA 3053065A CA 3053065 A CA3053065 A CA 3053065A CA 3053065 A1 CA3053065 A1 CA 3053065A1
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- octet truss
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
- A63H33/10—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements
- A63H33/107—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements using screws, bolts, nails, rivets, clamps
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Abstract
My invention is a toy construction system designed to create models of structures, vehicles, spacecraft or watercraft and that uses an octet truss as its primary structural unit.
An extensive variety of three dimensional octet truss shapes can be created by joining the identical equilaterally triangular faces of two basic polyhedrons. These two basic polyhedrons are the two platonic solids; a regular tetrahedron and a regular octahedron.
Both polyhedrons have identical equilaterally triangular faces and the face of any polyhedron is never fastened face to face with an identical polyhedron. What that means is a tetrahedron is never joined face to face with another tetrahedron; and an octahedron is never joined face to face with another octahedron. Alignment holes are spaced equidistant from the nearest vertex along the periphery of each equilaterally triangular face to allow for fasteners to align and clamp together the tetrahedron and octahedron being joined.
An extensive variety of three dimensional octet truss shapes can be created by joining the identical equilaterally triangular faces of two basic polyhedrons. These two basic polyhedrons are the two platonic solids; a regular tetrahedron and a regular octahedron.
Both polyhedrons have identical equilaterally triangular faces and the face of any polyhedron is never fastened face to face with an identical polyhedron. What that means is a tetrahedron is never joined face to face with another tetrahedron; and an octahedron is never joined face to face with another octahedron. Alignment holes are spaced equidistant from the nearest vertex along the periphery of each equilaterally triangular face to allow for fasteners to align and clamp together the tetrahedron and octahedron being joined.
Description
2/28 TITLE
Octet Truss Toy Construction System ABSTRACT
My invention is a toy construction system designed to create models of structures, vehicles, spacecraft or watercraft and that uses an octet truss as its primary structural unit.
An extensive variety of three dimensional octet truss shapes can be created by joining the identical equilaterally triangular faces of two basic polyhedrons. These two basic polyhedrons are the two platonic solids; a regular tetrahedron and a regular octahedron.
Both polyhedrons have identical equilaterally triangular faces and the face of any polyhedron is never fastened face to face with an identical polyhedron. What that means is a tetrahedron is never joined face to face with another tetrahedron; and an octahedron is never joined face to face with another octahedron. Alignment holes are spaced equidistant from the nearest vertex along the periphery of each equilaterally triangular face to allow for fasteners to align and clamp together the tetrahedron and octahedron being joined.
SPECIFICATION
Field of the invention Toy Construction Sets This invention relates to toy building elements and more particularly to hollow open faced toy building blocks that are in the shape of the two platonic solids, a regular tetrahedron 110 and a regular octahedron 111. These blocks are connected together face to face by means of fasteners 106 extending through the faces 101 of the elements via alignment holes 102.
Toy elements of this kind will be referred to generally as building blocks, and the principal object of the invention is to provide a vast variety of combinations of the blocks for making and modeling toy structures, vehicles and/or vessels. The different model structural integrity is primarily based on the octet truss 112.
Fundamental Building Blocks My invention is a toy construction system designed to create models of structures, vehicles, space ships, watercraft, etc., that use an octet truss 112 as its primary structural component.
These octet truss 112 shapes are created using two basic polyhedrons as fundamental building blocks, a regular tetrahedron 110 and a regular octahedron 111.
All the faces of the tetrahedrons are open to facilitate the use of basic tools for tightening and loosening of fasteners 106 used to both align and clamp the triangular faces together.
Strong and solid impermeable barriers 114 can be created within and around the structure at any time during the construction process by fastening and/or adhering a sheet of the desired
Octet Truss Toy Construction System ABSTRACT
My invention is a toy construction system designed to create models of structures, vehicles, spacecraft or watercraft and that uses an octet truss as its primary structural unit.
An extensive variety of three dimensional octet truss shapes can be created by joining the identical equilaterally triangular faces of two basic polyhedrons. These two basic polyhedrons are the two platonic solids; a regular tetrahedron and a regular octahedron.
Both polyhedrons have identical equilaterally triangular faces and the face of any polyhedron is never fastened face to face with an identical polyhedron. What that means is a tetrahedron is never joined face to face with another tetrahedron; and an octahedron is never joined face to face with another octahedron. Alignment holes are spaced equidistant from the nearest vertex along the periphery of each equilaterally triangular face to allow for fasteners to align and clamp together the tetrahedron and octahedron being joined.
SPECIFICATION
Field of the invention Toy Construction Sets This invention relates to toy building elements and more particularly to hollow open faced toy building blocks that are in the shape of the two platonic solids, a regular tetrahedron 110 and a regular octahedron 111. These blocks are connected together face to face by means of fasteners 106 extending through the faces 101 of the elements via alignment holes 102.
Toy elements of this kind will be referred to generally as building blocks, and the principal object of the invention is to provide a vast variety of combinations of the blocks for making and modeling toy structures, vehicles and/or vessels. The different model structural integrity is primarily based on the octet truss 112.
Fundamental Building Blocks My invention is a toy construction system designed to create models of structures, vehicles, space ships, watercraft, etc., that use an octet truss 112 as its primary structural component.
These octet truss 112 shapes are created using two basic polyhedrons as fundamental building blocks, a regular tetrahedron 110 and a regular octahedron 111.
All the faces of the tetrahedrons are open to facilitate the use of basic tools for tightening and loosening of fasteners 106 used to both align and clamp the triangular faces together.
Strong and solid impermeable barriers 114 can be created within and around the structure at any time during the construction process by fastening and/or adhering a sheet of the desired
3/28 barrier material to the flat surfaces located at regular intervals and around the periphery of each section of octet truss 112.
An adjunct polyhedron recommended, but not necessary to the set, is a number of regular right pyramids 107 that will have the same identical equilaterally triangular faces as the other polyhedrons. These are included in the set to allow for structural flexibility along the edges of some of the octet truss models as illustrated in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. An open faced square at the bottom of the regular right pyramid is the only other face shape.
In addition a number of sheets of barrier material would be included with each set to demonstrate the use of sheeting in the creation of model bulkheads, hulls, decks and vehicle bodies. These would be sized to multiples of the height of the equilateral triangles for ease of use.
Building with The System The identical faces of the polyhedrons are fastened together using a variety of methods, the most basic being the use of mechanical fasteners, 106 like screws, rivets, or nuts and bolts that are fastened through the alignment holes 102 as demonstrated in Figure 5.
The use of adhesives on the polyhedron faces being joined is optional, depending on the relative permanence the model builder wants of the shapes created. When adhesives are used, the fasteners 106 also act as clamps that hold the structure tightly together while the adhesives set.
The fasteners 106 simultaneously align the faces of the polyhedrons as well as join the polyhedrons together. They align the faces using the holes 102 that are identically placed along the edges of the triangular faces. These alignment holes match up the tetrahedron and octahedron triangular faces, regardless of whether their faces are rotated 120 degrees, 240 degrees or of course 360 degrees. The holes are all equally spaced. When fasteners are used to join the faces together, they automatically align the faces as the hole placement is identical on each side of each triangular face 101.
The models created are formed by the sequential addition of polyhedrons to create an octet truss 112 which uses alternately placed octahedrons 111 and tetrahedrons 110.
The ratio is one octahedron for each two tetrahedrons as illustrated by Figure 6 and Figure 8. An extra polyhedron can go on the ends of a truss but the general basic octet truss unit 112 is two tetrahedrons to one octahedron, as illustrated in Figure 7 and Figure 7a.
Adding Barriers in the Models As mentioned earlier, the use of sheeting closely sized to integer multiples of the truss triangles' height allows for easy placement of solid barriers 114 common in structures, vehicles and vessels. These barriers are added to prevent the movement of fluids or vacuum from one section of the model to other sections. In vessels and spaceships, these barriers are called bulkheads, or if mounted externally to a vessel, the hull and/or deck. This sheeting can be attached to the evenly spaced octet truss framework via adhesives, mechanical fasteners or any combination thereof. An excellent feature of the invention is the automatic creation of the flat surface around the perimeter and at regular intervals within each surface of the octet truss, thereby allowing stresses to be evenly distributed throughout the truss minimizing the chance of structural failure.
An adjunct polyhedron recommended, but not necessary to the set, is a number of regular right pyramids 107 that will have the same identical equilaterally triangular faces as the other polyhedrons. These are included in the set to allow for structural flexibility along the edges of some of the octet truss models as illustrated in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. An open faced square at the bottom of the regular right pyramid is the only other face shape.
In addition a number of sheets of barrier material would be included with each set to demonstrate the use of sheeting in the creation of model bulkheads, hulls, decks and vehicle bodies. These would be sized to multiples of the height of the equilateral triangles for ease of use.
Building with The System The identical faces of the polyhedrons are fastened together using a variety of methods, the most basic being the use of mechanical fasteners, 106 like screws, rivets, or nuts and bolts that are fastened through the alignment holes 102 as demonstrated in Figure 5.
The use of adhesives on the polyhedron faces being joined is optional, depending on the relative permanence the model builder wants of the shapes created. When adhesives are used, the fasteners 106 also act as clamps that hold the structure tightly together while the adhesives set.
The fasteners 106 simultaneously align the faces of the polyhedrons as well as join the polyhedrons together. They align the faces using the holes 102 that are identically placed along the edges of the triangular faces. These alignment holes match up the tetrahedron and octahedron triangular faces, regardless of whether their faces are rotated 120 degrees, 240 degrees or of course 360 degrees. The holes are all equally spaced. When fasteners are used to join the faces together, they automatically align the faces as the hole placement is identical on each side of each triangular face 101.
The models created are formed by the sequential addition of polyhedrons to create an octet truss 112 which uses alternately placed octahedrons 111 and tetrahedrons 110.
The ratio is one octahedron for each two tetrahedrons as illustrated by Figure 6 and Figure 8. An extra polyhedron can go on the ends of a truss but the general basic octet truss unit 112 is two tetrahedrons to one octahedron, as illustrated in Figure 7 and Figure 7a.
Adding Barriers in the Models As mentioned earlier, the use of sheeting closely sized to integer multiples of the truss triangles' height allows for easy placement of solid barriers 114 common in structures, vehicles and vessels. These barriers are added to prevent the movement of fluids or vacuum from one section of the model to other sections. In vessels and spaceships, these barriers are called bulkheads, or if mounted externally to a vessel, the hull and/or deck. This sheeting can be attached to the evenly spaced octet truss framework via adhesives, mechanical fasteners or any combination thereof. An excellent feature of the invention is the automatic creation of the flat surface around the perimeter and at regular intervals within each surface of the octet truss, thereby allowing stresses to be evenly distributed throughout the truss minimizing the chance of structural failure.
4/28 This allows for simple addition of common sheeting of barrier material of a multitude of materials and thicknesses. Adhesives with varying degrees of strength, flexibility and permeability allow for the creation of barriers for any number of reasons.
A number of barriers 114 of standard sizes, integer multiples of the triangle's height, would be included with each set.
Preferred Practice of the Invention The most appropriate use of the invention is to build octet truss 112 based models of structures, vessels and vehicles using the aforementioned building blocks.
Subsequent models built will demonstrate the intuitive, yet scientifically verifiable, high strength to weight ratio of the octet truss's three dimensional space filling matrix. The goals are to stimulate the creative thinking of people using the system, and also to allow for both intuitive and scientific stress testing of everyone using the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
A multiplicity of forms can be created. A few two dimensional octet truss examples are those shown in Figures 12, Figure 13 and Figures 16. Differently shaped modules 115 can be created when a user finds these shapes being used frequently. Overall coherent strength can be added to any of these structures in any dimension by simply adding sections 113 of octet truss strips 113 to an existing structure. This is the primary advantage of the system call extensibility. Of course the length of these strips is variable. These models can be structures, vessels or vehicles of various functions and can be designed to operate in a variety of different environments, be it air, water, land or space.
The shapes created demonstrate to the user the inherent strength and cost effectiveness of the octet truss. The minimal material used to create the truss is its most salient advantage, given that every member of the final structure is a load bearing member and, that this strength is both apparent and easily reinforcible in all three dimensions. No material is wasted on non-load bearing struts. Also of significant advantage of the Octet Truss Toy Construction System is the simple addition of barriers 114 on any surface, internally or externally to any section of the octet truss during the construction process.
Stress Testing the Models One other primary characteristic of the Octet Truss Toy Construction System has to do with the models being stress tested. Such models can be stress tested and the results extrapolated to create structures, vehicles and vessels to be used in real life. The size of the polyhedrons used is the primary variable that is different. The construction process, material used, and the final structure shape can be, for all intents and purposes, identical. The low number of variables being changed lends itself readily to scientific testing.
Realistic, data generating scientific experimentation with a variety of adhesives, fasteners and primary materials is a fundamental advantage of this system.
As a result, many models can easily be created, then subjected to a variety of formal and informal stress tests, for inexpensive and comprehensive data acquisition.
I want to further emphasize that, with children and adults, this knowledge will be acquired without any conscious effort as a result of playing with the set. For people using scientific and/or statistical testing methods - tensile, sheer, torsion, impact and fatigue testing for example; the results can yield both reliable and valid data. It's three dimensional structure along with all parts of a structure being load bearing, will demonstrate the significant synergetic strength of the octet truss.
A number of barriers 114 of standard sizes, integer multiples of the triangle's height, would be included with each set.
Preferred Practice of the Invention The most appropriate use of the invention is to build octet truss 112 based models of structures, vessels and vehicles using the aforementioned building blocks.
Subsequent models built will demonstrate the intuitive, yet scientifically verifiable, high strength to weight ratio of the octet truss's three dimensional space filling matrix. The goals are to stimulate the creative thinking of people using the system, and also to allow for both intuitive and scientific stress testing of everyone using the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
A multiplicity of forms can be created. A few two dimensional octet truss examples are those shown in Figures 12, Figure 13 and Figures 16. Differently shaped modules 115 can be created when a user finds these shapes being used frequently. Overall coherent strength can be added to any of these structures in any dimension by simply adding sections 113 of octet truss strips 113 to an existing structure. This is the primary advantage of the system call extensibility. Of course the length of these strips is variable. These models can be structures, vessels or vehicles of various functions and can be designed to operate in a variety of different environments, be it air, water, land or space.
The shapes created demonstrate to the user the inherent strength and cost effectiveness of the octet truss. The minimal material used to create the truss is its most salient advantage, given that every member of the final structure is a load bearing member and, that this strength is both apparent and easily reinforcible in all three dimensions. No material is wasted on non-load bearing struts. Also of significant advantage of the Octet Truss Toy Construction System is the simple addition of barriers 114 on any surface, internally or externally to any section of the octet truss during the construction process.
Stress Testing the Models One other primary characteristic of the Octet Truss Toy Construction System has to do with the models being stress tested. Such models can be stress tested and the results extrapolated to create structures, vehicles and vessels to be used in real life. The size of the polyhedrons used is the primary variable that is different. The construction process, material used, and the final structure shape can be, for all intents and purposes, identical. The low number of variables being changed lends itself readily to scientific testing.
Realistic, data generating scientific experimentation with a variety of adhesives, fasteners and primary materials is a fundamental advantage of this system.
As a result, many models can easily be created, then subjected to a variety of formal and informal stress tests, for inexpensive and comprehensive data acquisition.
I want to further emphasize that, with children and adults, this knowledge will be acquired without any conscious effort as a result of playing with the set. For people using scientific and/or statistical testing methods - tensile, sheer, torsion, impact and fatigue testing for example; the results can yield both reliable and valid data. It's three dimensional structure along with all parts of a structure being load bearing, will demonstrate the significant synergetic strength of the octet truss.
5/28 New and Distinct Features While it is not rare for toy construction systems to emulate space frame construction, there is no known toy construction set that uses mechanically interlocking faces of the two hollow open faced platonic solids, the regular tetrahedron 110 and regular octahedron 111, to create an octet truss 112. Current space frame construction sets are based on the strut and node construction method or they use magnets.
The Octet Truss Toy Construction System uses the interlocking face method to clearly demonstrate the strength of the octet truss. To employ the interlocking face method separate fasteners are used. This maintains the three dimensional extensibility that is a vital advantage of the octet truss. When models are assembled, even without adhesives a clear demonstration of the integrity of the system is apparent.
Using adhesives and/or welding along with the fasteners allow for scientific demonstration of the strength of the system. This is a demonstrably innovative aspect of the Octet Truss Toy Construction System. Mechanical fasteners are still the industry standard in any building process where the ability to disassemble without destruction is a desired characteristic. Using water soluble adhesives would still allow for simple disassembly of models created. Using relatively permanent adhesives and/or welding in conjunction with the fasteners gives system models their highest strength, but at the cost of non destructive disassembly. All these options are available with the Octet Truss Toy Construction System, another example of how this emulates real world construction.
As mentioned above, to further an increase in temporary strength and stiffness over and above the use of mechanical fasteners, one can use water soluble adhesives.
Dismantling of models can then be done by submersing them in water, followed by removing the fasteners. Welding and "permanent" adhesives would generally give the greatest additional strength in conjunction with the mechanical fasteners, allowing for model vessels that can be played with and/or tested as finished models in the harshest environments.
Again, there is no current toy construction system based on the interlocking face method of the two platonic solids, the regular tetrahedron 110 and the regular octahedron 111.
The regular right pyramid 107 polyhedron with identical triangular faces as the tetrahedron and octahedron, is included in the construction set as an adjunct.
It allows for greater flexibility in model designs along the edges of the octet truss based model created as shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13. As with any system, a multitude of add-ons, barrier sheeting 114, propulsion, steerage, wheels or hydrofoils for example are easily attached, given the regularly spaced structural components, but they are not fundamental components of the system.
Using the interlocking face method, my toy construction system demonstrates three fundamental advantages of the octet truss. These are:
1) maximum strength per unit mass of material used, 2) ability to handle formal and informal stress testing in all three dimensions, and 3) easy and simple extensibility in all three dimensions. Any models constructed using the two basic polyhedrons automatically and intuitively, demonstrate these advantages.
The Octet Truss Toy Construction System uses the interlocking face method to clearly demonstrate the strength of the octet truss. To employ the interlocking face method separate fasteners are used. This maintains the three dimensional extensibility that is a vital advantage of the octet truss. When models are assembled, even without adhesives a clear demonstration of the integrity of the system is apparent.
Using adhesives and/or welding along with the fasteners allow for scientific demonstration of the strength of the system. This is a demonstrably innovative aspect of the Octet Truss Toy Construction System. Mechanical fasteners are still the industry standard in any building process where the ability to disassemble without destruction is a desired characteristic. Using water soluble adhesives would still allow for simple disassembly of models created. Using relatively permanent adhesives and/or welding in conjunction with the fasteners gives system models their highest strength, but at the cost of non destructive disassembly. All these options are available with the Octet Truss Toy Construction System, another example of how this emulates real world construction.
As mentioned above, to further an increase in temporary strength and stiffness over and above the use of mechanical fasteners, one can use water soluble adhesives.
Dismantling of models can then be done by submersing them in water, followed by removing the fasteners. Welding and "permanent" adhesives would generally give the greatest additional strength in conjunction with the mechanical fasteners, allowing for model vessels that can be played with and/or tested as finished models in the harshest environments.
Again, there is no current toy construction system based on the interlocking face method of the two platonic solids, the regular tetrahedron 110 and the regular octahedron 111.
The regular right pyramid 107 polyhedron with identical triangular faces as the tetrahedron and octahedron, is included in the construction set as an adjunct.
It allows for greater flexibility in model designs along the edges of the octet truss based model created as shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13. As with any system, a multitude of add-ons, barrier sheeting 114, propulsion, steerage, wheels or hydrofoils for example are easily attached, given the regularly spaced structural components, but they are not fundamental components of the system.
Using the interlocking face method, my toy construction system demonstrates three fundamental advantages of the octet truss. These are:
1) maximum strength per unit mass of material used, 2) ability to handle formal and informal stress testing in all three dimensions, and 3) easy and simple extensibility in all three dimensions. Any models constructed using the two basic polyhedrons automatically and intuitively, demonstrate these advantages.
6/28 As mentioned, the advantages of the octet truss can even be demonstrated scientifically.
There are no other construction sets available that can be scientifically stress tested to demonstrate the structural integrity of any models created.
Scope of the Invention Materials used in the invention typically would be any structural material that exhibits a reasonably high tensile strength to weight ratio. Resistance to corrosion, handling safety, a plurality of effective adhesives, and of course low cost are other primary characteristics desired. This would include many different types of plastic, much like the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS, used in the majority of Lego pieces.
Any strong tough plastic that is easily and accurately manufactured, will work well for this construction toy system. To further lower costs and to scale up production, one can bring robotics into the equation given the low number of inputs and the repetitive nature of most of the manufacturing.
The octet truss exhibits synergetic strength in all three dimensions. In alternative embodiments it can also be produced using mass produced plastic, metal or composites, with the strength and cost advantages carefully considered for each of these materials.
As it is a toy construction set, no material that has any type of toxicity would be used. In addition it has to withstand corrosion without any treatment, so regular steel is out. Primary options include metals, in particular aluminum alloys, stainless steel, bronze or brass. A
variety of sets made of different materials would showcase the desired properties of those materials. Availability of low cost non-toxic and effective adhesive is also of course a desirable option. Weldability is a characteristic that is also a very desirable option for "permanent" models built. Welding is still the strongest method of joining like materials together, so weldability is desirable when producing the basic building blocks.
The sizes of the polyhedrons used in the construction sets will most likely be, but not limited by, categorization by the length of the sides of the polyhedrons. Integer multiples of any given size of polyhedron is possible though unlikely for any given set, The side length or triangular height attributes would be a natural fit for toy set categorization.
For most model building that side length would be anywhere from one centimeter to one meter. The larger sizes of course blur the distinction between modeling and actual construction of structures, vessels and vehicles. Modeling large vessels like Aircraft Carriers, space stations or interstellar ships for example, would require larger basic polyhedron sizes.
There is of course no hard and fast rules governing the use of the models in real world applications, particularly when the material used in the polyhedron creation is of high strength and durability. These properties that are inherent in aluminum alloys for example.
They would, in fact, demonstrate a primary advantage of this toy construction system, it's showcasing of the simple strong, lightweight and extensible octet truss.
As mentioned, to create air and waterproof barriers within or on the outside of the models created, material sheeting can be fastened to the structures. A variety of adhesives, from double sided tape to a wide range of adhesives including epoxy, polyurethane and methacrylate adhesives can be used.
There are no other construction sets available that can be scientifically stress tested to demonstrate the structural integrity of any models created.
Scope of the Invention Materials used in the invention typically would be any structural material that exhibits a reasonably high tensile strength to weight ratio. Resistance to corrosion, handling safety, a plurality of effective adhesives, and of course low cost are other primary characteristics desired. This would include many different types of plastic, much like the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS, used in the majority of Lego pieces.
Any strong tough plastic that is easily and accurately manufactured, will work well for this construction toy system. To further lower costs and to scale up production, one can bring robotics into the equation given the low number of inputs and the repetitive nature of most of the manufacturing.
The octet truss exhibits synergetic strength in all three dimensions. In alternative embodiments it can also be produced using mass produced plastic, metal or composites, with the strength and cost advantages carefully considered for each of these materials.
As it is a toy construction set, no material that has any type of toxicity would be used. In addition it has to withstand corrosion without any treatment, so regular steel is out. Primary options include metals, in particular aluminum alloys, stainless steel, bronze or brass. A
variety of sets made of different materials would showcase the desired properties of those materials. Availability of low cost non-toxic and effective adhesive is also of course a desirable option. Weldability is a characteristic that is also a very desirable option for "permanent" models built. Welding is still the strongest method of joining like materials together, so weldability is desirable when producing the basic building blocks.
The sizes of the polyhedrons used in the construction sets will most likely be, but not limited by, categorization by the length of the sides of the polyhedrons. Integer multiples of any given size of polyhedron is possible though unlikely for any given set, The side length or triangular height attributes would be a natural fit for toy set categorization.
For most model building that side length would be anywhere from one centimeter to one meter. The larger sizes of course blur the distinction between modeling and actual construction of structures, vessels and vehicles. Modeling large vessels like Aircraft Carriers, space stations or interstellar ships for example, would require larger basic polyhedron sizes.
There is of course no hard and fast rules governing the use of the models in real world applications, particularly when the material used in the polyhedron creation is of high strength and durability. These properties that are inherent in aluminum alloys for example.
They would, in fact, demonstrate a primary advantage of this toy construction system, it's showcasing of the simple strong, lightweight and extensible octet truss.
As mentioned, to create air and waterproof barriers within or on the outside of the models created, material sheeting can be fastened to the structures. A variety of adhesives, from double sided tape to a wide range of adhesives including epoxy, polyurethane and methacrylate adhesives can be used.
7/28 Octet Truss Toy Construction System Limitations The primary limitation of the invention is that the shapes or models created must conform primarily to the 3D filling matrix that is a property of the octet truss. In addition, the geometry involved is unusual and not taught in many schools, unlike that of the standard xyz Cartesian coordinate system. There is no written law that says you have to religiously stand by the octet truss construction pattern as demonstrated in the split truss design of Figure 16.
The split truss design is used to obtain a more streamlined, symmetrical structure. The two halves, the left and right sides cannot be joined in the center via an octet truss structure. To effectively join the two halves in Figure 16 would require a custom fit and materials - both of which would result in extra cost and effort. These custom components would not come with the set unless specified. The primary structural unit is still the octet truss.
Further limitations involve the difficulty of conceptualizing final shapes desired. This of course would improve with practice, and is another primary goal of the use of this toy.
Relatively advanced motor skills (above toddler stage) would be needed to fasten the faces together. (i.e. use of a screwdriver to fasten faces together with screws is a bare minimum) This of course will raise the minimum age recommended for using the toy construction set without close supervision.
One limitation that is not immediately obvious is the misalignment of the Tetrahedron 110 and Octahedron 111 when fastened together as shown in Figure 5. It is caused by the different dihedral angles combined the thickness of the polyhedron walls. This is mitigated mainly by the fact that the external surface of any model built will show all external visible surfaces of the Tetrahedrons in the same plane. The same is true of the visible external surface of all the Octahedrons as well. When fastening multiple octet truss layers together, all the tetrahedrons fit nicely into the octahedrons eliminating any problems with mating the layers together. Experience working with the octet truss models will demonstrate that is a non issue.
Any reduction in strength of the final structures is negligible as can be tested by scientific analysis. It is just a surprise as it is unexpected and a simple explanation in the startup notes will eliminate the surprise for the most part.
Safety Concerns Small pieces used to fasten the faces together could be dangerous for fairly young children and should not be used by them without close supervision. There is also the issue of the use of a variety of adhesives in conjunction with fasteners to strengthen the face to face contact of the polyhedrons. This would depend upon the "permanence" desired in the final model. Water soluble adhesives could be used for example to in conjunction with the fasteners. This would lend added strength to the model yet would be removable by soaking the model in water. The toxicity of any adhesives used would have to be carefully supervised. Education of the end users of the Octet Truss Toy Construction System is of fundamental importance to safety.
These procedures would involve careful supervision in regards to safety and of would be advisable only with advanced users. Welding, either plastic or metal, is recommended for testing when creating "permanent" models emulating full sized structures.
There are of
The split truss design is used to obtain a more streamlined, symmetrical structure. The two halves, the left and right sides cannot be joined in the center via an octet truss structure. To effectively join the two halves in Figure 16 would require a custom fit and materials - both of which would result in extra cost and effort. These custom components would not come with the set unless specified. The primary structural unit is still the octet truss.
Further limitations involve the difficulty of conceptualizing final shapes desired. This of course would improve with practice, and is another primary goal of the use of this toy.
Relatively advanced motor skills (above toddler stage) would be needed to fasten the faces together. (i.e. use of a screwdriver to fasten faces together with screws is a bare minimum) This of course will raise the minimum age recommended for using the toy construction set without close supervision.
One limitation that is not immediately obvious is the misalignment of the Tetrahedron 110 and Octahedron 111 when fastened together as shown in Figure 5. It is caused by the different dihedral angles combined the thickness of the polyhedron walls. This is mitigated mainly by the fact that the external surface of any model built will show all external visible surfaces of the Tetrahedrons in the same plane. The same is true of the visible external surface of all the Octahedrons as well. When fastening multiple octet truss layers together, all the tetrahedrons fit nicely into the octahedrons eliminating any problems with mating the layers together. Experience working with the octet truss models will demonstrate that is a non issue.
Any reduction in strength of the final structures is negligible as can be tested by scientific analysis. It is just a surprise as it is unexpected and a simple explanation in the startup notes will eliminate the surprise for the most part.
Safety Concerns Small pieces used to fasten the faces together could be dangerous for fairly young children and should not be used by them without close supervision. There is also the issue of the use of a variety of adhesives in conjunction with fasteners to strengthen the face to face contact of the polyhedrons. This would depend upon the "permanence" desired in the final model. Water soluble adhesives could be used for example to in conjunction with the fasteners. This would lend added strength to the model yet would be removable by soaking the model in water. The toxicity of any adhesives used would have to be carefully supervised. Education of the end users of the Octet Truss Toy Construction System is of fundamental importance to safety.
These procedures would involve careful supervision in regards to safety and of would be advisable only with advanced users. Welding, either plastic or metal, is recommended for testing when creating "permanent" models emulating full sized structures.
There are of
8/28 course a number of different safety issues involved with this process as well, depending on the base material used.
Use of tried and tested materials is vital, with comprehensive and exhaustive educational material in a multitude of mediums of paramount importance.
Laboratory or Commercial Tests A significant amount of testing has proven to the inventor the synergetic strength of the Octet Truss although it has been limited to the realm of metals. The use of plastics, in particular those used in injection molding has not been tested as the injection molding process involves a significant capital expenditure which at this time is infeasible.
The main testing has been with steel and aluminum. In particular the laser cutting of hundreds of equilateral triangles with alignment holes from a 2mm thick sheets of aluminum has been an excellent start. Their subsequent welding into tetrahedrons and octahedrons has produced a large a demonstration set. As a result I am convinced of advantages of this system and I am excited to where this will lead.
Prior Art There are a large number of geometric modeling kits or units comprised of universal nodes or connectors which can be expanded into structural networks by the interconnection of nodes with connecting struts or spokes. Typically, the struts are elongated with each end being insertable into a selected opening or cavity in a node and, by combining a series of nodes and struts together in different selected angular relationships, numerous three-dimensional figures can be constructed. Such systems or kits have definite aesthetic and structural appeal both from the standpoint of providing a geometric modeling kit or toy for persons of all ages as well as rather sophisticated geometric structural systems.
Representative of such approaches is that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,825 to P. J.
Pearce in which the nodes themselves are made up of radially extending spokes of different cross-sectional configurations which are interconnected together by struts and splice members. The spokes and struts are both shape-coded and in some cases color-coded to facilitate matching up or interconnection of ends of corresponding cross section, as further aided by the use of coupling members there between. Again, however, the node itself is a star-like rigid molded or fabricated device having spokes of various cross-sectional configurations radiating from a common center.
Another approach is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,153. Baer in which a structural network or three-dimensional figure is formed by connection of hall-shaped nodes or connectors and struts into different geometric configurations utilizing the five-fold symmetries of the icosahedron and the dodecahedron. The structural elements must be attached, such as, by welding their ends at different angles to the geometric connectors or nodes to define the different angles of the structural network but without the benefit of shape-coding between the respective nodes and struts.
In the past, construction of the nodes as employed in the Pearce and Baer patents has presented insurmountable problems in terms of one-piece, high strength construction. The nodes of Baer were designed to be essentially of spherical construction, and the geometry of the ball-shaped connectors as employed in Baer or the radiating spokes as employed in Pearce virtually precluded one-piece construction or molding.
Use of tried and tested materials is vital, with comprehensive and exhaustive educational material in a multitude of mediums of paramount importance.
Laboratory or Commercial Tests A significant amount of testing has proven to the inventor the synergetic strength of the Octet Truss although it has been limited to the realm of metals. The use of plastics, in particular those used in injection molding has not been tested as the injection molding process involves a significant capital expenditure which at this time is infeasible.
The main testing has been with steel and aluminum. In particular the laser cutting of hundreds of equilateral triangles with alignment holes from a 2mm thick sheets of aluminum has been an excellent start. Their subsequent welding into tetrahedrons and octahedrons has produced a large a demonstration set. As a result I am convinced of advantages of this system and I am excited to where this will lead.
Prior Art There are a large number of geometric modeling kits or units comprised of universal nodes or connectors which can be expanded into structural networks by the interconnection of nodes with connecting struts or spokes. Typically, the struts are elongated with each end being insertable into a selected opening or cavity in a node and, by combining a series of nodes and struts together in different selected angular relationships, numerous three-dimensional figures can be constructed. Such systems or kits have definite aesthetic and structural appeal both from the standpoint of providing a geometric modeling kit or toy for persons of all ages as well as rather sophisticated geometric structural systems.
Representative of such approaches is that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,825 to P. J.
Pearce in which the nodes themselves are made up of radially extending spokes of different cross-sectional configurations which are interconnected together by struts and splice members. The spokes and struts are both shape-coded and in some cases color-coded to facilitate matching up or interconnection of ends of corresponding cross section, as further aided by the use of coupling members there between. Again, however, the node itself is a star-like rigid molded or fabricated device having spokes of various cross-sectional configurations radiating from a common center.
Another approach is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,153. Baer in which a structural network or three-dimensional figure is formed by connection of hall-shaped nodes or connectors and struts into different geometric configurations utilizing the five-fold symmetries of the icosahedron and the dodecahedron. The structural elements must be attached, such as, by welding their ends at different angles to the geometric connectors or nodes to define the different angles of the structural network but without the benefit of shape-coding between the respective nodes and struts.
In the past, construction of the nodes as employed in the Pearce and Baer patents has presented insurmountable problems in terms of one-piece, high strength construction. The nodes of Baer were designed to be essentially of spherical construction, and the geometry of the ball-shaped connectors as employed in Baer or the radiating spokes as employed in Pearce virtually precluded one-piece construction or molding.
9/28 It is therefore proposed to provide a geometric structural system having particular application to modeling kits or toys in which any stresses impinged upon the structure are distributed throughout the structure as opposed to being concentrated upon the nodes only, which are primarily held in place by a mere friction fit. This is more in line with the principles put forward by the main proponent of the octet truss, R. Buckminster Fuller.
Using the three aforementioned polyhedrons that are of uniform material and identical construction eliminates any weak points that are associated with the strut and node space frame construction process.
My system allows the "nodes" to be created by the joining of the triangular faces of the polyhedrons, with the attachment to the nodes being an integral part of the each triangular face. This distributes any stressed impinged upon a model to be distributed throughout the entire triangular face, with joining of the faces giving a much larger cross sectional area for the stresses to act upon.
Advantages over Prior Art The Octet Truss Toy Construction System demonstrates strength of the system.
Any model created with this system that is comprised of the same basic structural material(s) used in actual structures and vehicles will give accurate and useful feedback when subjected to stress tests. Patterns of structural failure will be virtually identical allowing extensive stress testing of various designs. Given its inherent three dimensional stability, this advantage is unprecedented in the toy construction set universe.
Scalability - my toy construction system models not only the shape of a near infinite variety of life sized structures but also model the primary construction methods used to create life sized structures. It merges the space age with prehistoric building block methods. The actual life sized structures created can be small watercraft, individual shelters or gigantic space stations. Simply varying the base polyhedrons size allows the creation of an enormous variety of structures, all using the same basic shapes in construction and often the same methods of securing the polyhedron faces together.
Current toy construction systems only loosely emulate real life construction methods.
While certainly encouraging creativity, current construction toy system components are not the same basic shapes that are used in advanced, real life, feasible, cost effective construction structures. Nor do they effectively emulate the method of construction. The construction of real life structures and vehicles using the Synergetic Space Frame Toy Construction System are possible using base components that are simply larger than those used with the toy system. The base unit shapes and the process of construction are virtually identical. This allows realistic real world experimentation with designs, materials and methods that give vital and immediate informational feedback regarding possible flaws and strengths in a particular design. In addition, there is very little cost associated with this modeling system other than the labor involved in the model's construction and deconstruction which would be minimal given the simplicity of the system.
Construction toy systems that use R. Buckminster Fuller's three dimensional truss system, the octet truss, are nonexistent. The basic building blocks of the system are three polyhedrons; the regular tetrahedron, the regular octahedron, and the regular right
Using the three aforementioned polyhedrons that are of uniform material and identical construction eliminates any weak points that are associated with the strut and node space frame construction process.
My system allows the "nodes" to be created by the joining of the triangular faces of the polyhedrons, with the attachment to the nodes being an integral part of the each triangular face. This distributes any stressed impinged upon a model to be distributed throughout the entire triangular face, with joining of the faces giving a much larger cross sectional area for the stresses to act upon.
Advantages over Prior Art The Octet Truss Toy Construction System demonstrates strength of the system.
Any model created with this system that is comprised of the same basic structural material(s) used in actual structures and vehicles will give accurate and useful feedback when subjected to stress tests. Patterns of structural failure will be virtually identical allowing extensive stress testing of various designs. Given its inherent three dimensional stability, this advantage is unprecedented in the toy construction set universe.
Scalability - my toy construction system models not only the shape of a near infinite variety of life sized structures but also model the primary construction methods used to create life sized structures. It merges the space age with prehistoric building block methods. The actual life sized structures created can be small watercraft, individual shelters or gigantic space stations. Simply varying the base polyhedrons size allows the creation of an enormous variety of structures, all using the same basic shapes in construction and often the same methods of securing the polyhedron faces together.
Current toy construction systems only loosely emulate real life construction methods.
While certainly encouraging creativity, current construction toy system components are not the same basic shapes that are used in advanced, real life, feasible, cost effective construction structures. Nor do they effectively emulate the method of construction. The construction of real life structures and vehicles using the Synergetic Space Frame Toy Construction System are possible using base components that are simply larger than those used with the toy system. The base unit shapes and the process of construction are virtually identical. This allows realistic real world experimentation with designs, materials and methods that give vital and immediate informational feedback regarding possible flaws and strengths in a particular design. In addition, there is very little cost associated with this modeling system other than the labor involved in the model's construction and deconstruction which would be minimal given the simplicity of the system.
Construction toy systems that use R. Buckminster Fuller's three dimensional truss system, the octet truss, are nonexistent. The basic building blocks of the system are three polyhedrons; the regular tetrahedron, the regular octahedron, and the regular right
10/28 pyramid. When combined these three polyhedrons form a three dimensional space filling matrix called either an octet truss or more generally, a space frame.
The present invention comprises a construction toy system which overcomes the foregoing and other problems which have long characterized the prior art.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention, this is the only construction toy system that creates models using the octet truss based on R. Buckminster Fullers' and Alexander Graham Bell's Octet Truss.
The two open faced hollow platonic solids used, the tetrahedron and the octahedron are not used as building blocks in any other toy construction system. The Octet Truss Toy Construction System uses smaller but otherwise virtually identical components to accurately model designs and construction methods that can be used to construct working structures, vehicles or vessels in real life.
Current construction toy system use base components and construction methods only vaguely similar to those used in real life. Children and adults alike can build, experiment, play, stress test, and tear down or permanently construct models of structures, vessels and/or vehicles using my construction toy system.
Later, if builders can acquire the requisite resources, they can then build larger but otherwise identical structures using components and methods identical in every way excepting of course size and functionality.
This improved manufacturing method allows a near endless variety of watercraft, land vehicles and space ships designs that, when constructed for actual use using the same method of assembly as the models, are stronger, cheaper, longer lasting, light-weight, safe and easily extensible.
Drawings - Figures Fig. 1 is an overhead view of the equilateral triangle in that is the face of all the polyhedrons in the Octet Truss Toy Construction System. The regular right pyramid 107 with its square bottom is only an adjunct to the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
Of critical importance to note here is the alignment holes 102 are all evenly spaced and positioned. This allows any triangular face 101 of any polyhedron in the Octet Truss Toy Construction System to be aligned perfectly with any other triangular face 101 even when one of the polyhedrons is rotated sixty one hundred twenty degrees.
Fig. 2 is perspective view of the equilateral triangle in Fig. 1. Note again the position of the alignment holes. This demonstrates that the exact positioning , while important, is not fundamentally important. What is of necessity is the alignment holes 102 must line up exactly with the alignment holes of all of the other faces of the polyhedrons in the Octet Truss Toy Construction System. The holes sizes should also all be the same for each construction set as well. Again, if any triangular face 101 of any polyhedron is rotated sixty degrees or one hundred twenty degrees, the alignment holes must still line up perfectly.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the tetrahedron 110.
The present invention comprises a construction toy system which overcomes the foregoing and other problems which have long characterized the prior art.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention, this is the only construction toy system that creates models using the octet truss based on R. Buckminster Fullers' and Alexander Graham Bell's Octet Truss.
The two open faced hollow platonic solids used, the tetrahedron and the octahedron are not used as building blocks in any other toy construction system. The Octet Truss Toy Construction System uses smaller but otherwise virtually identical components to accurately model designs and construction methods that can be used to construct working structures, vehicles or vessels in real life.
Current construction toy system use base components and construction methods only vaguely similar to those used in real life. Children and adults alike can build, experiment, play, stress test, and tear down or permanently construct models of structures, vessels and/or vehicles using my construction toy system.
Later, if builders can acquire the requisite resources, they can then build larger but otherwise identical structures using components and methods identical in every way excepting of course size and functionality.
This improved manufacturing method allows a near endless variety of watercraft, land vehicles and space ships designs that, when constructed for actual use using the same method of assembly as the models, are stronger, cheaper, longer lasting, light-weight, safe and easily extensible.
Drawings - Figures Fig. 1 is an overhead view of the equilateral triangle in that is the face of all the polyhedrons in the Octet Truss Toy Construction System. The regular right pyramid 107 with its square bottom is only an adjunct to the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
Of critical importance to note here is the alignment holes 102 are all evenly spaced and positioned. This allows any triangular face 101 of any polyhedron in the Octet Truss Toy Construction System to be aligned perfectly with any other triangular face 101 even when one of the polyhedrons is rotated sixty one hundred twenty degrees.
Fig. 2 is perspective view of the equilateral triangle in Fig. 1. Note again the position of the alignment holes. This demonstrates that the exact positioning , while important, is not fundamentally important. What is of necessity is the alignment holes 102 must line up exactly with the alignment holes of all of the other faces of the polyhedrons in the Octet Truss Toy Construction System. The holes sizes should also all be the same for each construction set as well. Again, if any triangular face 101 of any polyhedron is rotated sixty degrees or one hundred twenty degrees, the alignment holes must still line up perfectly.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the tetrahedron 110.
11/28 Fig. 4 is a perspective vie of the octahedron 111. Along with the tetrahedron 110 it is one of the two primary construction units in the octet truss toy construction system. Note the alignment holes. Any face 101 of the octahedron 111 can perfectly align with any face of a tetrahedron when the alignment holes match up and fasteners are used.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the regular right pyramid 107. This polyhedron is an adjunct to the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view an octet truss that illustrates how the tetrahedrons 110 and octahedrons 111 fit together.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of what I define as the most basic octet truss 112. It is comprised of two tetrahedrons 110 with an octahedron 111.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a long single dimension octet truss, an octet truss strip 113.
Fig. 9 is an exploded view of two of the octet truss strips 113 that is displayed in Fig. 8.
Fig. 9 also introduces a barrier 113 between the two trusses. This barrier is not held in place by mechanical means but usually by either a variety of adhesives or welding.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view the two octet trusses in Fig. 9 assembled together.
Fig. 11 is an overhead view of another octet truss assembly 113. It simply begins to showcase the variety of models available. In addition, on the bottom of the figure showcases the use of the regular right pyramid polyhedron 107.
Fig. 12 is an another overhead view of a very large, single layer octet truss.
It again showcases the use of the right regular pyramid 107 along the edges of the structure.
Fig. 13 is an overhead view of the another large octet truss with a different final shape.
Fig. 14 is an exploded overhead view of an extensive single layer octet truss that showcases the use of modules in the creation of very large octet trusses. It also demonstrates the use of two or more trusses in the creation of a structure that is not a pure octet truss. Of special note is the vertical split down the middle which yields a symmetrical structure.
Fig. 15 is an overhead view of an example module 115. An endless variety of module shapes can be created as is normal with many construction sets.
Fig. 16 is an exploded view of an extensive model using a number of modules 115. Of particular importance is the demonstration of a split truss design where the right and left halves cannot be joined with standard octet truss components.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the regular right pyramid 107. This polyhedron is an adjunct to the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view an octet truss that illustrates how the tetrahedrons 110 and octahedrons 111 fit together.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of what I define as the most basic octet truss 112. It is comprised of two tetrahedrons 110 with an octahedron 111.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a long single dimension octet truss, an octet truss strip 113.
Fig. 9 is an exploded view of two of the octet truss strips 113 that is displayed in Fig. 8.
Fig. 9 also introduces a barrier 113 between the two trusses. This barrier is not held in place by mechanical means but usually by either a variety of adhesives or welding.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view the two octet trusses in Fig. 9 assembled together.
Fig. 11 is an overhead view of another octet truss assembly 113. It simply begins to showcase the variety of models available. In addition, on the bottom of the figure showcases the use of the regular right pyramid polyhedron 107.
Fig. 12 is an another overhead view of a very large, single layer octet truss.
It again showcases the use of the right regular pyramid 107 along the edges of the structure.
Fig. 13 is an overhead view of the another large octet truss with a different final shape.
Fig. 14 is an exploded overhead view of an extensive single layer octet truss that showcases the use of modules in the creation of very large octet trusses. It also demonstrates the use of two or more trusses in the creation of a structure that is not a pure octet truss. Of special note is the vertical split down the middle which yields a symmetrical structure.
Fig. 15 is an overhead view of an example module 115. An endless variety of module shapes can be created as is normal with many construction sets.
Fig. 16 is an exploded view of an extensive model using a number of modules 115. Of particular importance is the demonstration of a split truss design where the right and left halves cannot be joined with standard octet truss components.
12/28 List of Reference Numerals 101 equilaterally triangular face that is equivalent on all faces of the two base polyhedrons used in the Octet Truss Toy Construction System 102 alignment holes used to perfectly align faces of the polyhedrons being fastened together.
104 dihedral angle of a tetrahedron approximately 70.53 degrees 105 dihedral angle of an octahedron approximately 109.47 degrees 106 fastener used to hold and clamp polyhedrons together 107 regular right pyramid used as an adjunct to the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
110 the tetrahedron, one of the two base polyhedrons used in the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
111 the octahedron, the second of the two base polyhedrons used in the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
112 minimum basic octet truss comprised of two tetrahedrons and an octahedron fastened together 113 a length of octet truss that is a single truss in depth and height, informally called an octet truss strip.
115 a module of an octet truss that is arbitrarily standardized in size and shape that tends to be frequently used in construction as a shape that is easily transported yet can be constructed in a centralized location thereby allowing rigorous quality control.
104 dihedral angle of a tetrahedron approximately 70.53 degrees 105 dihedral angle of an octahedron approximately 109.47 degrees 106 fastener used to hold and clamp polyhedrons together 107 regular right pyramid used as an adjunct to the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
110 the tetrahedron, one of the two base polyhedrons used in the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
111 the octahedron, the second of the two base polyhedrons used in the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
112 minimum basic octet truss comprised of two tetrahedrons and an octahedron fastened together 113 a length of octet truss that is a single truss in depth and height, informally called an octet truss strip.
115 a module of an octet truss that is arbitrarily standardized in size and shape that tends to be frequently used in construction as a shape that is easily transported yet can be constructed in a centralized location thereby allowing rigorous quality control.
13/28 Definitions Dihedral Angle - also called the face angle - is the internal angle at which two adjacent faces meet in a polyhedron.
Ephemeralization - a term coined by R. Buckminster Fuller, is the ability of technological advancement to do "more and more with less and less until eventually you can do everything with nothing," that is, an accelerating increase in the efficiency of achieving the same or more output (products, services, information, etc.) while requiring less input (effort, time, resources, etc.). Fuller's vision was that ephemeralization will result in ever-increasing standards of living for an ever-growing population despite finite resources.
The concept has been embraced by those who argue against Mathusian philosophy.
Extensibility - a system design principle where the implementation takes future growth into consideration.
Framework - The frame of a structure for enclosing space, or the frame of a roof, wall or floor; used to distinguish from individual frame components of a roof, wall or floor, so as to denote the whole as distinguished from its parts.
Geodesic - Of or pertaining to great circles of a sphere, or of arcs of such circles; as a geodesic line, hence a line which is a great circle or arc thereof; and as a geodesic pattern, hence a pattern created by the intersections of great circle lines or arcs, or their chords.
Half-Octahedron ¨ a regular right pyramid with square bottom. Two of these assembled together bottom to bottom, form a regular octahedron.
Hydrofoil - a wing that 'flies' in water. Hydrofoil is also used to refer to the boat to which the water wings are attached. A hydrofoil boat has two modes of operation: (1) as a normal boat with a hull that displaces water and (2) with the hull completely out of the water and only the foils submerged.
Isotropic Vector Matrix (Octet Truss) - "When the centers of equiradius spheres in closest packing are joined by the most economical lines, i.e., by geodesic vectorial lines, an isotropic vector matrix is disclosed -- 'isotropic' meaning 'everywhere the same,' 'isotropic vector' meaning 'everywhere the same energy conditions.' This matrix constitutes an
Ephemeralization - a term coined by R. Buckminster Fuller, is the ability of technological advancement to do "more and more with less and less until eventually you can do everything with nothing," that is, an accelerating increase in the efficiency of achieving the same or more output (products, services, information, etc.) while requiring less input (effort, time, resources, etc.). Fuller's vision was that ephemeralization will result in ever-increasing standards of living for an ever-growing population despite finite resources.
The concept has been embraced by those who argue against Mathusian philosophy.
Extensibility - a system design principle where the implementation takes future growth into consideration.
Framework - The frame of a structure for enclosing space, or the frame of a roof, wall or floor; used to distinguish from individual frame components of a roof, wall or floor, so as to denote the whole as distinguished from its parts.
Geodesic - Of or pertaining to great circles of a sphere, or of arcs of such circles; as a geodesic line, hence a line which is a great circle or arc thereof; and as a geodesic pattern, hence a pattern created by the intersections of great circle lines or arcs, or their chords.
Half-Octahedron ¨ a regular right pyramid with square bottom. Two of these assembled together bottom to bottom, form a regular octahedron.
Hydrofoil - a wing that 'flies' in water. Hydrofoil is also used to refer to the boat to which the water wings are attached. A hydrofoil boat has two modes of operation: (1) as a normal boat with a hull that displaces water and (2) with the hull completely out of the water and only the foils submerged.
Isotropic Vector Matrix (Octet Truss) - "When the centers of equiradius spheres in closest packing are joined by the most economical lines, i.e., by geodesic vectorial lines, an isotropic vector matrix is disclosed -- 'isotropic' meaning 'everywhere the same,' 'isotropic vector' meaning 'everywhere the same energy conditions.' This matrix constitutes an
14/28 array of equilateral triangles that corresponds with the comprehensive coordination of nature's most economical, most comfortable, structural interrelationships employing 60-degree association and disassociation. Remove the spheres and leave the vectors, and you have the octahedron-tetrahedron complex, the octet truss, the isotropic vector matrix." - R. Buckminster Fuller Mathusian - of or relating to Malthus or to his theory that population tends to increase at a faster rate than its means of subsistence and that unless it is checked by moral restraint or disaster (such as disease, famine, or war) widespread poverty and degradation inevitably result.
Octet Truss ¨ an octahedron-tetrahedron system - an assemblage of octahedrons and tetrahedrons in face to face relationship. I define the most basic octet truss as two tetrahedrons and an octahedron together.
Octet Truss strip - a linear string of more than one basic octet truss fastened together with only one layer of octet truss. A one dimensional octet truss.
Octet Truss platform - a two dimensional octet truss comprised of two or more octet truss strips together in a non linear relationship.
Octet Truss structure - a combination of a minimum of three octet truss strips together in a non linear relationship. It measures more than one layer of octet truss in every dimension -length, width and breadth.
Polyhedron - In elementary geometry a polyhedron (plural polyhedra or polyhedrons) is a geometric solid in three dimensions with flat faces and straight edges Regular Octahedron - an polyhedron having eight equilateral triangular plane faces or sides;
may be skeletal as when made of interconnected struts; or continuous as when made of interlocking or interconnected sheets or plates; or partly skeletal and partly continuous.
Regular Tetrahedron - A polyhedron having four equal equilaterally triangular plane faces or sides. Like the octahedron, it may be skeletal, continuous, or a combination of the skeletal and continuous forms.
Spherical - Having the form of a sphere; includes bodies having the form of a portion of a sphere; also includes polygonal bodies whose sides are so numerous that they appear to be substantially spherical.
Octet Truss ¨ an octahedron-tetrahedron system - an assemblage of octahedrons and tetrahedrons in face to face relationship. I define the most basic octet truss as two tetrahedrons and an octahedron together.
Octet Truss strip - a linear string of more than one basic octet truss fastened together with only one layer of octet truss. A one dimensional octet truss.
Octet Truss platform - a two dimensional octet truss comprised of two or more octet truss strips together in a non linear relationship.
Octet Truss structure - a combination of a minimum of three octet truss strips together in a non linear relationship. It measures more than one layer of octet truss in every dimension -length, width and breadth.
Polyhedron - In elementary geometry a polyhedron (plural polyhedra or polyhedrons) is a geometric solid in three dimensions with flat faces and straight edges Regular Octahedron - an polyhedron having eight equilateral triangular plane faces or sides;
may be skeletal as when made of interconnected struts; or continuous as when made of interlocking or interconnected sheets or plates; or partly skeletal and partly continuous.
Regular Tetrahedron - A polyhedron having four equal equilaterally triangular plane faces or sides. Like the octahedron, it may be skeletal, continuous, or a combination of the skeletal and continuous forms.
Spherical - Having the form of a sphere; includes bodies having the form of a portion of a sphere; also includes polygonal bodies whose sides are so numerous that they appear to be substantially spherical.
15/28 Synergetics - the empirical study of systems in transformation, with an emphasis on total system behavior unpredicted by the behavior of any isolated components, including humanity's role as both participant and observer. Since systems are identifiable at every scale from the quantum level to the cosmic, and humanity both articulates the behavior of these systems and is composed of these systems, synergetics is a very broad discipline, and embraces a broad range of scientific and philosophical studies including tetrahedral and close-packed-sphere geometries, thermodynamics, chemistry, psychology, biochemistry, economics, philosophy and theology. Despite a few mainstream endorsements such as articles by Arthur Loeb and the naming of a molecule "buckminsterfullerene,"
synergetics remains an iconoclastic subject ignored by most traditional curricula and academic departments.
Synergy - The behavior of a system as a whole unpredicted by its parts.
Thermoplastic polymer - is a plastic which becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and returns to a solid state upon cooling.
Thermosetting polymer ¨ is a plastic that irreversibly cures. Once hardened a thermoset resin cannot be reheated and melted to be shaped differently.
The meanings of these and other terms used in describing the invention will be more fully comprehended when considered with reference to the accompanying drawings and diagrams and the explanation thereof.
synergetics remains an iconoclastic subject ignored by most traditional curricula and academic departments.
Synergy - The behavior of a system as a whole unpredicted by its parts.
Thermoplastic polymer - is a plastic which becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and returns to a solid state upon cooling.
Thermosetting polymer ¨ is a plastic that irreversibly cures. Once hardened a thermoset resin cannot be reheated and melted to be shaped differently.
The meanings of these and other terms used in describing the invention will be more fully comprehended when considered with reference to the accompanying drawings and diagrams and the explanation thereof.
16/28 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS
Publication Citing Patent Filing date date Applicant Title Richard Synergetic US2986241 Feb 7, 1956 May 30, 1961 Buckminster building Fuller construction Richard US2682235 Dec 12, 1951 June 29, 1954 Buckminster Building Construction Fuller J. G. Construction US2,843,971 Aug 9, 1955 July 22, 1958 GardeIlin Toy Block Construction D. G. of US3,341,989A July 15, 1965 Sep 19, 1967 Emmerich Stereometric Domes Instructional US2,839,841 April 30, 1956 June 24, 1958 J.E. Berry Building Blocks Space U53,854,255 Oct 24, 1972 Dec 17, 1974 R. L. Baker Enclosing Structure Space US4,258,513 Aug. 8,1979 Mar 31, 1981 H. Bergman Enclosing Structure Paul R.
Hildebrandt, Geometric U5RE33785E Oct 18, 1989 Dec 31, 1991 Marc G. Modeling Kit Pelletier US4,271,628 Aug. 6, 1979 June 9, 1981 J. V. Barlow Toy Apparatus Recreational kit for U54,326,354 Apr 14, 1980 Apr 27, 1982 C. E. Haberg constructing objects Body having through holes and a method US4,348,830 Oct 2, 1978 Sep 14, 1092 C. E. Haberg for manufacturing said body Steven F.
Connections US6840699 Nov 1, 2002 Jan 11, 2005 Rogers, Paul for geometric R.
Hildebrandt modeling kit
Publication Citing Patent Filing date date Applicant Title Richard Synergetic US2986241 Feb 7, 1956 May 30, 1961 Buckminster building Fuller construction Richard US2682235 Dec 12, 1951 June 29, 1954 Buckminster Building Construction Fuller J. G. Construction US2,843,971 Aug 9, 1955 July 22, 1958 GardeIlin Toy Block Construction D. G. of US3,341,989A July 15, 1965 Sep 19, 1967 Emmerich Stereometric Domes Instructional US2,839,841 April 30, 1956 June 24, 1958 J.E. Berry Building Blocks Space U53,854,255 Oct 24, 1972 Dec 17, 1974 R. L. Baker Enclosing Structure Space US4,258,513 Aug. 8,1979 Mar 31, 1981 H. Bergman Enclosing Structure Paul R.
Hildebrandt, Geometric U5RE33785E Oct 18, 1989 Dec 31, 1991 Marc G. Modeling Kit Pelletier US4,271,628 Aug. 6, 1979 June 9, 1981 J. V. Barlow Toy Apparatus Recreational kit for U54,326,354 Apr 14, 1980 Apr 27, 1982 C. E. Haberg constructing objects Body having through holes and a method US4,348,830 Oct 2, 1978 Sep 14, 1092 C. E. Haberg for manufacturing said body Steven F.
Connections US6840699 Nov 1, 2002 Jan 11, 2005 Rogers, Paul for geometric R.
Hildebrandt modeling kit
17/28 Citing Patent Filing date Publication Applicant Title date Steven F. Connections US20040086327 Nov 1, 2002 Jan 11, 2005 Rogers, Paul for geometric R. modeling kit Hildebrandt CANADIAN PATENTS
Interfacings Between CA 2610607 Mar 30, 2006 Oct 25, 2011 Joel I.
Block Type Glickman and Rod and Connector Type CA 2596581 Feb 8, 2006 Aug 7, 2012 Henrik A
Toy Andersen Building Set1.1. A construction toy building set whose primary structural components are a plurality of hollow open-faced building blocks in the form of regular tetrahedrons and regular octahedrons with identically sized equilaterally triangular faces.
1.2 The toy building set of 1.1 wherein each building block can be attached to a non-identical polyhedron with a face to face attachment means to create an octet truss structure.
1.21 The toy building set of claim 1.2 wherein the means for temporary attachment includes fasteners inserted through alignment holes that are equidistant from the nearest vertex of said polyhedrons and located around the periphery of each equilaterally triangular face.
1.22 The toy building set of claim 1.2 wherein building blocks are permanently attached to non identical polyhedrons wherein the means for permanent attachment include either a non-soluble adhesive or welding.
1.3 The toy building set of claim 1.1 wherein the aforementioned building blocks are made of either plastic or metal.
1.4 The toy building set of 1.1 wherein said polyhedrons are of sufficient size and the requisite material of adequate tensile strength to weight ratio whereby when the triangular faces are fastened together subsequently demonstrates effectively the uniform structural rigidity of the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
Interfacings Between CA 2610607 Mar 30, 2006 Oct 25, 2011 Joel I.
Block Type Glickman and Rod and Connector Type CA 2596581 Feb 8, 2006 Aug 7, 2012 Henrik A
Toy Andersen Building Set1.1. A construction toy building set whose primary structural components are a plurality of hollow open-faced building blocks in the form of regular tetrahedrons and regular octahedrons with identically sized equilaterally triangular faces.
1.2 The toy building set of 1.1 wherein each building block can be attached to a non-identical polyhedron with a face to face attachment means to create an octet truss structure.
1.21 The toy building set of claim 1.2 wherein the means for temporary attachment includes fasteners inserted through alignment holes that are equidistant from the nearest vertex of said polyhedrons and located around the periphery of each equilaterally triangular face.
1.22 The toy building set of claim 1.2 wherein building blocks are permanently attached to non identical polyhedrons wherein the means for permanent attachment include either a non-soluble adhesive or welding.
1.3 The toy building set of claim 1.1 wherein the aforementioned building blocks are made of either plastic or metal.
1.4 The toy building set of 1.1 wherein said polyhedrons are of sufficient size and the requisite material of adequate tensile strength to weight ratio whereby when the triangular faces are fastened together subsequently demonstrates effectively the uniform structural rigidity of the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
Claims
1.2 The toy building set of 1.1 wherein each building block can be attached to a non-identical polyhedron with a face to face attachment means to create an octet truss structure.
1.21 The toy building set of claim 1.2 wherein the means for temporary attachment includes fasteners inserted through alignment holes that are equidistant from the nearest vertex of said polyhedrons and located around the periphery of each equilaterally triangular face.
1.22 The toy building set of claim 1.2 wherein building blocks are permanently attached to non identical polyhedrons wherein the means for permanent attachment include either a non-soluble adhesive or welding.
1.3 The toy building set of claim 1.1 wherein the aforementioned building blocks are made of either plastic or metal.
1.4 The toy building set of 1.1 wherein said polyhedrons are of sufficient size and the requisite material of adequate tensile strength to weight ratio whereby when the triangular faces are fastened together subsequently demonstrates effectively the uniform structural rigidity of the Octet Truss Toy Construction System.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3053065A CA3053065A1 (en) | 2019-08-22 | 2019-08-22 | Octet truss toy construction system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3053065A CA3053065A1 (en) | 2019-08-22 | 2019-08-22 | Octet truss toy construction system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3053065A1 true CA3053065A1 (en) | 2021-02-22 |
Family
ID=74679094
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3053065A Abandoned CA3053065A1 (en) | 2019-08-22 | 2019-08-22 | Octet truss toy construction system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3053065A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210349441A1 (en) * | 2020-05-07 | 2021-11-11 | Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited | Systems and methods for generation of a truss |
-
2019
- 2019-08-22 CA CA3053065A patent/CA3053065A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210349441A1 (en) * | 2020-05-07 | 2021-11-11 | Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited | Systems and methods for generation of a truss |
| US11693390B2 (en) * | 2020-05-07 | 2023-07-04 | Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited | Systems and methods for generation of a truss |
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