EP0477306A1

EP0477306A1 - Method of wiring for the electrification of 2-dimensional nets imbedded in euclidean space of 2- or 3-dimensions

Info

Publication number: EP0477306A1
Application number: EP19910905005
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Yannopoulos
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-03-02
Filing date: 1991-03-01
Publication date: 1992-04-01
Also published as: JPH04507188A; GR1000632B; GR900100151A; AU7338091A; WO1991013425A1

Abstract

Un procédé de câblage électrique dit "câblage orthorhombique" permet d'assurer le soutien structural et l'alimentation en énergie électrique ou en information de réseaux bidimensionnels de charges électriques. Les éléments du réseau bidimensionnel peuvent être coplanaires (c'est-à-dire, être situés dans un espace euclidéen bidimensionnel) ou non coplanaires (c'est-à-dire situés dans un espace euclidéen tridimensionnel). Ces réseaux sont toujours dans un mode isostatique extensible sous effort et sous contrainte. L'invention concerne des configurations géométriques et des topologies susceptibles d'être construites au moyen de ce câblage orthorhombique, ainsi que des applications préférentielles et alternatives. L'application préférentielle concerne la fabrication industrielle de grilles bidimensionnelles formées de câbles et de lampes d'éclairage d'espaces urbains et architecturaux. En général, l'invention rend possible ou facilite la fabrication d'une grande diversité de dispositifs que l'état actuel de l'art ne permet pas d'obtenir. Ce procédé de câblage est particulièrement utile pour assurer le soutien structural et l'électrification de réseaux de ces dispositifs sur de larges surfaces, sans supports intermédiaires, ou de réseaux à géométries complexes, impossibles à construire par d'autres moyens. Finalement, l'invention concerne des matériaux et des procédés de production et d'emballage.An electrical wiring process called "orthorhombic wiring" provides structural support and the supply of electrical energy or information to two-dimensional networks of electrical charges. The elements of the two-dimensional network can be coplanar (that is to say, be located in a two-dimensional Euclidean space) or non-coplanar (that is, located in a three-dimensional Euclidean space). These networks are always in an isostatic mode which can be extended under stress and under stress. The invention relates to geometric configurations and topologies capable of being constructed using this orthorhombic wiring, as well as preferential and alternative applications. The preferred application relates to the industrial manufacture of two-dimensional grids formed by cables and lamps for lighting urban and architectural spaces. In general, the invention makes possible or facilitates the manufacture of a wide variety of devices that the current state of the art does not allow to obtain. This cabling process is particularly useful for ensuring the structural support and electrification of networks of these devices over large areas, without intermediate supports, or of networks with complex geometries, impossible to build by other means. Finally, the invention relates to materials and methods of production and packaging.

Description

METHOD OF WIRING FOR THE ELECTRIFICATION OF 2-DIMENSIONAL NETS IMBEDDED IN EUCLIDEAN SPACE OF 2- OR 3- DIMENSIONS

ABSTRACT The Present Invention describes a method of electrical wiring, called "Rhombic Wiring" for the structural support and for the supply of electrical energy or information to 2-dimensional arrays of electrical loads. The elements of the said 2-dimensional array may be either coplanar (ie imbedded in 2-dimensional Euclidean Space) or non-coplanar (ie imbedded in 3-dimensional Euclidean Space). The said arrays are always in isostatic, tensile mode of stress and strain.

The possible topologies and geometric configurations which are constructible by use of said Rhombic Wiring are briefly enumerated.

Also described are Preferred and Alternative Applications. The Preferred Application refers to the industrial fabrication of 2-dimensional nets comprised of wiring and luminaires for the illumination of urban and architectural spaces. In general, the Present Invention enables or facilitates the manufacturing of a wide variety of artifacts not available at present by the State of the Art. It is especially suited for the structural support and electrification of Arrays of said Artifacts spanni ng large areas, without intermediate support, or those having complex geometries, not constructi ble by other means.

Finally, information concerning materials and methods of production & packaging is conveyed in brief form. The following articles describing the Present Invention are included :

Description [pp. 2-12]

1.1 History and background of the Invention

and previous State of the Art. [p. 2 ]

1.2 Preferred Embodiment of the Invention [pp. 3- 8]

1.2.1 Geometric Description of Array [pp. 3- 4] 1.2.2 Electrical Description of Wiring [p. 4 3

1.2.3 Other Conformations [pp. 4- 7]

1.2.4 Comparison between "Rhombic Wiring"

and "Rectangular Wiring" [pp. 7- 8] 1.3 Materials & Technologies [pp. 8-11]

1.3.1 Materials [pp. 8- 9]

1.3.2 Structure [pp. 9-10]

1.3.3 Manufacturing [pp.10-11] 1.4 Other Alternative Applications of

the Invention [pp.11-12]

1.5 Description of Drawings & Diagrams [p. 12 ] Claims [pp.13-16]

2.1 Primary Claims [p. 14 ] 2.1 Derived Claims [pp.14-16]

3. Summary [p. 17 ]

1. DESCRIPTION 1.1 HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

The mathematical theory for calculating the relationship of Potential Difference, Current and Resistance of passive electrical networks was developed by Kirkhoff and others in the 19th century and is well known and accepted till today. On the other hand all possible applications have not been developed due to the specific practical needs and preferences of each era. More specifically, the full set of possible arrays of electrical loads (in the case of 2- or 3- dimensional arrays), has not been exhaustively developed, in theory and application. The Present Invention belongs to the latter category.

Independently of the History of Electricity, various forms of nets similar to those used by the Present Invention have been developed in the past for various applications such as fishing nets, the support of tents, the construction of chickenwire, cargo and shopping nets, nets used in sports, and a few such selective applications. Nevertheless, irrespective of the geometric similarity of the Present Invention with such previous applications, such conformations have not been previously electrified for the supply of power to arrays of electrical loads.

It is significant that, from the point of view of technological application, the present State of the Art has not produced electrical nets such as are described by the Present Invention and no known such artifacts exist in the present time. Additionally, as will be described hereinafter, the Present Invention makes possible a large set of geometric shapes and manifolds which permit an equally large set of totally new applications. 1.2 PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

1.2.1 GEOMETRIC DESCRI PTION OF ARRAY

The coordinate system used for the description of the Orthogonal Versions of the Array is shown in Diagram 1. Accordingly, we define the following directions :

* X-Direction or [X] : Left-Right

* Y-Direction or [Y] : Bottom-Top

* N-Direction or [N] : Diagonal from Top-Left to Bottom-Right

* Z-Direction or [Z] : Diagonal from Bottom-Left to Top-Right

(Helpfull hint : The diagonals of letters [N] & [Z] indicate intuitively the direction described).

Similarly, for Polar Versions of the Array, see Diagram 2. The conventions used in this case are :

* X-Direction or [X] : Along a perimeter (concentric)

* Y-Direction or [Y] : Along a radius (radial).

* [N] & [Z] : Similar to the orthogonal version assuming we consid- er the radial direction as the vertical.

For both orthogonal and polar versions, those Nodes of the Array which are alligned along [X] will be called "Rows". Those alligned along [Y] will be called "Columns". Any Node will therefore be uniquely specifled with a pair of numbers, one for Row and one for Column.

To complete our definitions, each Node in the Array has a Left side or [L] and a Right side or [R]. Each pair (of left & right) will always be considered as alligned along [X], ie along Rows.

Based on the above definitions, and as may be indicated in Diagram 3 (for the orthogonal version) and Diagram 4 (for the polar version), the precise description of the proposed Wiring is as follows :

"The Right side [R] of any Node at Column(N) & Row(M) is wired to the Left side [L] of two Nodes, one at Column (N+1) & Row(M-1), and the other at Column (N+1) & Row (M+1) ".

Or equivalently :

"The Left side [L] of any Node at Column(N) & Row(M) is wired to the Right side [R] of two Nodes, one at Column(N-1) & Row(M-1), and the other at Column(N-1) & Row(M+1) ".

As may be seen, the specific and identifying property of the Present Invention is that the Wiring is always in the Diagonal Directions [N] & [Z]. This clearly distinguishes it from the alternative Form of Wiring which are in the [X] & [Y] directions. We shall hereinafter refer to [N]/[Z] Wiring as "Rhombic Wiring", in contradistinction to

[X]/[Y] Wiring which we shall call "Rectangular Wiring". These two forms of Wiring are illustrated in Diagram 5.

Some very important distinctions between the behaviors of the two Forms of Wiring are described in Article 1.2.4, following.

Another description of the proposed "Rhombic Wiring" is that :

"From Node to Node, the Wiring connects alternately along [N] & [Z]. with Odd-Even Parity "

This is equivalent to the practical observation, shown in Diagram 6, that in "Rhombic Wiring" the wires never cross. This is in contradistinction to "Rectangular Wiring" where the wires always cross.

1.2.2 ELECTRICAL DESCRIPTION OF WIRING

Electrically, the wiring used in the Present Invention may be classified as "parallel" (or "antiparallei") with the two additional conditions that it is also 2-dimensional and "Rhombic", as was defined previously in Art 1.2.1.

In calculating the Amperage, it should be noted that each set of Nodes (ie the locations of the Electrical Load) in a Column receives half the Current of each wire. This is so because each wire supplies electricity alternately to two neighboring Columns.

Therefore, removing the current from one wire will extinguish electrical supply to two Columns.

As discribed in further detail in Article 1.2.4, following, the wires do not cross in "Rhombic Wiring". This is in contradistinction to "Rectangular Wiring" where wires always cross (see Drawing 6). This is a distinct advantage of "Rhombic Wiring" and permits fixtures at the location of Nodes which are simpler & cheaper and which greatly reduce the possibility of shorting.

It may be proved that "Rhombic Wiring" and "Rectangular Wiring", as previously defined, are the only two possible fundamental modes of wiring for electrification of 2-dimensional Arrays of Loads. All other modes are topological variations of these two.

1.2.3 OTHER CONFORMATIONS

A great flexibility of conformation of the Array is possible with "Rhombic Wiring". Assuming the boundaries of the Array are defined as a rectangle ABCD (see Diagram 5) the following conformations are pos sible:

CATEGORY I :

If points A,B,C,D are Coplanar, ie if the Array is imbedded in two- dimensional Euclidean Space ("flat" Surface) we have the following main classes of options :

a. The spacing of the nodes may vary in the following three main modes. These are shown in Diagram 7.

i. Regular

In this mode all wires have equal length and the only variable is the magnitude of the distance.

ii. Harmonic The distance between Rows of Nodes varies according to a rule but all Columns behave similarly. This mode is a specially suited for polar or fan-shaped conformations or for certain conformations embedded in 3-dimensional Euclidian Space (See Diagram 8).

iii. Obiique

In this mode the distances between Rows in each Column vary alternately. The rule is applied obliquely in neighboring Columns.

Aside from the trivial case of Random Spacing, all other cases of Spacing are combinations of the above listed Main Modes of Spacing

b. For each mode of spacing the Array may be conformed in either Orthogonal or Polar Version.

If AD is connected to BC, ie if the last Column is connected to the first (defined as a "Wraparound") according to the standard rule of connections described in Art 1.2.1, then the Array forms a Cylinder topologically. The cylinder may be flattened to form a Disk, which is equivalent to what we have called the Polar Version. While this version is Coplanar, it is obvious that the 3-dimensional imbedding is also possible (see Diagram 9).

CATEGORY II :

If points A,B,C,D are not Coplanar the Array is imbedded in 3-dimentional Euclidean Space, ie it "looks like a 3-d object". "Rhombic Wiring" is quite superior to any other type of 2-dimentional wiring in that, even with Regular (ie equidistant) wiring between Nodes it can flexibly be stretched to produce the greatest varieties of geomet ric form. This is described in further detail in 1.2.4, following. It is obviously also much superior to any assembly of 1-dimensional wirings (ie the standard, existing types of "parallel" or "series" wiring, currently available by the State of the Art) for the purpose of producing precisely conformed Luminaires to fit specific Architectural or Urban Spaces (ie in the case of The Preferred Application).

The conformal stretching of the "Rhombic Wiring" in 3-Dimensional Euclidean Space may vary according to the following set of options : a. Spacing of the nodes

This may follow the "regular", "harmonic" or "oblique" modes as previously defined in this article.

b. The Array may have Zero, One or Two Wraparounds.

i. Zero-Wraparound

ABCD is not wrapped-around, ie AB is not joined to DC (first to last Rows) and AD is not joined to BC (first to last Columns).

The 3-dimentional imbeddings possible are Hyperbolic Paraboloids, all tent forms and in general all double-curvature, anticlastic open surfaces. Additionally, all forms anchored (along Rows or Columns) on walls, vaults or other building elements, however curvilinear or, serpentine or angular, are easily feasible. In the latter case, the form is imparted by the building element (see Diagram 10).

A perticularly valuable application is the barrel-vault. Either independent luminaires in the form of barrel vaults, or luminaires suspended on existing built barrel vaults, permit perhaps the only reasonable way for illuminating this form.

ii. One-Wraparound

Either AB is joined to DC (first Row joined to last) or AD is joined to BC (first Column joined to last). Both options produce a manifold which is topologically equivalent to a Cylinder. The difference between the two types of joining is that the former is preferably stretchable along the length of the "Cylinder", while the latter is preferably stretchable along the girth of the "Cylinder".

The 3-dimensional Euclidean imbeddings possible by stretching this Array are : all Hyperboloids, Mushroom Forms, Cones, Circular Vaults, Lenticular Forms, etc (see Drawing

11). Used with the Oblique mode of Spacing (see above) and appropriately twisted, several types of spiral or helicoidal forms may be produced. i i i . Two-Wraparounds

Both AB is joined to DC and AD to BC (ie first Row connects to last AND first Column connects to last).

This produces a Toroidal Manifold. It would be extremely difficult to electrify an Array of this form with other than "Rhombic Wiring".

1.2.4 COMPARISONS BETWEEN "RHOMBIC WIRING" AND "RECTANGULAR WIRING" "Rhombic Wiring" (ie in the [N] & [Z] directions) has several distinct advantages when compared to "Rectangular Wiring" (ie in the [X] & [Z] directions) : a. Stretching an Array ABCD constructed with "Rhombic Wiring" will not distort the rectangularity of ABCD, in contradistinction to stretching an Array ABCD constructed with "Rectangular Wiring" which will indeed distort the rectangular ity of ABCD severely. Upon examination of Diagram 12 it will be obvious that the following rule is true :

" Rhombic Wiring is rigid in the diagonal directions [N] & [Z] and stretchable in the orthogonal directions [X] & [Y]. The opposite is true for Rectangular Wiring which is rigid in the orthogonal directions [X] & [Y] while stretchable in the diagonal directions [N] & [Z] ". In practical applications foreseen by the Present Invention this special property of Rhombic Winding means that a great variety of Architectural and Urban Spaces may be electrified (or Illuminated, in the case of the Preferred Application) by simple stretching of a single net.

Since one size of Net will service a much larger set of Spaces, it is obvious that it is greatly more amenable to Industrial Mass Production than Rectangular Wiring which has to be precisely dimensioned for each separate application.

The degrees of freedom possible to a regular Rhombic Net (with distance between Nodes = K) is shown in Diagram 13. b. The Industrial Loom used to produce "Rhombic Wiring" is much more efficient than that used to produce "Rectangular Wiring". Because "Rhombic Wiring" is stretchable along [X] & [Y] the Loom may be much narrower than that required for "Rectangular Wiring". This is shown in Drawing 14.

The technological advantages of this feature are described in Art. 1.3, following.

c. "Rhombic Wiring" is easier to package.

Because the nets produced with "Rhombic Wiring" are manufactured in narrow form they are easy to package and transport.

d. The Wires in "Rhombic Wiring" never cross on Nodes, while those in "Rectangular Wiring" always do.

As may be seen in Drawing 6, the Wires in "Rhombic Wiring" pass side by side as they would in the familiar "Parallel Wiring" used in One-dimensional Arrays. "Rhombic Wiring" is the only, mode which may be used on Two-dimensional Arrays which maintains this property.

Also, because in "Rhombic Wiring" the wires are coplanar (in the same 2-dimentional surface) the stresses on the wires, in all cases where the net is tensile mode of stress, are also coplanar. Therefore, the Nodes on which the wiring is attached does not twist (ie there are no Moments). Thus the Nodes are automatically alligned even in cases where the Array is curved in three dimentions (as described in Art. 1.2.1, previously). This is not so for "Rectangular Wiring" where the slightest misal lignment of stresses may easily twist the Nodes.

Electrically, crossing the wires necessitates additional care for insulation between them, makes it more difficult to attach the Luminaire (in the case of the Preferred Application) and in general it is likely to require more complex fittings.

1.3 MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGIES

1.3.1 MATERIALS

Materials used at Nodes (ie at the locations where electrical loads are connected to the "Rhombic" Net), in the case of the Preferred Application, may be either of the following :

a. Luminous Sources

i. Lamps

In terms of Type these may be Incandescent Filament, Discharge (hot-cathode such as fluorescent lamps, or coldcathode such as neon-type lamps), high-or low- pressure, steady or intermittent, or any other type supplied by electrical technology.

In terms of shape these may be round or linear or any other shape.

ii. Light Emission Diodes

iii. Lasers

iv. Electroluminescent Sources

v. Other sources of light yet invented or not.

b. Bases

Bases used may be any appropriate bases or joints needed to support the light sources, or connect them to the net, electrically and/or structurally, yet available or not.

c. Assemblies

Assemblies may be any aggregation of luminous sources, wiring, electronic, bases, mechanical or structural parts, decorative forms, etc, such as for example complex luminaires. These are considered as Nodes so long as they are connected using "Rhombic Wiring" and are arranged in the corresponding Array forms.

Functionally, it must be noted that, whatever the system of Light Sources, Bases or Assemblies employed, the Illumination supplied is uniform and spread out. While the total Wattage used may be quite large, the users are not blinded. This is an inherent property of the Array distribution. In applications such as for example Sports Stadiums the advantages of this method of Illumination may be easily appreciated.

1.3.2 STRUCTURE

In the Preferred Application the wiring connecting the Nodes is in the tensile mode of stress.

The net thus produced may be self-supporting or not. In the former case the electrical wires conducting electricity are also structural and operate in the tensile mode of stress (notwithstanding any specific restrictions to such application imposed by various local or international codes and regulations). In the latter case the electrical net is supported, wholy or partially, by an independent structurealso in the tensile mode of stress. This independent structure may be either parallel to the electrical conductors (even to the extent of being coaxial to it) or may possess a geometry which differs from that of the electrical conductors. In this context, we wish to clearly differentiate the Present Invention from applications where either each Luminaire is suspended individually, or in linear groups (one-dimensional Arrays), or where the Luminaires are mounted directly on rigid or suspended ceiling struc¬tures. In the case of the present Invention the whole Array is suspended as a whole, usually from its perimeter, or from four points in its perimeter (in the case of the Orthogonal Versions), or from center and perimeter in the case of the Polar Versions. This does not preclude the use of tie-lines, mounted on the Nodes (usually the tail of the Nodes) and anchored on the permanent structure, as in the case where peculiar shapes must be produced, such as are not listed in Art. 1.2.3.

A 2-dimensional Luminaire constructed in this fashion, because of itsextreme lightness, and due to the stretchability imparted to it by the "Rhombic Wiring" is perhaps the most reasonable way to Illuminate very large Architectural or Urban Spaces, interior or exterior. It is especially appropriate for spanning spaces where no support exists in the middle of the space, such as sports stadiums, city squares, gardens, etc. State of the Art does not provide a comparable option at Present.

We may add here that the mode of stress peculiar to an Array with Rhombic Wiring, supported as described above, is structurally Isostatic. The Array will automatically assume a form so that the stresses in each wire become equal. By the term "automatically" we mean that the dynamics of the structure tend towards stable equilibrium. In terms of analysis, such structures are best solved with simulation of Cellular Automata rather than with classical analysis. The elements in each location of the Array are interdependent and mutually supportive and communicate information about the State of Strain to eachother so as to achieve equipotentiality. 1.3.3 MANUFACTURING

Because "Rhombic Wiring" is stretchable along [X] & [Y], the Loom or other device used to stretch the wires may be much narrower than that required for "Rectangular Winding" (see Diagram 14). In practice, in case of "Rhombic Winding", the wires are all laid out in parallel fashion and close to eachother along the [Y] direction. This is in contradistinction to "Rectangular Wiring" where the wires must be laid out perpendicularly to eachother and be at the same distance to eachother as will appear in the final form of the net.

Aside from the fact that, in the case of "Rhombic Wiring", the closeness of the parallel wires permits a much narrower Loom, this also permits the easy fixing of the Nodes on the wires. The Rows in this method are composed of Nodes which are close to eachother or even in contact.

The closeness of the Nodes in each Row facilitates the mechanization of production of whole Rows at a time. Additionally, the linearity of the assembly permits continuous production.

This method of production is innovative in Electrical Technology.

1.4 OTHER ALTERNATIVE APPLICATIONS OF INVENTION

Except for uses described in the Preferred Application (Articles 1.2 & 1.3), the following additional applications are considered as being within the Scope and Spirit of the Present Invention :

a. Other Uses except for Illumination

i. The support and wiring of Acoustic Transducers, such as speakers, microphones, etc

ii. The support and wiring of Scientific Instruments or Detectors or Actuators, or for the conversion, transduction, conveyance or processing of Information of any kind, whether

Digital or Analog.

iii. The support and wiring of Systems for the Collection or Radiation of Energy, such as Solar Panels, Heating Devices, etc.

iv. The support and wiring of Display Devices, such as those used for Advertizing, Publicity, the Conveyance of Messages or Information, written, aural or visual, or for the Soliciting of Customers, etc.

v. The support and wiring of Devices used for the establishment of Electrostatic Fields.

vi. The support and wiring of devices used as Antennas or Lenses for the focusing of Electromagnetic Waves. b. Use in Locations other that the Terrestrial Atmosphere

i. Use in Outer Space.

ii. Use in Water, saline or other.

c. Use of Energy Conductors other than Electrical Wiring

i. Use of Optic Fibers or other waveguides for the conveyance of Light or Electromagnetic Waves of whatever frequency, regular or modulated.

ii. Use of transparent tubes filled with Electroluminescent fluid or solid tubes performing the same function. d. The Construction of Composite Assemblies of "Rhombic" Nets. e. The Nesting of Subassemblies of Rhombic Nets within the cells of larger Rhombic Nets. 1.5 DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS AND DIAGRAMS

The following Diagrams form an integral part of the Present Invention and are appended thereunto.

Diagram 1 : Names of the Coordinate Axes used to describe the Main Orientations of the Rectangular Version of the Present Invention.

Diagram 2 : Names of the Coordinate Axes used to describe the Main Orientations of the Polar Version of the Present Invention

Diagram 3 : Definition of "Rows", "Columns" & "Left-Right" (Handedness) of Nodes in the Rectangular Version of the Present Invention

Diagram 4 : Definition of "Rows", "Columns" 8. "Left-Right" (Handedness) of Nodes in the Polar Version of the Present Invention

Diagram 5 : "Rhombic" vs "Rectangular" Wiring

Diagram 6 : Crossing of wires at the Nodes of "Rhombic" and "Rectangular" Wiring.

Diagram 7 : Three Modes of Spacing used in "Rhombic" Wiring.

Diagram 8 : Examples of the "Harmonic" Mode of Spacing.

Diagram 9 : Zero- & One-Wraparound.

Diagram 10 : "Rhombic" Net of Zero-Wraparound anchored along Curved.

Wall.

Diagram 11 : Examples of Nets of One-Wraparound.

Diagram 12 : Stretching "Rhombic" & "Rectangular" Nets.

Diagram 13 : Degrees of Freedom for Stretching "Rhombic" Nets.

Diagram 14 : Looms needed for Fabrication of "Rhombic" & "Rectangular" Nets.

Claims

2. CLAIMS

The Definitions of Terms, Coordinate Systems and Conventions employed in the Articles which enumerate the Claims of the Present Invention (2.2 & 2.2) are approximately the same as those used in Art 1.2.1, previously.

The coordinate system used for the description of the Orthogonal Vet—sions of the Present Invention is defined as follows :

* X-Direction or [X] Left-Right

* Y-Direction or [Y] Bottom-Top

* N-Direction or [N] Diagonal from Top-Left to Bottom-Right

* Z-Direction or [Z] Diagonal from Bottom-Left to Top-Right

The Boundary of the Array comprising the Present Invention in the Orthogonal Version is a rectangle defined as ABCD.

The coordinate system used for the description of the Polar Version of the Present Invention is defined as follows :

* X-Direction or [X] : Along a perimeter (concentric)

* Y-Direction or [Y] : Along a radius (radial).

* [N] & [Z] : Similar to the orthogonal version assuming we consider the radial direction as the vertical.

The Polar Version of the Array comprising the Present Invention is defined by considering either AB as collinear (joined) to DC, or AD as collinear to BC. This joining of edges is defined as a "Wraparound". For both Orthogonal and Polar Versions, those Nodes of the Array which are alligned along [X] will be called "Rows". Those alligned along [Y] will be called "Columns".

Each Node in the Array has a Left side or [L] and a Right side or [R] (defined as Handedness). Each pair will always be considered as alligned along [X], ie along Rows.

For both Orthogonal and Polar Versions of the Present Invention we define "Rhombic Wiring" as follows :

"The Right side [R] of any Node at Column(N) & Row(M) is wired to the Left side [L] of two Nodes, one at Column(N+1) & Row(M-1), and the other at Column (N+1) & Row (M+1) ".

Or equivalently :

"The Left side [L] of any Node at Column(N) & Row(M) is wired to the Right side [R] of two Nodes, one at Column(N-1) & Row(M-1), and the other at Column(N-1) & Row(M+1) ". The specific and i dent i fy i ng property of the "Rhombic Wiring" is that the Wiring is always in the Diagonal Directions [N] & [Z]. An Array constructed in such manner is called a "Rhombic Array".

2.1 PRIMARY CLAIMS a. The Construction of an Array composed of Nodes and Wiring, the

Wiring being always in the mode defined as "Rhombic Wiring". The

Wiring is conductive and distributes Electrical Current to the Nodes when in operation.

b. The use of Electric Loads, such as Light Sources or any other Electrical Transducer, or assemblies supporting such Electrical Transducers, attached at the location of the the Nodes and supplied with Electrical Current by "Rhombic Wiring".

c. The use of such Rhombic Arrays in tensile mode of stress, ie the suspension of such Rhombic Arrays from stable structures.

d. The stretching of Rhombic Arrays through all degrees of freedom dimensional ly permitted by their construction. The application of zero, one or two wraparounds on it.

e. The use of Looms, whereby electrical wires are stretched in the [Y] direction, in parallel, near to eachother, as warps of thread are stretched in weaving, followed by electrical connection to the left [L] and right [R] poles of electrical fixtures, at the location of Nodes, in such a manner as to produce a Rhombic Array, composed of such Nodes and Wiring.

f. The composite assemblage of such electrified Rhombic Arrays either next to eachother or nested within eachother.

2.2 DERIVED CLAIMS

Derived from 2.1.a :

2.1. a /1 Except for materials conducting standard network electric power, the following conductors, used in the mode of Rhombic Wiring and connecting Nodes of a Rhombic Array, are also included : i. Materials, such as optic fibers, waveguides, or other, conductive to Light or Electromagnetic Waves of whatever frequency, and in whichever waveform, modulated or not, carrying any form of signal or information or not, incorporating along their length any device or network needed for the transmission, amplification, filtering, focusing or other such handling, electrical, mechanical or otherwise, of the Electromagnetic Wave in question.

ii. Materials, permittive to magnetic flux.

iii. Materials including devices or networks, incorporated along the length of the linear elements of the Rhombic Array, so as to function as elements of an Antenna, receiving or transmitting, and tuned or not to the specific lengths of these linear elements.

iv. E l ectro l um i nescent Materials, incorporated along the lengths of the linear elements, whether these be solid or hollow, filled or not with gas or liquid, intended to electroluminesce under the influence of a flux or field or without such an influence.

Derived from 2.1.b :

2.1.b /1 As Electrical Transducers, supplied with energy at the location of Nodes by Rhombic Wiring, we include at least the following

i. All types and shapes of Light Sources, their Bases and methodes of support, and all Devices, Fixtures or Electrical, Optical, or other types of Circuitry needed for the mechanical support, electrical handling and decoration of such Light Sources.

ii. All types and shapes of Audio or Video Transducers and their associated Electronic, Optical or other types of Circuitry, including their Bases and Fixtures.

iii. All types and shapes of Scientific Instruments, Detectors or Actuators, or devices used for the conversion, transduction conveyance of data, or for processing of Information in general, whether Digital or Analog, including their Bases, Circuitry and Fixtures.

iv. All types and shapes of Collectors or Radiators of Energy, Thermal, Electromagnetic, Mechanical or Gravitational, or any other such Field of Energy, invented or not yet invented, including their Bases, Fixtures and associated Electronic, Optical or other types of Circuitry.

v. All types and shapes of Antennas, receiving or transmitting, or acting as lenses, modulators, tuners, filters or any other similar use, including their Bases, Fixtures and associated Electronic, Optical or other types of Circuitry. Derived from 2.1.c :

2.1.c /1 For applications in Outer Space, or the Atmosphere, the anchoring of Rhombic Arrays on Inertial Masses in such a manner as to keep the Array under tension.

2.1.c /2 For applications in the Sea, or other Bodies of Water, whether natural or manmade, the anchoring of Rhombic Arrays, on buoys, weights, fixed rocks, manmade vessels, or other such similar, in such a manner as to keep the Array under tension.

Derived from 2.1.e :

2.1.e /1 The use of Looms to produce Rhombically Wired Cloth in continuous process. The packaging of such "Cloth" by cutting, rolling or in any other method of packaging.

Derived from 2.1.-F : 2.1.f /1 The assemblage of more than one Rhombic Arrays in surfaces which are parallel to eachother and the supply of current or other electromagnetic flux to Loads suspended between these Rhombic Arrays. In general the tranfer of currents or other electromagnetic flux between two or more Rhombic Arrays in any form of assemblage.

3. SUMMARY

The Present Invention describes a method of electrical wiring, called "Rhombic Wiring" for the structural support and for the supply of electrical energy or information to 2-dimensional arrays of electrical loads. The elements of the said 2-dimensional array may be either coplanar (ie imbedded in 2-dimensional Euclidean Space) or non- coplanar (ie imbedded in 3-dimensional Euclidean Space). The said arrays are always in isostatic, tensile mode of stress and strain.

The possible topologies and geometric configurations which are con- structible by use of said Rhombic Wiring are briefly enumerated.

Also described are Preferred and Alternative Applications. The Preferred Application refers to the industrial fabrication of 2-dimensional nets comprised of wiring and luminaires for the illumination of urban and architectural spaces. In general, the Present Invention enables or facilitates the manufacturing of a wide variety of arti- facts not available at present by the State of the Art. It is especially suited for the structural support and electrification of Arrays of said Art i facts spanning large areas, without intermediate support, or those having complex geometries, not constructible by other means. Finally, information concerning materials and methods of production & packaging is conveyed in brief form.