EP2190541B1

EP2190541B1 - Structural element

Info

Publication number: EP2190541B1
Application number: EP09769613A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dimitrios Mantikas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-25
Filing date: 2009-06-25
Publication date: 2011-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-25
Also published as: WO2009156772A1; EP2190541A1; ATE531434T1; GR20080100422A; GR1006929B

Abstract

Structural element of rhombus shape, with pointed endings, side notches and central opening, which could give its composition various forms, thus providing range of construction opportunities in both shape and size. The use is extended in the construction of stable alternative structures, buildings, bridges, etc.,. allowing the manufacturer to fully exploit the space offered, without parallel limitation of the selection of the used construction element.

Description

The invention refers to a structural element. A structural element according to the preamble of claim 1 is described in WO98/30300 A1 or US617968 B1 . The new structural element is drawn with the assistance of elliptic arcs, which in their turn have come from the implementation of mathematical formulas. The object is inscribed in a rhombus and consists of four (4) equal parts, which are reflected between them in the axes χ, y. Its four sides result from parts of elliptic circle arcs with notches on the side. The element has an opening in the centre in the shape of a rhomb. The complexion of the element is shown in FIGURE 1 described outside with the capital letters A, B, C, D, E, Z, H, G, I, K, L, M, N, A and inside, that is the opening, with the capital letters N, J, O, P, N. The element can have different sizes, that is to cover an area of square centimeters up to square meters, which can be at different sizes as far as the below mentioned relations are valid according to FIGURE 1:

AH ≈ 3LC where LC = IE
AM=GH=HZ=BA
ML=IG=ZE=CB
LK =KI = ED = CD
AN = OH and KP = JD
LI = CE and NP = PO = OD = DN
LI ≈ AH/30 and IE ≈ 4PJ

In order for the shape in FIGURE 1 to be a structural element must acquire a third dimension, which is shown in FIGURE 2.
One more analytical examination of the element shows the following characteristics:

1. The side notches LKI and CDE (see FIGURE 1) have the shape of an angle whose sides are circle arcs. This characteristic allows the non-specific connection of two or more structural elements between them through the side notches as we can see further and therefore there is the possibility of different structural results.
2. The spaces AB, AM, and HG, HZ (see FIGURE 1) are not straight lines but, as mentioned before in the description of the structural elements, they are circle arcs. This characteristic forms the base of the difference between the effectiveness of the shape of FIGURE 1 and the effectiveness of the shape of FIGURE 11, which is the known rhomb.
3. The central opening of the structural element NJOP (see FIGURE 1) refers to a rhomb shape. The spaces NJ, JO, OP, PN, are not straight lines but they are also circle arcs and particularly of a circle whose radius is the same with the circle from which the AB, AM, and HG, HZ arcs FIGURE 1 come from. This particular characteristic gives the possibility of fitting the structural elements exactly at certain points while connecting them, so that the result of the construction is unique.
4. The area BCDEZGIKLM is much wider in relation with the areas ABM and ZHG. This happens because in the area BCDEZGIKLM all the connections between the structural elements are made and therefore, due to the specific morphology of the area the forces are divided better so that the static strength of the construction is guaranteed to a great degree.
5. The side AM and the side NP (see FIGURE 1) are circle arcs and in particular arcs with the same radius (FIGURE 12), so when two structural elements are joined, by penetrating the pointed ending MAB in the opening NJOP, the sides AM and AB fit very well in the sides NP and NJ.
6. The element can be constructed not only as a solid object but also as perforated, with the sense that it will consist of its outline, the central opening and the necessary for the construction joints resulting in the existence of voids among its perimetric edges, using only the edges of its perimetry made of solid materials such as metallic pipes, profile of metallic of synthetic materials as well as metal covered with cement or other materials. In this way its inner part can be exploited as an independent space or different independent spaces.

In particular, the structural element besides being a solid object can be constructed as a net-like pattern (see FIGURE 6), that is to say made of metal, whose outline will follow exactly the shape of FIGURE 1, and then it can be covered by eaves fascia or membrane (shell) of the same material with the net-like pattern or a different one (see FIGURE 7).
This technical characteristic gives advantages to the structural elements, indicatively, such as the reduction of the total weight of the structural element in a big construction, the reduction of the construction cost of the structural element from the moment that it will not be necessary to be a solid object, as well as the exploitation of the void space inside the structural element for plumbing or electrical installations etc. In case the new structural element is used in its penetrated form as mentioned above, besides the reduction of its weight, all the electromechanical installations can be adjoined to its skeleton or placed within the other materials that can be used for its construction. 7. The structural element does not necessarily have the same width, as in FIGURES 2 and 4, with AA' = BB' = CC' = EE' = ZZ' = HH' = PP'.
The structural element in order to complete its task (as structural element) and in order to be useful in a construction has to be combined - connected with at least one more structural element.
The various ways that the different parts (structural elements) can be joined together are clear in the following indicative (from the numerous) descriptions:

One way of connecting the two structural elements is the one shown in the FIGURE 8, that is the parts - elements to be connected at the points of the side angle notches that are located vertically on its sides. In the case shown in FIGURE 8 the structural elements are vertically positioned between them, that is the surface hatched in FIGURE 4 is vertically positioned to the surface hatched in FIGURE 3.

The structural result of this connection is shown in picture A.

Another way of connecting the structural elements between them is the one shown in FIGURE 10, i.e. it is connected also through the side angle notches.

In this case the structural elements are not vertically positioned between them but inclined. In this particular case, there is a rule applied which says that the inclination that each connection can have depends on the thickness of the structural elements shown in the examples of the FIGURE 5. In that way the construction results shown in pictures B and C are achieved.
So by giving an inclination to the structural elements, the construction can take a curve form.

Further, a connection of structural elements can be achieved when an edge - pointed ending (MAB or ZHG) of a horizontal piece penetrates the rhomb opening NJOP which exists in the center of another vertical or inclining part, or when an edge - pointed ending (MAB or ZHG) penetrates a vertical piece, in the rhomb opening NJOP which exists in the center of another horizontal or inclining part as shown in FIGURE 13. Indicatively, when the ending of the structural element penetrates the opening in inclining direction there can be a construction result shown in pictures D and E.
In the same way, it is possible for edge - endings of more than one structural element to penetrate the rhomb opening (NJOP of FIGURE 1) which exists in the center of the other. Inside the rhomb opening of the center, the pointed endings of structural elements of the same, smaller or bigger size can penetrate and get embedded in the angles of the rhomb openings or other points which remain in different inclinations due to gravity.
In FIGURE 14, another way of connection is shown, that is the one in which the pointed ending MAB or ZHG (of FIGURE 1) penetrates and embeds in the angle notch IKL (of FIGURE 1). By repeating that we can have the construction result shown in picture Z.

It is pointed out that the construction can have the result of 1) repetition of the above ways of connection, 2) a combination of the above ways of connecting the structural elements and 3) of course combination of their repetitions. In this way, results can be achieved like the ones shown, indicatively, in pictures H and G.
It is not necessary for the different connected structural elements between them to be of the same size and same thickness. In order for the role of the structural element to be achieved and to be used in construction it is enough but also mandatory the relation AA' < LI to be valid (in the place of AA' there can be BB', CC' etc in the place of LI there can be CE, that is the thickness of each point that penetrates the side notch not to be bigger than the opening of the notch).
The above rule is shown in FIGURE 9.
The shape of the element has the quality not to confine the realization of a construction to straight lines or parts of straight lines, as the well-known bricks, cement blocks, multi axes connections of pipes etc.
The new element has the possibility of penetrating its own part into the same next in different ways, so the creation of infinite shapes, architectural bulks and constructions as bridging, multi shaped complexions for buildings, shells, arc constructions, expansions, etc. is achieved.
Because of its shape, it has all the potentials of expanding and taking shapes that can be made from the infinite combinations of placing the elements between them. Every element can be connected with another equal, creating constructions as shown indicatively above.
The advantages of the invention are numerous and are traced basically in the way of connecting the objects so that they can form constructions. Stimulating the creative imagination of the architect or constructor and without the existence of limitations of the final result in relation with the bulk, the shape (the known polyhedron and symmetry) and the number of the parts to be used, the process of mantling is based on the brain and spiritual level of the creator. At the same time, there can be wide exploitation as morphology, potential inclination and anomalies of the land are neither obstacles nor difficulties for the construction that have to be dealt with (in the sense of removing or leveling them) instead they can be exploited at the advantage of the constructor.
Also, because of the gravity and the (on purpose) non exact fit of the parts, different moments of rotation are created so the best possible static strength is achieved in the final result. Furthermore, the new structural element does not necessarily need adhesive materials like cement, stick or mortar.
Further, in some specific cases joints are not needed.
It is possible for the new structural element to be used in the construction of buildings as a filling material for instance, in a way so that a flexible building is created, capable of absorbing the vibrations of an earthquake.
The building consists of 2 parts: the base and the earthquake proof construction which will be elevated on the base.

The base:

is created from the connection of parts of the new structural element
is stable
can have any size (e.g. bigger or smaller of the construction surface) or any shape (that is round, semicircle, curve, ellipsis) but in relation with the second part.
does not have the possibility to be used for the creation of an earthquake proof construction on its own.

The earthquake-proof construction:

is sustained in the base and it forms its extension
can be expanded in width or / and in height, in relation with the counter balance of gravity that it will have and its base will permit
can consist of one only line of connected structural elements or/ and many lines together
the construction can consist of parallelly vertical or/and horizontal lines of connected structural elements or/ and adjoined lines of connected structural elements.

In contradiction with the previous known construction objects-materials which are placed simply in a regular, repetitive way such as bricks, stones, 3-dimensional nets, radial joints of 3-dimensional constructions, limiting the development of a bulk in space and considering given, the new structural element is capable of developing towards infinite directions, so that the shapes which stem from it are new and easily applicable.
It is about a completely new shape in the construction field, without having any relation or resemblance with the above mentioned as examples construction products as well as other known construction elements, which, with its notches on both sides, the pointed endings on both edges, the central rhomb opening forming angles and the biggest surface concentrated in the center, changes the known construction method of buildings and other products.
Characteristically, the following is achieved separately or in combination:

Usage of the notches as joints among the elements in different inclinations and angles.
Penetration of the endings in the central opening of one or many elements in different inclinations and angles.
Usage of the endings as bases of buildings with the placement of more that three elements in the notches between them in an X shape.
Repetition of the placing in the same way but with different angles and inclinations until the desired new bulk in the space occurs.
Placement in linear repetitive direction of every ending to the opposite angle of the central opening so that the resistance created by the previous element can hold the next so that the expansion creates bridging of known or inverted arcs.
Usage of the 3-dimensional shape as frame of the building, which does not use as support the known joists or vertical supports or pillars.
Placement of a shell made of any flexible or not material for bulks, which come from combinations of the placement of the new elements, so that the building comes from the static shape and not vice versa.
Combination of many elements using wire rope and guy lines for the multiplication of the endurance of the constructions based on pushing and pulling.
Connection of endings, after they are placed in the central openings with the central body of the previous or next element so that it cannot be moved due to gravity.

Claims

Structural element designed using elliptical arcs, resulting from the application of mathematical formulas, which is inscribed within a rhomb, consisting of four equal parts, which are reflected between axes x, y, the four sides of the structural element resulting from parts of an ellipsoidal arc circle with notches on the side, opposite notches having opening, of equal length characterized in that the structural element has pointed endings and an opening in its centre in a rhombus shape.
Structural element according to claim 1, characterized in that its thickness is smaller than the opening of the notches.
Structural element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it can be connected with at least another structural element, not necessarily of the same thickness or same size.
Structural element according to claim 3, characterized in that the connection between two structural elements can be achieved through side notches, the central opening and/or the pointed endings of the structural elements.
Structural element according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, characterized in that in use the side notches are used to button vertically or inclined in side notches of another structural element and to be linked to other parts of another smaller or larger structural element.
Structural element according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that by connecting of a plurality of structural elements desired inclinations in angles with joints on notches or in the central rhombic opening can be obtained.
Structural element according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that in full expansion, the resulting spaces among the placed structural elements can be used for residential purposes, as offices, gardens, conference rooms, sports rooms and bridges.
Structural element according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that in large-scale construction it works as a static element or a frame shell.
Structural element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be manufactured solid or perforated, whereby only the edges of its outline are made of solid materials, so that weight reduction is achieved, whereby the remaining void space can be used for electromechanical installations facilities.
Structural element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be used as an alternative filling material, while releasing the manufacturer from using unnecessary support and binding materials, thus making the utilization of foundations for strengthening the stability of a structure unnecessary.