GB1602658A - Assembling joints for spatial structures and structures thus obtained - Google Patents

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO ASSEMBLING JOINTS FOR SPATIAL STRUCTURES, AND STRUCTURES THUS OBTAINED (71) We, ETABLISSMENTS ERNEST PANTZ PARIS, a French Company, of 5244, Avenue du General Gallieni, 93380 Pierrefitte - sur - Seine, France, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- The present invention relates in general to joints for assembling the elements of a spatial structure, and also to the structures obtained by using such joints.

One of the problems increasingly encountered in the building industry is that of making light-weight constructions, i.e.

reducing the amount of material used while meeting other requirements such as the free volume obtainable in such constructions.

For a few decades technicians observed that for this purpose it would be convenient to distribute loads more adequately, and also to better apportion stresses, while minimizing moments and utilizing materials in the best possible way, etc. These various contradictory requirements led to study "spatial" structures, i.e. structures of which the component elements extend in various spatial directions, the forces being distributed in space instead of remaining in a plane, so that extremely sturdy constructions could be obtained while affording the possibility of constructing structures having the most diversified configurations and shapes, and also, at the same time, relatively long spans.

In structures of this character the various component elements must be so disposed as to be stressed for tension or compression, thus taking the maximum advantage of their characteristic properties and consequently reducing their dimensions, which means at the same time a reduction in weight and cost.

Eventually, it occurred that spatial structures offered multiples advantages in comparison with conventional structures.

The former are more suited for novel architectural applications, provided of course that stability and safety rules are duly adhered to.

But while these spatial structures provide at least theoretically all the advantageous features briefly mentioned hereinabove, thus permitting the creation of entirely new architectural works and affording real savings, in actual practice they call for new solutions from both technical and economical points of view, notably as far as assembling and transport methods are concerned.

In fact, it should be born in mind that the assembling operations must be accomplished in space, at different angles, as a fuction of the structural elements implemented and also of the specific structure contemplated, and that, when the use of prefabricated elements or sub assemblies is contemplated, though the assembly time is reduced on the site the transport costs increase due to the considerable size of these prefabricated elements and sub-assemblies.

To solve these various problems different solutions have been suggested in the prior art, notably by rivetting the various components, but this solution proved to be particularly tedious and expensive.

The use of welded assemblies has also been proposed, but while this procedure reduced machining costs, it involved the use of prefabricated components or sub assemblies, with all the above-mentioned shortcoming of large volumes and high transport expenses.

Another proposition consisted in utilizing special fastening devices such as assembly joints or nodes, but in most instances these devices do not take sufficient consideration of all the technical and economical factors, and therefore are not capable of reducing the weight factor down to the lowest reasonable values, or alternatively they are attended by considerable assembly difficulties involving a higher cost, with the additional inconvenience that a given joint or node can only be used for the specific assembly type for which it was designed.

The joint or node type of assembling devices or systems is advantageous, in comparison with other known devices and systems, in that the various component elements can be transported in the form of separated elements so that the volume occupied by these elements is extremely reduced; however, it should be remembered that a structure, even of very reduced dimensions, comprises a great number of such joints or nodes and that, consequently, their total cost constitutes a primary factor for calculating the final cost of the structure.

If the other negative factors, of which a few have been mentioned in the foregoing, are added to the one set forth in the preceding paragraph, it will be seen that while the joint-type assembling system is the most attractive one, no really satisfactory solution has been found so far in this domain from the dual point of view of technical requirements and economics (namely its manufacturing cost and the assembling cost).

To sum up, no satisfactory solution has been brought up to now to the problem of making spatial constructions or structures that are both technically sound, reasonably economical and suitable for universal applications, with the possibility of utilizing currently available stock materials, especially in the form of commercially available articles, sections or shapes such as metal sections, round-sectioned tubes, square-sectioned tubes, etc..., of ferrous or non-ferrous alloys, and even plastics materials.

Another inconvenience of hitherto known structures of the type to which the present invention refers is the impossibility, up to now, of utilizing unskilled labour for accomplishing the erection or assembling operations, and also of reducing transport costs.

As a result, it has not been possible to derive full benefit from the theoretically advantageous features characterizing this type of structure, a fact amply proved by the present final cost of such structures which is still considerably higher than that of conventional structures. As a result, these joint or node structures are used almost exclusively by builders for which cost is only a secondary factor, for example, when constructions or buildings having particularly elaborate architectural shapes or characteristics are contemplated.

Still completely unsolved is the problem of making spatial structures capable of meeting all the technical requirements and, at the same time, economical requirements.

It is the primary object of the present invention to allow the building of spatial constructions, for example at least of the three-dimensional type (with triangular or hexagonal base cells or meshes) or twodimension type (with square or rectangular base cells or meshes), without resorting to skilled labour, special machines and/or special tools for the assembling operations, and also without using special elements and/or materials, in order to eliminate particular machining operations of the elements or assembly joints or nodes; at the same time, these assembly joints are on the one hand free of any excessive loads and costs due to the above-mentioned devices for making the joints or nodes, and on the other hand capable of meeting all technical requirements.

According to the invention there is provided an assembly joint for joining elongate section members in a structure comprising a hollow rigid polygonal body having a plurality of flat elements, these elements including an element arranged as a base and a plurality of interconnected peripheral elements all of which peripheral elements are connected to and disposed at substantially the same angle with respect to the base, and a plurality of fastening lugs extending from the flat elements, the fastening lugs being inclined at the angle of inclination of elongate section members to be joined thereto in the spatial structure, all of the fastening lugs converging towards a point in the assembly joint, the fastening lugs being adapted for assembly with the elongate section members.

Preferably the assembly joint consists in creating a hollow, rigid body obtained by assembling a plurality of separate parts having the same configuration and adapted to co-act with one another and possibly with other complementary parts of different configuration, according to the specific cases and applications contemplated. The elements are assembled with one another and also with the elongate section members by means of lugs extending outwardly from the joint in the area where one part is assembled with another or other parts.

The hollow-body forming parts consist of flat plates of various configurations, such as triangular, square, rectangular, lozenge, hexagonal, or any other regular configuration. The plates are provided on all or some of their sides with fastening means in the form of lugs extending outwardly from the plate, the fastening means being inclined by an angle corresponding to the inclination to be imparted to the elongate section members of the structure to be constructed.These fastening means are such as to permit the mutual assembly thereof; they consist preferably of holes adapted to receive one or a plurality of fastening members such as bolts, so that when the fastening members such as bolts are tightened home, the device thus obtained can be used for constructing an assembly capable of meeting technical requirements such as the accurate convergence of the elongate elements to the geometrical centre of the joint and also the proper distribution of stress and strain.

Preferably, the fastening members necessary for assembling the elements with one another are also used for assembling on the site the component elements of the structure for which the only preparatory work required (in addition to the cutting of these component elements to the proper length of lengths) consists in drilling the holes for the passage of the clamping bolts.

The lugs are such (and for this purpose their simplest shape is a parallel-sided plate), that they bear against each other during the assembling operations, their bearing faces lying in a plane including the geometrical centre of the joint or node.

Thus, it is only necessary to cause one lug to bear against the registering lug for automatically and accurately centering the assembly with respect to the centre of the joint or node. In the simplest embodiment, the lugs or wings are provided with holes perpendicular to the bearing plane for receiving the clamping bolts.

In some cases, several holes are drilled in line for adapting the device to different applications. Thus, for instance, one hole is used for assembling the joint bolt itself on the building site; a second hole is used for co-acting with another bolt holding the section members or like elongated elements; a third hole is used for assembling the joint with elements provided with two holes at either end, thus facilitating the assembling of elements which, when retained by two holes, extend automatically in the desired direction.

To help understanding of the invention, various specific embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figures 1 to 6 illustrate in plan view some of the various plates that can be used for making up assembly joints according to the invention; Figure 7 illustrates a compound joint according to the invention having a hexagonal base; Figure 8 illustrates a plate utilized for making up the joint of Figure 7; Figure 9 illustrates another joint; Figure 10 is a plan view of the bottom plate of the joint illustrated in Figure 9:: Figures 11 and 12 illustrate in plan view and in perspective view, respectively, a compound joint providing a flat face for constituting a bearing for example for the plates of a covering; Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a device having a prefabricated core having twelve fastening lugs; Figure 15 is a view taken from a different angle of the same joint; Figure 16 is a plan view of a joint comprising a plurality of identical elements; Figure 17 is another plan view showing a different joint consisting, for special applications, of elements of the type illustrated in Figure 16, but assembled by superposition; Figure 18 illustrates a joint of the type illustrated in Figure 13, in which the means for fastening the structural elements consist of holes instead of projecting plates or lugs;; Figure 19 illustrates diagrammatically a compound 18-lug joint wherein the lugs are set at an angle of 60 degrees instead of 45 degrees as in the preceding Figures, with size lugs disposed horizontally; and Figures 20 and 21 illustrate modified embodiments of the joint shown in Figure 13.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings, it will readily appear that each element intended to assist in forming a joint or node comprises a central polygonal plate 3 from the sides of which extend outwardly lugs 1 each provided with a central hole 6, the axes of all the lugs 1 of the element lying on median or centre lines converging to the geometrical centre of plate 3.

Figure 8 illustrates a plate 3 ready for use, with the lugs 1 already bent to the desired angle, for example with a view to obtain the hexagonal joint or node illustrated in Figure 7, which comprises two superposed bases 3' provided with six bent lugs 1.

Figure 10 illustrates an element comprising a central plate 3" of isosceles or equilateral triangular configuration, for use in joints or nodes constructed as shown in Figure 9. This joint is obtained by using two elements of the type shown in Figure 6, with one element of the type shown in Figure 10 and another element 5 of which the central portion and the lugs are coplanar, the assembly constituting a similarly rigid, single-base compound device..

In the case of joints or nodes of which provide a completely flat load bearing surface but not of the triangular type, as shown in Figure 9, the configuration shown in Figures 11 and 12 may be used. In this case the element 5 is used for imparting the necessary rigidity to the assembly, adequate thicknesses being provided between the fastening portions in order to preserve the appearance of a regular polygon.

Of course, when it is desired to obtain a joint or hollow rigid device closed also at the top while preserving its flat configuration, it is still possible to close this device by using simple means such as a plate, or to eliminate plate 5 and insert in lieu thereof a second base of suitable dimensions into the cavity, this base having its lugs bent at right angles and secured to the plates 3 by means of bolts extending through other holes 6' or bearing simply on the lower base.

Elongated section members 2 of any desired and suitable type may be coupled to the fastening lugs 1, the section members bearing either directly in the lugs or, for instance whenever it is desired to obtain a particular ornamental effect, with the interposition of shims of suitable thickness which, of course, must have the same dimensions on both sides in order to keep the axes aligned with the geometrical centre of the device, the assembly being clamped by using bolts engaging in the holes 6.

In a preferred embodiment, the lugs 1 are an integral part of the central plate 3, 3', 3", and obtained for example by cutting stamping and simultaneously bending at the desired angle with respect to the plate, the latter being cut or stamped as a function of the structure contemplated. The lug 1 may also be obtained by welding or moulding, if desired. Various combinations between the different plate types may be contemplated, as illustrated by way of example in Figures 19 and 7, with the possibility (see Figure 9) of obtaining joints or nodes permitting subsequent extensions.

When it is desired to erect a structure with elongate tubular section members, with a cylindrical, square or other crosssectional shape, these elements are prepared by clamping their end portions between two adjacent lugs, or alternatively by using shims engaging the ends of these section members, these shims having externally the inner countour of the tube wall and a flat internal face, in order to engage and bear against the adjacent surfaces of the lugs 1.

According to a modified embodiment, it is also possible to obtain a convenient fastening means in the form of holes 1". In this case (Figures 18 and 20) the elements of the structure to be assembled, especially in the case of tubular elements, are fastened by means of bolts or screw-threaded rods, the apertures 4 (Figures 13 and 18) permitting the access to the inner space of the device.

Figures 20 and 21 illustrate a modified embodiment of the structure shown in Figure 13. In Figures 20 and 21, the means provided for fastening the structural elements to a joint or node comprise short opposed lugs 1' in which a hole 6 is formed at each corner of the plate. If desired, these short lugs may consist of inserts welded to the plates or moulded integrally therewith.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21 the lugs consist of bosses projecting from the plates.

From the above description it will clearly appear to those conversant with the art that the assembly joints or nodes according to the present invention may comprise a great number of anchoring lugs, are easy to manufacture and do not require any complicated machining of parts and/or a great number of machining operations, while allowing really simple assembling of structural elements, and no particular preparation of these elements is required except a minimum preparation in certain special cases. Moreover, with the joints of this invention any desired and commercially available tubular and/or section members may be used, and furthermore, another very important feature is that these joints or nodes can be made in such a wide range of shapes and combinations that nearly universal range of applications may be contemplated therefor.

On the whole it is possible with the system according to the present invention to construct spatial structures capable of meeting completely the most exacting technical and economical requirements, thus bringing into being the objects theoretically attainable by structures of this character, i.e. substantial savings in weight and cost, together with other appreciable advantages such as the total cost and the possibility, either for the component elements of the joint or node, or for the elongated structural elements associated therewith, of utilizing commercially available materials.

In actual practice, each elementary plate component may be manufactured from materials of all kinds selected as a function of the specific application contemplated; thus, steel, light metals or alloys, plastic materials or other materials may be used, so that substantially the same materials may be used for making the joints or nodes and also the elongate section members, with all the advantages deriving therefrom.

While the present invention is applicable more particularly to the construction of spacial structures, it is also and advantageously applicable to the creation of a wide range of different structures and applications, as well as to the construction of educational games which, like spatial structures made to scale, can be put at the disposal of the public in the form of more or less large series, or even in kit form.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. An assembly joint for joining elongate section members in a structure comprising a hollow rigid polygonal body having a plurality of flat elements, these elements including an element arranged as a base and a plurality of interconnected peripheral elements all of which peripheral elements are connected to and disposed at substantially the same angle with respect to the base, and a pluralitof fastening lugs extending from the fiat elements, the fastening lugs being inclined at the angle of inclination of elongate section members to be joined thereto in the spatial structure, all of the fastening lugs converging towards a point in the assembly joint, the fastening lugs being adapted for assembly with the elongate section members.

2. An assembly joint as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said point is the geometric centre of the assembly joint.

3. An assembly joint as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the fastening lugs are removable bolts or threaded studs for which holes are provided at interconnections between the flat elements.

4. An assembly joint as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the fastening lugs are flat lugs.

5. An assembly joint as claimed in claim 4 wherein the flat elements consist of plates having lugs attached thereto, the joint being made up of a plurality of the plates arranged to form the hollow rigid polygonal body, with each of the lugs of one plate arranged back - to - back with the lugs of another plate to form the said fastening lugs.

6. An assembly joint as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the lugs have bolt holes for fastening bolts therewith the elongate section members are fastened to the lugs, the fastening bolts holding the hollow body together.

7. An assembly joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each fastening lug is inclined with respect to its adjacent flat elements at 600, 45" or 30".

8. An assembly joint substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 7 or Figure 9 or Figures 11 and 12 or Figures 13, 14 or 15 or Figure 16 or Figure 17 or Figure 18 or Figure 19 or Figure 20 of the accompanying drawings.

9. Spatial structure constructed by using the joint according to any of the preceding

Claims (1)

1. claims.