GB2072297A

GB2072297A - Nodal joint for a space frame

Info

Publication number: GB2072297A
Application number: GB8008526A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Design Research Marketing Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Design Research Marketing Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1980-03-13
Filing date: 1980-03-13
Publication date: 1981-09-30

Abstract

A space frame has nodes which are made up of juxtaposed plates 10, 12 with the ends of the frame chords 18 sandwiched between them. The chord ends are equipped with collars 20 that have projecting diametrically opposed nibs 22 that fit into corresponding apertures 16 in the plates. The collars 20 may be cruciform in shape, with shoulders 24 between the nibs 22 against which the plates 10, 12 bear to prevent direct clamping of the chords 18. A second pair of plates to receive the ends of diagonal chords may be bolted to the first pair by a single bolt passed through registering central holes 14 in the plates. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Space frame This invention relates to those assemblies of elongated structural elements which make up what is known as space frames. Such frames comprise a series of connectors, or nodes, to which convergent frame elements such as chords, and more often than not diagonals, are secured and which constitute the means to hold the assembly together.

Requirements for efficient nodes are strength, ease of assembly, versatility and reasonable cost.

The object of the present invention is to provide nodes which meet these desiderata.

According to the invention, a space frame includes a node made up of an assembly of elements consisting of two juxtaposed plates, with the ends of the frame elements, sandwiched between them, each frame element terminating in a formation providing two diametrically opposed nibs projecting normally to the axis of the element; the plates including apertures for the nibs; and means to clamp the plates together.

Further according to a preferred feature of the invention, the formations provide cross shoulders to be engaged by the plates when the assembly is clamped together.

Further according to a preferred feature of the invention, a further pair of clamping plates is provided to accommodate a second set of elements at an angle to the first set.

Two embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a node of a space frame, with a single set of radiating chord elements in a common plane, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a space frame node with a set of chords, and a set of diagonals.

In Figure 1, the node is shown as consisting of two identical flat plates0, 12 each of which has a central hole 14 and four slots 1 6 symmetrically arranged around it.

Each of the chords 18 of a space frame terminates in a collar 20 which is of cruciform shape. The nibs 22 of the collar are dimensioned to fit into any of the slots 1 6. Between adjacent nibs there is a step 24, providing two shoulders at right angles to each other.

In use, a nib 22 on each chord member is engaged with a slot 1 6 in one of the plates 10 or 12 and, when all the chords have been thus engaged, the second plate is brought into position with opposed nibs 22 on each chord member in its slots, and the assembly is bolted together through the central holes 14. The clamping of the chord members occurs at the shoulder of the steps 24, so that no pressure is applied to the member itself.

The chord members 1 8 can, therefore, be thinwalled tubes, to cut down on cost and weight of the frame.

The embodiment of Figure 2 has the same structure as the embodiment of Figure 1, but there is added to it a second pair of clamping plates 26, 28. One of the plates 28 has a flat base 30 which rests on the top plate 10 of the chord structure and which is apertured for the projecting nibs 22 of the lower set of chord members 1 8 to pass through them. Radiating from the base 30 are four upwardly angled leaves 32 each of which is slotted to receive nibs 22 on the collars 20 of the diagonal frame members 34. The upper plate 28 is similarly shaped and slotted to receive the opposed nibs 22. The slots 1 6 in the upper plate 28 are, however, larger in the axial direction of the member 34 to facilitate engagement of the plate over the nibs 22 of the frame members 34.

The assembly is held together by a single bolt passed through the registered central holes 14, and a nut on it.

In both embodiments the collars 20 are symmetrical, so that they can be engaged with the plates in any of four orientations, which facilitates assembly.

When assembled, the frame elements 1 8 and 34 are stably held within the nodes and are restrained against movement relatively to them.

Furthermore, the plates and collars are pressings, so that the construction is economical.

The invention is not limited to the precise constructional details as herein described. It is, for exampie, not necessary that the base 30 of the clamping plate 28 be holed to accommodate the nibs 22 of the lower clamp and the upper clamp for the diagonals may merely rest on the ends of the nibs which project from the plate 10.

Additionally, the clamping plates of the nodes could be suitably modified to clamp any practical number of frame elements and not only four as illustrated in the drawings.

1. In a space frame the combination of a node consisting of two juxtaposed clamping plates, with the ends of frame members sandwiched between them, each frame member terminating in a formation providing two diametrically opposed nibs projecting normally to the axis of the member, the plates including apertures for the nibs; and means to clamp the plates together.

2. The combination of Claim 1, in which the end of each frame member terminates in a collar having opposed nibs which pass through opposed apertures in the plates, and shoulders against which the plates bear.

3. The combination of Claim 2, in which each collar is symmetrical, with four nibs and with a step between adjacent nibs to provide the shoulders.

4. The combination of any of the above claims, in which the plates are flat.

5. The combination of Claim 4, including a pair of clamping plates to receive the ends of a plurality of diagonal frame members, each of the further plates having apertures for passage through them of the nibs of the diagonal frame members, one of the plates including a flat to rest on the upper plate of the first pair of plates.

6. The combination of Claim 5, in which the two pairs of plates are secured together by a

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Space frame This invention relates to those assemblies of elongated structural elements which make up what is known as space frames. Such frames comprise a series of connectors, or nodes, to which convergent frame elements such as chords, and more often than not diagonals, are secured and which constitute the means to hold the assembly together. Requirements for efficient nodes are strength, ease of assembly, versatility and reasonable cost. The object of the present invention is to provide nodes which meet these desiderata. According to the invention, a space frame includes a node made up of an assembly of elements consisting of two juxtaposed plates, with the ends of the frame elements, sandwiched between them, each frame element terminating in a formation providing two diametrically opposed nibs projecting normally to the axis of the element; the plates including apertures for the nibs; and means to clamp the plates together. Further according to a preferred feature of the invention, the formations provide cross shoulders to be engaged by the plates when the assembly is clamped together. Further according to a preferred feature of the invention, a further pair of clamping plates is provided to accommodate a second set of elements at an angle to the first set. Two embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a node of a space frame, with a single set of radiating chord elements in a common plane, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a space frame node with a set of chords, and a set of diagonals. In Figure 1, the node is shown as consisting of two identical flat plates0, 12 each of which has a central hole 14 and four slots 1 6 symmetrically arranged around it. Each of the chords 18 of a space frame terminates in a collar 20 which is of cruciform shape. The nibs 22 of the collar are dimensioned to fit into any of the slots 1 6. Between adjacent nibs there is a step 24, providing two shoulders at right angles to each other. In use, a nib 22 on each chord member is engaged with a slot 1 6 in one of the plates 10 or 12 and, when all the chords have been thus engaged, the second plate is brought into position with opposed nibs 22 on each chord member in its slots, and the assembly is bolted together through the central holes 14. The clamping of the chord members occurs at the shoulder of the steps 24, so that no pressure is applied to the member itself. The chord members 1 8 can, therefore, be thinwalled tubes, to cut down on cost and weight of the frame. The embodiment of Figure 2 has the same structure as the embodiment of Figure 1, but there is added to it a second pair of clamping plates 26, 28. One of the plates 28 has a flat base 30 which rests on the top plate 10 of the chord structure and which is apertured for the projecting nibs 22 of the lower set of chord members 1 8 to pass through them. Radiating from the base 30 are four upwardly angled leaves 32 each of which is slotted to receive nibs 22 on the collars 20 of the diagonal frame members 34. The upper plate 28 is similarly shaped and slotted to receive the opposed nibs 22. The slots 1 6 in the upper plate 28 are, however, larger in the axial direction of the member 34 to facilitate engagement of the plate over the nibs 22 of the frame members 34. The assembly is held together by a single bolt passed through the registered central holes 14, and a nut on it. In both embodiments the collars 20 are symmetrical, so that they can be engaged with the plates in any of four orientations, which facilitates assembly. When assembled, the frame elements 1 8 and 34 are stably held within the nodes and are restrained against movement relatively to them. Furthermore, the plates and collars are pressings, so that the construction is economical. The invention is not limited to the precise constructional details as herein described. It is, for exampie, not necessary that the base 30 of the clamping plate 28 be holed to accommodate the nibs 22 of the lower clamp and the upper clamp for the diagonals may merely rest on the ends of the nibs which project from the plate 10. Additionally, the clamping plates of the nodes could be suitably modified to clamp any practical number of frame elements and not only four as illustrated in the drawings. CLAIMS

4. The combination of any of the above claims, in which the plates are flat.

6. The combination of Claim 5, in which the two pairs of plates are secured together by a common fastening means passed through registering central apertures in the plates.

7. For use in a space frame, a node substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

8. For use in a space frame, a node substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

9. A space frame substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

10. A space frame substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.