NO346236B1 - A system comprising at least four triangular pyramid-shaped support structures, and a method of making the same - Google Patents

Description

A SYSTEM COMPRISING AT LEAST FOUR TRIANGULAR PYRAMID-SHAPED BRACKET TOURS, AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THE SAME

The present invention relates to a support structure system, and a method of producing the same. The invention is directed to a system composed of triangular pyramid-shaped support structures which are particularly, but not limited to, for use as a support structure in a building structure where the support structure comprises at least four triangular pyramid-shaped support structures, where each support structure is a so-called tetrahedron.

Bearing structures that include triangular elements are well known, among other things, from the construction industry where a plurality of triangular elements are arranged in series to form a so-called truss for use as so-called trusses in buildings, bridges, towers, cranes, high-voltage masts and other types of constructions where there is a need for relatively light constructions that can transfer large forces to at least one foundation and/or where there is a need to be able to have a construction with a large span between storage points. A truss construction comprises a so-called upper girder and lower girder which are joined together with inclined rods at junctions or nodes. In some constructions, such as a high-voltage mast or a crane boom for a crane, the inclined rods can be connected with one or two upper girders and two lower girders to form a three-dimensional truss. Regardless of whether the framework is two- or three-dimensional, the upper girder and lower girder in the position of use are a continuous structural element.

There are known building constructions where triangular, three-dimensional frames are put together using nodes to form a so-called geodesic dome. A geodesic dome is a dome construction that consists of a space truss of standardized elements such as short steel or aluminum tubes that are assembled into a net-like system of tetrahedra.

From the publication JP S5325589 U, a construction for use as an artificial reef for fish is known, where the reef is constructed by connecting skeletal structures in a triangular pyramid, where each node in the skeletal structure is connected by means of a spherical node. The skeletal structure consists of elements with a circular cross-section.

From the publication FR 2639978 A1 it is known a triangular pyramidal structure, a tetrahedron, which has horizontal elements attached to the inclined elements of the structure and which is arranged between a ground plane and a vertex of the inclined elements. The horizontal elements constitute an intermediate structure and are placed on an inside of the tetrahedron and parallel to an inner surface of the inclined elements.

From the publication US5611187A, a construction system is known for making grid constructions comprising connecting elements and bars. Each connecting element has a base part with at least two side parts and opposing surfaces. A first fastening element is attached to a first side part of the base part. Second and third attachment elements are axially aligned and fixed at a distance from each other to a second side part of the base part. Respective coupling elements can be connected together by placing the first fastening element of a coupling element between the second and third axially aligned fastening elements of another coupling element and passing a rod through axially aligned receiving openings in each of the first, second and third fastening elements. The coupling elements have predefined fastening elements in the form of tubular elements of the hinge type which are arranged to be able to receive adapted rod elements. The connection defined by a central axis to the tubular hinge elements.

The purpose of the invention is to remedy or to reduce at least one of the disadvantages of known technology, or at least to provide a useful alternative to known technology. The purpose is achieved by the features indicated in the description below and in the subsequent patent claims.

There is a need for a system of tetrahedra made of triangular pyramidal support structures, where the system of tetrahedra is arranged to be able to support at least one further tetrahedron, where the external side surfaces of the system are in the same plane, regardless of the shape and size of the elements of the tetrahedra.

The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The independent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

In what follows, the terms "imaginary line" and "imaginary plane" are used. These are to be understood in the sense of "help", i.e. help line and help plan for use when planning the triangular pyramid-shaped support structure. The purpose of the imaginary lines is to form a three-dimensional and infinite crystal structure of auxiliary lines where the pyramid-shaped support structures of the invention can be placed inside each of the open spaces that occur between the lines and then connected as in a three-dimensional building block system. The crystal structure of auxiliary lines can be made in various designs, but is characterized by the fact that at least one of the nodes in the support structure is connected to at least one node in another support structure when several support structures are assembled in a system.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising at least four triangular pyramid-shaped support structures, where each of the at least four pyramid-shaped support structures comprises:

- a triangular pyramidal support structure comprising:

three primary elements joined at three primary nodes into an equilateral triangle to form a primary plane;

three inclined elements of mutually equal length, where each of the three inclined elements in the position of use has a first end part and a second end part, where the first end part is attached to each of the primary nodes, and where the second end part is joined together in a joining part so that the primary elements and the oblique elements form a pyramidal shape. The inclined elements are arranged in pairs with an outer portion parallel to and on an inside of each of three imaginary planes bounded by imaginary inclined lines each extending from a point of intersection between two and two imaginary lines coaxial with respective upper outer edge lines to a respective primary element, and past an end part of the joining part, the imaginary lines being longer than the primary elements so that said crossing point is on the outside of the first end part of the inclined elements, the three imaginary planes tangent to a part of each primary element so that at least a portion of the inclined elements are arranged within the imaginary planes, where:

the crossing point of imaginary lines of the primary planes of at least three of the at least four triangular support structures is placed adjacent to each other in a first plane so that two of the crossing points of the imaginary lines of each of the primary planes are adjacent to two of the crossing points of the imaginary lines of the other two triangular the support structures so as to form an open, equilateral triangle bounded between the intersection points of the imaginary lines of the three triangular support structures; and

the intersection point between two and two of the imaginary lines of the primary plane of the at least fourth triangular support structure coincides with each of the intersection points of the inclined elements, so that the primary plane of the at least fourth triangular support structure is carried in a second plane above said first plane, and the system delimits a tetrahedron determined by the imaginary lines of the system.

In one embodiment, the first end portion of the bevel elements which is attached to each of the primary nodes may have an end that extends past the primary nodes.

The imaginary plane can thus be at a distance from the plane formed by the outer edge of the primary elements and the inclined elements. A distance is determined by the size and shape of the primary elements and the inclined elements.

The primary plane which is delimited by the primary elements in each of the at least four pyramid-shaped support structures which are included in the system according to the invention, has an outer end surface which faces away from the joining part of the inclined elements. In this document, the term "top" is used in connection with the primary elements. The term "top" is to be understood as the side or the part of the primary elements which faces away from the outer end surface of the primary plane, i.e. the side or the part of the primary elements which is on the opposite side of the outer end surface of the primary plane. In this document, the term "outer" used in connection with the primary elements means the side or part of the primary elements that delimits the maximum extent of the primary plane.

In one embodiment, the triangular support structures are regular tetrahedrons, so that the system as a whole is a regular tetrahedron and can be built infinitely large.

In one embodiment, at least the at least three triangular pyramidal support structures in the first plane are provided with inclined elements having a cross section that is larger at the first end portion than at the second end portion. The inclined elements of at least the three lowermost tetrahedra can thus have a design with non-parallel outer and inner sides so that the inclined elements increase in thickness from the second end part to the first end part.

In one embodiment, the primary nodal points in the primary plane of the triangular support structure(s) placed against underlying triangular support structures can be designed with a recess that is complementary to the joining point of each of the three triangular pyramidal support structures carrying the triangular support structure(s), so that the primary nodal points until the triangular support structure or structures that are carried, in the position of use, enclose a part of said joining point. This has the effect that mutual lateral displacement of the triangular support structures is essentially prevented.

In one embodiment, the support structure of each of the at least four triangular pyramid-shaped support structures may further comprise three secondary elements which are attached to a portion of the inclined elements between the primary nodes and the joining portion to form a secondary plane, and where each of the secondary elements may have at least three sides of which at least one of the sides are parallel to the primary plane and are facing away from the primary plane, with at least one side being bounded by an outer edge line and an inner edge line. At least the outer edge line of each of the secondary elements may be coaxial with respective imaginary lines lying in each of the three imaginary planes.

The effect of placing at least one of the at least three sides parallel to and facing away from the primary plane is that the secondary plane can form a flat foundation for example for a floor in a building.

In an alternative embodiment to fabricating the secondary members with at least three sides, the support structure of each of the at least four triangular pyramidal support structures may comprise three secondary members attached to a portion of the inclined members between the primary nodes and the joining portion to form a secondary plane parallel to the primary plane, imaginary lines being tangent to a top portion of the secondary elements and extending past end portions of the secondary elements. Thus, the secondary elements can be produced in any shape with a cross-section having an endless periphery, such as, for example, but not limited to a circular or oval cross-section. It can be an advantage if the secondary elements are maximally tangent to each of the support structure's respective imaginary planes.

In one embodiment, the elements of the support structure can be made of materials selected from the group of wood, metal, concrete and plastic material, or a mixture of these. The wooden materials can be made from one piece of wood, or the wooden material can be glulam elements. The concrete can be an ordinary concrete with aggregates that include sand and stone, or the concrete can be a lightweight concrete where at least a proportion of the aggregate includes materials with a low specific gravity such as lightweight clinker, fractions of expanded polystyrene, so-called polyconcrete, and pumice stone. The plastic material can typically be a suitable plastic material. Elements made of metal can have a cross-section of any shape, such as: at least three sides; an endless periphery; or an I-shaped or H-shaped cross-section.

In one embodiment, at least some of the supporting structure's elements are connected together by means of fittings. The fittings can be made of metal or another suitable material such as a plastic material. One of the advantages of using fittings is that the end parts of the elements do not need to be cut at a very precise angle. Another advantage is that the nodes and/or joining points will normally be able to achieve greater rigidity and strength. The fittings can in one embodiment comprise sleeve-shaped parts configured to be able to at least partially enclose an end part of the or each of the support structure's elements. Such sleeve-shaped parts can, like other types of fittings, typically be made of metal, but other materials are also conceivable, such as a suitable plastic material as mentioned above. When using sleeve-shaped fittings, the end parts of the elements can be at right angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elements. In one embodiment, an external surface of the sleeve-shaped fittings is in the same plane as the element enclosed by the sleeve-shaped fitting. This can be achieved by reducing the cross-sectional area of the end portion which is at least partially enclosed by the fitting, corresponding to the wall thickness of the fitting. In such an embodiment, the part of the end portion which is enclosed by the sleeve-shaped fitting has a somewhat reduced cross-sectional area compared to the rest of the element. This has the advantage that the supporting structure has an even surface. A smooth surface is particularly useful if the inside and/or outside of the supporting structure is to be covered with, for example, plate-shaped elements.

As an alternative to fittings which are made up of sleeve-shaped parts, the fittings can comprise plates designed to be able to be inserted into a complementary adapted recesses in an end part of the or each of the support structure's elements. This has the effect that the fittings are essentially not visible. In one embodiment, the fittings are provided with at least one bolt hole to be able to receive a bolt which is inserted between two opposite sides of the element.

As a further alternative to said sleeve-shaped fittings and fittings comprising plates, at least the fittings for the primary nodes can comprise at least one sleeve-shaped part where the or each sleeve-shaped part encloses one end part of the support structure's elements, and at least one plate which is fixed in a complementary adapted recess in an end part to another of the support structure's elements.

In an embodiment where the supporting structure's elements are made of concrete, the fittings can comprise metal plates embedded in a surface to end parts of the supporting structure's elements so that adjacent metal plates can be connected by means of welding.

As mentioned above, the support structure of each of the at least four triangular pyramid-shaped support structures is designed as a regular tetrahedron where the primary elements and the oblique elements have the same length.

In one embodiment, at least the inclined members and the secondary members of each of the at least four triangular pyramidal support structures may have a square or a rectangular cross-section. A square or rectangular cross-section is particularly useful if, for example, plates are to be attached to the outer and/or inner surface of the support structure. In an alternative embodiment, the inclined elements and/or the secondary elements can have a design with a cross-section with an endless surface. In one embodiment where the inclined elements have a cross-section with an endless surface, the surface can have a longitudinal projection which is parallel to the imaginary lines of the inclined elements, and where an outer part of the projection is tangent to the imaginary line.

In an embodiment where the inclined elements have, for example, a triangular cross-section, one of the edge lines of the inclined element can be tangent to the imaginary line, but, like all other cross-sectional shapes, not be on an outside of the imaginary line.

In yet another alternative embodiment, at least the secondary elements may have a cross-section shaped like a parallelogram, and where one side surface of each of the secondary elements is placed in the same plane as the respective outer edge lines of the secondary element which are coaxial with respective imaginary lines lying therein in the imaginary plane. This has the effect that the secondary elements can have a relatively large surface which can be parallel to each of the aforementioned imaginary planes of the inclined elements. A large surface can be advantageous with regard to supporting any external construction that may have to be placed against the tetrahedron.

Correspondingly, the primary elements can be designed with a square or a rectangular cross-section, or the primary elements can be designed with a cross-section selected from the group triangular, polygonal, and a cross-section with an endless surface, such as, for example, a circular or oval cross-section.

In order to accommodate large loads, a cross-sectional area of the inclined elements can be larger at the first end portion than at the second end portion. Also in such an embodiment, it is the part of the inclined element that faces its respective imaginary plane, in parallel with its respective imaginary plane.

From the description above, it will be understood that several triangular support structures are put together to form a system according to the invention, where the system has at least four triangular support structures where two and two of the nodes of the primary planes face each other, and where a third of the primary nodes of the primary plane form the outer boundary of the system, and in several planes. In order to form a tetrahedron in three planes, a total of thirteen triangular support structures can be assembled, where the thirteenth support structure is supported by four of a smallest embodiment of the system according to the invention.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing the system according to the first aspect of the invention, where the method includes:

- to plan the triangular pyramidal support structures that make up the system, using imaginary lines that form a tetrahedron,

where the imaginary lines are bounded by:

- three imaginary lines that are coaxial with respective upper, outer border lines of the primary elements, the imaginary lines being longer than the primary elements so that two and two of the imaginary lines form a crossing point that delimits a primary plane;

- three imaginary inclined lines each extending from a respective point of intersection between the imaginary lines forming the imaginary plane, the imaginary inclined lines coinciding at a point;

wherein the imaginary lines and the imaginary slant lines define a first imaginary plane, a second imaginary plane, and a third imaginary plane;

- connecting the primary elements at the primary nodes to form an equilateral triangle in the primary plane, so that the upper edge lines of the primary elements coincide with the imaginary lines;

- connecting the first end portion of the inclined elements to each of its primary nodes, and connecting the second end portions of the inclined elements in a joining portion; and

- to arrange the external part of the inclined elements in pairs in parallel on an inside of each of the first, second and third imaginary planes, so that an end part of the joining part is on an inside of said first, second and third imaginary plane, where , where the method further comprises :

placing at least three of the crossing points of the imaginary lines of the primary planes of said at least three of the at least four triangular support structures adjacent to each other in a first plane so that two of the crossing points of the imaginary lines of each of the primary planes are adjacent to two of the crossing points of the imaginary lines to the other two triangular support structures so as to form an open, equilateral triangle bounded between the intersection points of the imaginary lines of the three triangular support structures; and

placing the intersection point between two and two of the imaginary lines of the primary plane of the at least fourth triangular support structure coinciding with each of the intersection points of the inclined elements so that the primary plane of the at least fourth triangular support structure is carried in a second plane above said first plane, and the system delimits a tetrahedron determined by the imaginary lines of the system.

As mentioned under the description of the second aspect of the invention, triangular support structures can be placed in more than two planes, where each of the triangular support structures above the first plane is supported by the joining part of three underlying triangular support structures.

In the following, examples of preferred embodiments are described which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where:

Fig.1 shows one of the at least four triangular support structures included in the system according to the invention, where imaginary lines are shown on an outside of the support structure;

Fig.2 shows the imaginary lines of the support structure shown in Fig.1;

Fig.3 shows a system according to the invention where the system is composed of four triangular support structures according to fig.1, but where only the imaginary lines in fig.

2 is shown; and

Fig.4 shows on a larger scale a detail A in Fig.3, but where the elements of the supporting structure are also shown.

In the description, position indications refer to the positions shown in the figures.

A reference number for an element that is indicated in general can also be used for a specific embodiment of the element indicated in general.

For illustrative reasons, the mutual size ratio between individual elements may be somewhat exaggerated.

In the figures, the reference number 1 indicates a triangular support structure which is part of the system according to the invention.

The triangular support structure 1 will subsequently also be referred to as a tetrahedron With reference to Fig. 1, the tetrahedron 1 comprises three primary elements 4a, 4b, and 4c which are linked together in three primary nodes 7. The linked primary elements 4a, 4b and 4c, here shown as elements with a square cross-section, all have the same length and thus form an equilateral triangle. The connected primary elements 4a, 4b, 4c form a primary plane.

Three inclined elements 5a, 5b and 5c are carried by the primary elements 4a, 4b and 4c, where a first end part of the inclined elements 5a, 5b and 5c is led towards the primary nodes 7, and a second end part of each of the inclined elements 5a, 5b and 5c is connected together in a joint part 9. The inclined elements 5a, 5b and 5c are all of the same length. The primary elements 4a, 4b and 4c and the oblique elements 5a, 5b and 5c thus form the tetrahedron 1.

Each of the primary elements 4a, 4b and 4c has an outer edge line shown as 14a, 14b and 14c respectively which is an upper outer limit of the primary elements.

In the embodiment shown in Fig.1, the tetrahedron 1 is further provided with three secondary elements 6a, 6b and 6c which are attached to a side part of the inclined elements 5a, 5b and 5c between the primary nodes 7 and the joining part 9 to the other end parts of the inclined elements 5a, 5b and 5c . The secondary elements 6a, 6b and 6c form a secondary plane which is parallel to the primary plane delimited by the primary elements 4a, 4b, 4c. When using the invention, for example, as a support structure in a building structure, the secondary plane may, but need not, constitute a support structure for a floor partition. Although one secondary plane is shown in Fig.1, it should be understood that more than one secondary plane can be placed between the primary nodes 7 and the joining portion 9 of the inclined elements 5a, 5b and 5c. It should further be understood that the tetrahedron 1 can be produced without the secondary elements 6a, 6b and 6c so that the tetrahedron 1 does not include the secondary plane.

In the embodiment shown, the primary nodes 7 and the joint part 9 comprise sleeve-shaped fittings. The fittings are shown in gray in fig.1. The sleeve-shaped fittings are included in the primary nodes 7 and the joint part 9 and are therefore indicated with the same reference number as the primary node and the joint part, i.e. 7 and 9.

The sleeve-shaped parts 7, 9 are typically made of metal and are prefabricated. The central axis of the sleeves in the fitting 7 which will receive the primary elements 4a, 4b and 4c, has a mutual angle of 60°. The angle of the center axis of the part of the fitting 7 which is to receive the first end part of the inclined elements 5a, 5b, 5c has an angle adapted to the length of the inclined elements 5a, 5b, 5c. Correspondingly, mutual angles to the center axes of the sleeves in the fitting 9 which are to receive the second end part of the inclined elements 5a, 5b, 5c are adapted to the length of the inclined elements 5a, 5b, 5c.

In the embodiment shown, the secondary elements 6a, 6b and 6c are also attached by means of sleeve-shaped fittings 8, each of which comprises attachment parts which are adapted to rest against one of the side surfaces of the inclined elements 5a, 5c, 5c.

In fig.1 there are several imaginary lines. The imaginary lines are shown with a thick line. In the primary plane, three imaginary lines 1a, 1b and 1c are shown which are coaxial with the outer edge lines 14a, 14b and 14c respectively, but which extend past each of the nodes 7. The imaginary lines 1a, 1b, 1c are thus longer than the primary elements 4a, 4b, 4c. Two and two of the imaginary lines 1a, 1b and 1c thus form a meeting or crossing point. From each crossing point, imaginary lines 2a, 2b and 2c extend parallel along the inclined elements 5a, 5b and 5c respectively. In the embodiment shown, the imaginary lines meet above the midpoint of the joining point and thus the sleeve-shaped fitting 9.

In the secondary plane, three imaginary lines 3a, 3b and 3c are shown which are coaxial with the upper, outer edge lines 36a, 36b and 36c of the secondary elements 6a, 6b and 6c respectively, but which extend past the fittings 8 in each end part of each of the secondary elements 6a , 6b and 6c until they meet or cross the imaginary lines 2a, 2b and 2c.

In the embodiment shown with primary elements 4a, 4b and 4c with a square cross-section, the imaginary lines 1a, 2a and 2b form a first imaginary plane. The imaginary lines 1b, 2b and 2c formed a second imaginary plane, and the imaginary lines 1c, 2a and 2c formed a third imaginary plane. The imaginary plane is thus tangent to the upper, outer part of the primary elements 4a, 4b, 4c.

In an embodiment (not shown) with primary elements with a cross-section with an endless peripheral surface, such as for example circular or oval, imaginary lines corresponding to 1a, 1b and 1c as shown in Fig. 1 will be parallel to an axis that extends along the top of the primary elements part, i.e. along the top of the primary elements, while the imaginary planes are tangent to the primary elements along a line that is below the imaginary lines.

In an embodiment (not shown) with secondary elements with a cross-section with an endless surface, such as for example circular or oval, imaginary lines corresponding to 3a, 3b and 3c as shown in Fig. 1 will be parallel to an axis that extends along the top of the secondary elements part, while the imaginary planes are tangent to the secondary elements along a line that is below the imaginary lines.

The purpose of the imaginary line will be explained with reference to figures 2 and 3, and especially fig.4.

Reference is now made to Figures 2 and 3 where only the imaginary lines are shown. Fig.2 shows the imaginary lines shown in Fig.1. Thus, it should be understood that fig.2 deals with the embodiment in fig.1.

Fig. 3 shows a system S which is composed of four identical tetrahedra shown in figures 2 and 3. For the sake of clarity, the four tetrahedra are indicated by reference numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4. Furthermore, the four tetrahedra 1, 2, 3 and 4 shown with different line thicknesses, also for clarity. However, it should be repeated that the tetrahedra 1, 2, 3 and 4 are identical.

To facilitate understanding, the reference numbers in fig.3 are indicated so that the tetrahedron, as indicated by the reference number 1, has a first digit "1" in addition to the reference numbers in fig.1.

The tetrahedron indicated with the reference number 2 has a first digit "2" in addition to the reference numbers in fig.1. Correspondingly for the tetrahedra 3 and 4 which have a first digit "3" and "4" respectively in addition to the reference numbers in fig.1.

In fig.3, three tetrahedra 1, 2, 3 are placed against each other in a first plane so that two of the crossing points of the imaginary lines in the primary plane (see fig. 1) of each of the primary planes coincide with two crossing points of the imaginary lines of the two other tetrahedra to thereby form an open, equilateral triangle (shown shaded) bounded between the imaginary lines 21c, 11a, 31b.

The intersection point of the first tetrahedron's 1 imaginary lines 11a, 11b is located coincident with the intersection point of the second tetrahedron's 2 imaginary lines 21b, 21c, and the intersection point of the first tetrahedron's imaginary lines 11a, 11c is located coincident with the intersection point of the third tetrahedron's 3 imaginary lines 31b, 31c. Correspondingly, the crossing point of the second tetrahedron's 2 imaginary lines 21a, 21c is positioned to coincide with the crossing point of the third tetrahedron's 3 imaginary lines 31a, 31b.

Thus, it is the imaginary lines that determine the relative position of the tetrahedra 1, 2, 3, and not the primary nodes 7 formed by the end parts of the primary elements 4a, 4b, 4c as shown in fig.1.

In Fig.3, a fourth tetrahedron 4 is placed against the meeting or crossing points of the oblique imaginary lines of the tetrahedra 1, 2, 3 so that the crossing or meeting point of the imaginary lines 41b, 41c of the fourth tetrahedron 4 coincides with the crossing point of the inclined imaginary lines 12a, 12b, 12c of the first tetrahedron. The crossing or meeting point of the imaginary lines 41a, 41b of the fourth tetrahedron 4 coincides with the crossing point of the oblique imaginary lines 22a, 22b, 22c of the second tetrahedron 2, and the crossing or meeting point of the imaginary lines 41a, 41c of the fourth tetrahedron 4 coincides with the intersection of the oblique imaginary lines 32a, 32b, 32c of the third tetrahedron.

In the embodiment in Fig. 3 are also imaginary lines 13a, 13b, 13c; 23a, 23b, 23c; 33a, 33b, 33c; 43a, 43b, 43c for the secondary plane shown for each of the tetrahedra 1, 2, 3, 4.

In Fig.3, a fifth tetrahedron can also be imagined arranged mirror-imaged in relation to the primary plane 41a, 41b, 41c of the fourth tetrahedron 4. Such a fifth tetrahedron will be bounded by the imaginary line 12a to the first tetrahedron 1, the imaginary line 32c to the third tetrahedron 3, and the imaginary plane bounded by the imaginary lines 22a and 22c to the second tetrahedron 2. Although it is not clearly apparent from fig.3, a lower part of the imaginary fifth tetrahedron will be in a center of the open the area shown shaded in fig.3.

In such an imaginary embodiment with a fifth tetrahedron, the inclined imaginary lines extend downward from the intersection points of the imaginary lines 41c, 41b; 41c, 41a; and 41a, 41b. With regard to the elements of the triangular support structure, this means that inclined elements corresponding to the inclined elements 5a, 5b, 5c (see fig. 1) are connected to elements corresponding to the elements 4a, 4b, 4c (see again fig. 1) in the primary plane of the fourth tetrahedron 4 which the imaginary fifth tetrahedron rests against. Thus, the imaginary fifth tetrahedron has a common primary plane with the fourth tetrahedron 4. In, for example, a building structure composed of several "floors" of tetrahedra, it will always be the case that the primary plane of an underlying tetrahedron is governed by an overlying tetrahedron.

The effect of the imaginary lines will be explained with reference to fig.4 which shows on a larger scale detail A in fig.3, but where fig.4 also shows parts of the support structure's elements 5a, 5b, 5c as well as the joining point 9 for the first, lower the tetrahedron 1, as well as the node 7 for the upper tetrahedron's 4 primary elements 4a, 4b and oblique element 5a. The reference numbers for said elements are the same as in fig.1 for each of the tetrahedra 1, 4 in detail A.

The imaginary lines 12a, 12b and 12c which are parallel to the elements 5a, 5b and 5c respectively intersect at a point 14P above the top portion of the tetrahedron 1. A vertical imaginary line 1V extending through the point 14P hits a center point of the joining point 9 which in the embodiment shown comprises a fitting.

The fourth tetrahedron 4 is positioned so that the intersection point of the imaginary lines 41b and 41c for the elements 4b and 4c, respectively, which form part of the primary plane of the fourth tetrahedron 4, and the imaginary line 42c for the inclined element 5c coincide with the point 14P. Thus, the imaginary lines 12c and 42c form a straight line. As the imaginary lines 12c, 42c are parallel to the inclined elements 5c of each of the tetrahedra 1, 4, at least the outside of the inclined elements 5c is also aligned. In the embodiment shown, the outside and inside of the inclined elements 5c are parallel. Thus, the inside of the inclined elements 5c is also aligned.

Based on the explanations above, it will be understood that it is the imaginary lines that determine the relative position of the tetrahedra, and not the dimensions and cross-sectional shape of the tetrahedra's 1, 2, 3, 4 elements that are part of the system S shown in fig.3. It is the top part of the elements in the primary plane of the tetrahedra, which in the designs shown in fig.1 and 4 coincide with the imaginary lines, which must have a certain elevation, while the outside of the slanted elements is placed so that the imaginary lines of the slanted elements form a straight line. Thus, the system S can be built almost infinitely large, where the system's external oblique elements form straight lines from the top to the bottom of the tetrahedra in the system.

Although it is not shown in Fig.4, inclined element 5c (and correspondingly the other two inclined elements for each tetrahedron) can have an extent that projects below the lower part of the elements 4b, 4c, i.e. that the primary plane has a somewhat higher elevation than the underside of the inclined elements.

For a building structure comprising one triangular pyramid-shaped support structure as shown in fig.1, or several triangular support structures 1, 2, 3, 4 as shown in fig. 3, the individual support structure or those of the support structures in the system of support structures 1, 2, 3 , 4 which abuts or is closest to a ground, be provided with inclined elements 5a, 5b, 5c which extend into the ground and/or carry the primary plane at a distance from the ground. Loads that are transferred to the ground via the inclined elements 5a, 5b, 5c will thus only be able to be transferred to the ground as compressive forces. For a building construction that is placed against a sloping ground, the extent of the inclined elements 5a, 5b, 5c below the primary plane can have different lengths.

From the description above, it will be understood that the at least four triangular pyramid-shaped support structures can be used individually, but are particularly useful in the system according to the invention, where the system is suitable for use in a building structure as a replacement for or an addition to traditional construction principles that use columns and beams as load-bearing elements. The system according to the invention is suitable for absorbing vertical forces as well as horizontal forces caused by, for example, wind. Because of the tetrahedra included in the system, the system can be manufactured with the tetrahedra at any desired angle as long as the system is adequately supported.

According to the present invention, the imaginary lines of each of the at least four support structures form an imaginary tetrahedron, where several imaginary tetrahedra are put together in a system and form a three-dimensional, imaginary "diamond-like" structure that can be built ad infinitum. One inside of each imaginary tetrahedron houses the pyramidal support structure. The system will therefore function as a "building block system".

In one embodiment, the pyramidal support structures can be placed alternately with the joining point of the inclined elements pointing upwards, downwards and in each of the different directions possible within each of the respective imaginary tetrahedra of the imaginary diamond-like structure. In another embodiment, the imaginary tetrahedra are placed with the joining points of the bevel elements pointing upwards to form open spaces in the remaining spaces that occur in the imaginary diamond-like structure.

It should be noted that all of the above embodiments illustrate the invention, but do not limit it, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the requirements, reference numbers in parentheses should not be seen as limiting.

The use of the verb "to comprise" and its various forms does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not mentioned in the claims. The indefinite articles "an", "ei" or "et" before an element do not exclude the presence of several such elements.

Claims (11)

Patent claims 1. System (S) comprising at least four triangular pyramid-shaped support structures (1, 2, 3, 4), where each of the at least four triangular pyramid-shaped support structures comprises: - a triangular pyramidal support structure (1) comprising: three primary elements (4a, 4b, 4c) which are joined at three primary nodes (7) into an equilateral triangle to form a primary plane; three inclined elements (5a, 5b, 5c) of mutually equal length, where each of the three inclined elements (5a, 5b, 5c) in use position has a first end part and a second end part, where the first end part is attached to each of the primary nodes ( 7), and where the other end part is joined together in a joining part (9) so that the primary elements (4a, 4b, 4c) and the inclined elements (5a, 5b, 5c) form a pyramid shape, c a r a c t e r i s e r t w e d that - the inclined elements (5a, 5b, 5c) are arranged in pairs with an external part which is parallel to and on the inside of each of three imaginary planes bounded by imaginary inclined lines (2a, 2b, 2c) each of which extends from a crossing point ( 1a, 1c; 1a, 1b; 1b, 1c) between two and two imaginary lines (1a, 1b, 1c) which are coaxial with respective upper, outer edge lines (14a, 14b, 14c) of a respective primary element (4a, 4b, 4c), and past an end part of the joining part (9), the imaginary lines (1a, 1b and 1c) being longer than the primary elements (4a, 4b, 4c), so that said crossing point (1a, 1c; 1a, 1b; 1b , 1c) are located on the outside of the first end part of the inclined elements (5a, 5b, 5c), the three imaginary planes tangent to a part of each primary element (4a, 4b, 4c) so that at least a part of the inclined elements (5a , 5b, 5c) are arranged within the imaginary planes, where: the crossing point of imaginary lines of the primary planes of at least three of the at least four triangular support structures is placed adjacent to each other in a first plane so that two of the crossing points of the imaginary lines of each of the primary planes are adjacent to two of the crossing points of the imaginary lines of the other two triangular the support structures so as to form an open, equilateral triangle bounded between the intersection points of the imaginary lines of the three triangular support structures (1, 2, 3); and the crossing point (41c, 41b; 41c, 41a; 41a, 41c) between two and two of the imaginary lines (41a, 41b, 41c) of the primary plane of the at least fourth triangular support structure (4) coincides with each of the crossing points of the inclined elements (12a, 12b, 12c; 32a, 32b, 32c; 22a, 22b, 22c), so that the primary plane of the at least fourth triangular support structure (4) is carried in a second plane above said first plane, and the system (S) defines a tetrahedron determined by the imaginary lines of the system (S). 2. System (S) according to claim 1, where the triangular support structures (1, 2, 3, 4) are regular tetrahedra. 3. System (S) according to claim 1 or 2, where the primary nodes in the primary plane of the triangular support structure or structures (4) which are placed against underlying triangular support structures (1, 2, 3) are designed with a recess that is complementary adapted to the joining point of each of the three triangular pyramid-shaped support structures (1, 2, 3) which carry the triangular support structure or structures (4), so that the primary nodes of the triangular support structure or structures (4) being carried, in the position of use, enclose a part of said joining point. 4. System (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the support structure further comprises three secondary elements (6a, 6b, 6c) which are attached to a portion of the inclined elements (5a, 5b, 5c) between the primary nodes (7) and the joining portion (9) to form a secondary plane, and where each of the secondary elements (6a, 6b, 6c) has at least three sides of which at least one of the sides is parallel to the primary plane and faces away from the primary plane, with at least one side being bounded by an outer edge line (36a, 36b, 36c) and an inner edge line, and that - at least the outer edge line (36a, 36b, 36c) of each of the secondary elements (6a, 6b, 6c) is coaxial with respective imaginary lines (3a , 3b, 3c) which lie in each of the three imaginary planes. 5. System (S) according to any one of claims 1-3, where the support structure further comprises three secondary elements (6a, 6b, 6c) which are attached to a part of the inclined elements (5a, 5b, 5c) between the primary nodes (7) and the joining portion (9) to form a secondary plane parallel to the primary plane, imaginary lines (3a, 3b, 3c) tangent to a top portion of the secondary elements (6a, 6b, 6c) and extending past end portions of the secondary elements (6a, 6b, 6c). 6. System (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, where at least some of the support structure's elements (4a, 4b, 4c; 5a, 5b, 5c; 6a, 6b, 6c) are connected by means of fittings (7, 8, 9). 7. System (S) according to claim 6, where the fittings (7, 8, 9) comprise sleeve-shaped parts configured to be able to at least partially enclose an end part of the or each of the support structure's elements (4a, 4b, 4c; 5a, 5b , 5c; 6a, 6b, 6c). 8. System (S) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, where the secondary elements (6a, 6b, 6c) have a cross-section shaped like a parallelogram, and where one side surface of each of the secondary elements (6a, 6b, 6c) is placed in the same plane as the imaginary lines (3a, 3b, 3c). 9. System (S) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the secondary elements (6a, 6b, 6c) have a cross-section with an endless surface. 10. System (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-sectional area of the inclined elements (5a, 5b, 5c) is greater at the first end portion than at the second end portion. 11. Method for producing the system (S) according to any one of claims 1-10, where the method comprises: - to plan the triangular pyramidal support structures (1) that make up the system (S), using imaginary lines forming a tetrahedron, where the imaginary lines are bounded by: - three imaginary lines (1a, 1b, 1c) which are coaxial with respective upper, outer edge lines (14a, 14b, 14c) of the primary elements (4a, 4b, 4c), the imaginary lines (1a, 1b, 1c) being longer than the primary elements (4a, 4b, 4c) so that two and two of the imaginary lines (1a, 1b, 1c) form an intersection point delimiting a primary plane; - three imaginary inclined lines (2a, 2b, 2c) each extending from the respective crossing point between the imaginary lines (1a, 1b, 1c) forming the imaginary plane, the imaginary inclined lines coinciding at a point (14P); where the imaginary lines (1a, 1b, 1c) and the imaginary inclined lines (2a, 2b, 2c) delimit a first imaginary plane (1a, 2a, 2b), a second imaginary plane (1b, 2b, 2c), and a third imaginary plane (1c, 2a, 2c); - connecting the primary elements (4a, 4b, 4c) at the primary nodes to form an equilateral triangle in the primary plane, so that the upper edge lines (14a, 14b, 14c) of the primary elements (4a, 4b, 4c) coincide with the imaginary lines ( 1a, 1b, 1c); - connecting the first end portion of the inclined elements (5a, 5b, 5c) to each of their primary nodes, and connecting the second end portions of the inclined elements in a joining portion; and - to arrange the external part of the inclined elements (5a, 5b, 5c) in pairs in parallel on an inside of each of the first, second and third imaginary planes, so that an end part of the joining part (9) is on an inside of said first, second and third imaginary plane, where , where the procedure further includes: placing at least three of the crossing points of the imaginary lines of the primary planes of said at least three of the at least four triangular support structures (1, 2, 3, 4) adjacent to each other in a first plane so that two of the crossing points of the imaginary lines of each of the primary planes are adjacent to two of the intersection points of the imaginary lines of the other two triangular support structures so as to form an open, equilateral triangle bounded between the intersection points of the imaginary lines of the three triangular support structures (1, 2, 3); and placing the intersection point (41c, 41b; 41c, 41a; 41a, 41c) between two and two of the imaginary lines (41a, 41b, 41c) of the primary plane of the at least fourth triangular support structure (4) coinciding with each of the intersection points of the inclined elements (12a, 12b, 12c; 32a, 32b, 32c; 22a, 22b, 22c) so that the primary plane of the at least fourth triangular support structure (4) is carried in a second plane above said first plane, and the system (S) delimits a tetrahedron determined by the imaginary lines of the system (S).