US20030009975A1 - Bracket-like structural member - Google Patents
Bracket-like structural member Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030009975A1 US20030009975A1 US09/906,902 US90690201A US2003009975A1 US 20030009975 A1 US20030009975 A1 US 20030009975A1 US 90690201 A US90690201 A US 90690201A US 2003009975 A1 US2003009975 A1 US 2003009975A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tubes
- structural member
- graphite fiber
- wrapped
- foam
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000032798 delamination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
- E04B1/388—Separate connecting elements
- E04B2001/389—Brackets
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to structural members, and more particularly, to an improved bracket-like structural member for use as a rigid space frame.
- bracket-like structural member for use as a rigid space frame.
- the present invention provides for a bracket-like structural member designed to improve satellite antenna towers and other structures where a rigid space frame can fulfill a structural purpose.
- the present invention has reduced mass, enhanced stiffness and strength compared with prefabricated joint brackets.
- the present invention causes space frames to have reduced mass and greater stiffness and strength characteristics compared to space frames incorporating prefabricated brackets.
- space frames become a practical structural alternative to solid panel construction. This allows for more accessibility to satellite components during fabrication and assembly.
- the present invention provides a manufacturing approach to space frames that may be used repeatedly, while allowing for flexibility in choosing structural dimensions and geometry.
- An exemplary structural member comprises two straight tubes that each comprise a graphite fiber wrapped foam cylinder, and a curved tube that comprises a graphite fiber wrapped foam arc segment whose distal ends abut an end of each straight tube.
- Graphite fiber cloth overlaps interfaces between the curved tubes and the straight tube.
- a strut interconnects adjacent ends of the straight tubes.
- Bracketless bracket reinforces a joint comprising the graphite fiber wrapped foam cylinder and arc reinforced by the overlapping graphite fiber cloth. This eliminates the need for a heavier gusset plate. Additionally, the strut changes the manner in which loads are transferred through the joint. Thus radial or tensile cracking stresses that traditionally cause delamination are either eliminated or significantly reduced using the present invention.
- the present invention is readily applicable to more than two elements terminating at a joint.
- a strut disposed at 45° may be coupled between additional pairs of tubes, in the same manner as the first two tubes.
- the present invention may also be used to create frame connections in three dimensions, i.e., space frames.
- the present invention employs laminate and structural analysis software to design space frames employing the bracket-like structural member or bracketless brackets.
- the resulting space frames are lighter, less expensive and more reliable than previously available space frames.
- the present invention allow for fabrication of space frames that are lighter and have stronger joints than similar previously designed structures.
- bracket-like structural member 10 or “bracketless” bracket structure 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- the exemplary bracket-like structural member 10 is formed using a master tool.
- An exemplary master tool may be provided by a block of foam routed out with channels to accommodate graphite fiber wrapped foam cylinders 11 a, 11 b and a graphite fiber wrapped foam arc segment 12 interconnecting the fiber wrapped foam cylinders 11 a, 11 b.
- an exemplary bracket-like structural member 10 comprises two straight tubes 11 a, 11 b and one curved tube 12 that are formed around a foam cylinder 15 and foam arc segment 16 .
- the straight and curved tubes 11 a, 11 b, 12 comprise graphite fiber wrapped foam members.
- the two straight tubes 11 a, 11 b are joined to the curved tube 12 at a joint.
- Graphite fiber cloth 14 is wrapped in an overlapping manner at interfaces between the straight tubes 11 a, 11 b and the curved tube 12 .
- a strut 13 reinforces the joint and interconnects ends of the straight tubes 11 a, 11 b.
- the strut 13 connects to the straight tubes 11 a, 11 b a short distance away from abutting ends of the straight and curved tubes 11 a, 11 b, 12 .
- the foam arc segment 12 is preferably smaller in diameter than the foam cylinders 11 a, 11 b.
- the arc segment 12 is wrapped with more layers than the foam tubes 11 a, 11 b.
- the outside diameter of the straight and curved tubes 11 a, 11 b, 12 is substantially identical.
- the strut 13 may be formed in a number or ways.
- the strut 13 may be formed as tightly rolled graphite fiber cloth.
- the strut 13 may be formed by routing an appropriately angled channel in the master tool.
- the strut 13 may be formed by wrapping cloth around the straight tubes 11 a, 11 b, and sewing fibers to connect the tubes 11 a, 11 b and the strut 13 together.
- bracket-like structural members have been disclosed. It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of some of the many specific embodiments that represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Clearly, numerous and other arrangements can be readily devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to structural members, and more particularly, to an improved bracket-like structural member for use as a rigid space frame.
- Historically, space frames were built-using brackets that were fabricated separately from the space frame. These brackets are expensive and are heavy. Joints using prefabricated joint brackets have failed under testing.
- It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide for an improved bracket-like structural member for use as a rigid space frame.
- The present invention provides for a bracket-like structural member designed to improve satellite antenna towers and other structures where a rigid space frame can fulfill a structural purpose. The present invention has reduced mass, enhanced stiffness and strength compared with prefabricated joint brackets. The present invention causes space frames to have reduced mass and greater stiffness and strength characteristics compared to space frames incorporating prefabricated brackets. Thus, space frames become a practical structural alternative to solid panel construction. This allows for more accessibility to satellite components during fabrication and assembly. The present invention provides a manufacturing approach to space frames that may be used repeatedly, while allowing for flexibility in choosing structural dimensions and geometry.
- An exemplary structural member comprises two straight tubes that each comprise a graphite fiber wrapped foam cylinder, and a curved tube that comprises a graphite fiber wrapped foam arc segment whose distal ends abut an end of each straight tube. Graphite fiber cloth overlaps interfaces between the curved tubes and the straight tube. A strut interconnects adjacent ends of the straight tubes.
- The strut of the bracket-like structural member, referred to as a “bracketless” bracket, reinforces a joint comprising the graphite fiber wrapped foam cylinder and arc reinforced by the overlapping graphite fiber cloth. This eliminates the need for a heavier gusset plate. Additionally, the strut changes the manner in which loads are transferred through the joint. Thus radial or tensile cracking stresses that traditionally cause delamination are either eliminated or significantly reduced using the present invention.
- The present invention is readily applicable to more than two elements terminating at a joint. For example, a strut disposed at 45° may be coupled between additional pairs of tubes, in the same manner as the first two tubes. The present invention may also be used to create frame connections in three dimensions, i.e., space frames.
- The present invention employs laminate and structural analysis software to design space frames employing the bracket-like structural member or bracketless brackets. The resulting space frames are lighter, less expensive and more reliable than previously available space frames. The present invention allow for fabrication of space frames that are lighter and have stronger joints than similar previously designed structures.
- The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein the sole drawing figures illustrates an exemplary bracket-like structural member in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- Referring to the sole drawing figure, it illustrates an exemplary bracket-like
structural member 10 or “bracketless”bracket structure 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The exemplary bracket-likestructural member 10 is formed using a master tool. An exemplary master tool may be provided by a block of foam routed out with channels to accommodate graphite fiber wrappedfoam cylinders foam arc segment 12 interconnecting the fiber wrappedfoam cylinders - More specifically, an exemplary bracket-like
structural member 10 comprises twostraight tubes curved tube 12 that are formed around afoam cylinder 15 andfoam arc segment 16. The straight andcurved tubes straight tubes curved tube 12 at a joint.Graphite fiber cloth 14 is wrapped in an overlapping manner at interfaces between thestraight tubes curved tube 12. Astrut 13 reinforces the joint and interconnects ends of thestraight tubes strut 13 connects to thestraight tubes curved tubes - The
foam arc segment 12 is preferably smaller in diameter than thefoam cylinders arc segment 12 is wrapped with more layers than thefoam tubes curved tubes - The
strut 13 may be formed in a number or ways. Thestrut 13 may be formed as tightly rolled graphite fiber cloth. Thestrut 13 may be formed by routing an appropriately angled channel in the master tool. Thestrut 13 may be formed by wrapping cloth around thestraight tubes tubes strut 13 together. - Thus, improved bracket-like structural members have been disclosed. It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of some of the many specific embodiments that represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Clearly, numerous and other arrangements can be readily devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/906,902 US20030009975A1 (en) | 2001-07-16 | 2001-07-16 | Bracket-like structural member |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/906,902 US20030009975A1 (en) | 2001-07-16 | 2001-07-16 | Bracket-like structural member |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030009975A1 true US20030009975A1 (en) | 2003-01-16 |
Family
ID=25423177
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/906,902 Abandoned US20030009975A1 (en) | 2001-07-16 | 2001-07-16 | Bracket-like structural member |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030009975A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060018341A1 (en) * | 2003-01-21 | 2006-01-26 | Nextlo Inc. | Method and apparatus for shared I/O in a load/store fabric |
-
2001
- 2001-07-16 US US09/906,902 patent/US20030009975A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060018341A1 (en) * | 2003-01-21 | 2006-01-26 | Nextlo Inc. | Method and apparatus for shared I/O in a load/store fabric |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SPACE SYSTEMS/LORAL, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WALLACH, ANDREW R.;REEL/FRAME:012004/0280 Effective date: 20010713 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, AS THE COLLATERAL AGENT, CANADA Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DIGITALGLOBE, INC.;MACDONALD, DETTWILER AND ASSOCIATES LTD.;MACDONALD, DETTWILER AND ASSOCIATES CORPORATION;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:044167/0396 Effective date: 20171005 Owner name: ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, AS THE COLLATERAL AGENT, CAN Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DIGITALGLOBE, INC.;MACDONALD, DETTWILER AND ASSOCIATES LTD.;MACDONALD, DETTWILER AND ASSOCIATES CORPORATION;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:044167/0396 Effective date: 20171005 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MAXAR SPACE LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS - RELEASE OF REEL/FRAME 044167/0396;ASSIGNOR:ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, AS AGENT;REEL/FRAME:063543/0001 Effective date: 20230503 Owner name: MAXAR INTELLIGENCE INC., COLORADO Free format text: TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS - RELEASE OF REEL/FRAME 044167/0396;ASSIGNOR:ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, AS AGENT;REEL/FRAME:063543/0001 Effective date: 20230503 |