US20110209416A1 - Pneumatic node for compression elements - Google Patents
Pneumatic node for compression elements Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110209416A1 US20110209416A1 US13/014,574 US201113014574A US2011209416A1 US 20110209416 A1 US20110209416 A1 US 20110209416A1 US 201113014574 A US201113014574 A US 201113014574A US 2011209416 A1 US2011209416 A1 US 2011209416A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pneumatic structural
- connecting element
- structural element
- hollow body
- gas
- 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
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 26
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 abstract description 7
- 239000013598 vector Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004918 carbon fiber reinforced polymer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011120 plywood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008707 rearrangement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011150 reinforced concrete Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/20—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2200/00—Constructional details of connections not covered for in other groups of this subclass
- F16B2200/50—Flanged connections
- F16B2200/503—Flanged connections the flange being separate from the elements to be connected
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2200/00—Constructional details of connections not covered for in other groups of this subclass
- F16B2200/50—Flanged connections
- F16B2200/506—Flanged connections bolted or riveted
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/34—Branched
- Y10T403/341—Three or more radiating members
- Y10T403/342—Polyhedral
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/34—Branched
- Y10T403/347—Polyhedral
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a joint element for pneumatic structural elements and associated connecting elements.
- Joint elements for non-pneumatic structural elements are known per se, for example going by the name of MERO systems.
- the task of these joint elements is to introduce tensile and compressive forces, in a manner free of bending moments, into framework structures.
- a pneumatic structural element is known, for example, from European Patent Application 01 903 559.1 of the same inventor.
- the operation of connecting the structural element described in this document to a joint using known means is not without problems since bending moments produced from the reaction to bearing pressure cannot be completely avoided without excessive outlay in respect of auxiliary structural means.
- the object of the present invention is to provide a joint element which allows the tensile, compressive and bearing forces to be brought together without the occurrence of local bending moments and which, furthermore, also allows the bearing forces to be introduced into known and conventional structural elements.
- FIG. 1 a is a side elevational view of a prior art pneumatic structural element
- FIG. 1 b is a front cross-sectional view of the prior art pneumatic structural element of FIG. 1 a;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a joint element
- FIG. 3 is a first longitudinal section view of the first exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a second longitudinal section view of the first exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section of a second exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section view of a fourth exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first connecting element
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second connecting element
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third connecting element
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth connecting element
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth connecting element
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth connecting element.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seventh connecting element.
- FIG. 1 a is a schematic side view of a pneumatic structural element 1 according to the prior art. It comprises a sleeve 2 , a compression member 3 and two tension members 4 .
- the sleeve 2 is produced from a woven textile fabric which does not expand to a great extent and is either coated in a gas-tight manner or is provided internally with a flexible gas tube which is made of elastic polymer material and performs the sealing function.
- the compression member 3 as can be seen from FIG. 1 b , has been pushed, for example, into a pocket 6 , running along the sleeve 2 and fastened thereon by sewing and sealing, welding or adhesive bonding, and it extends over the entire, essentially cylindrical, length of the sleeve 2 .
- the compression member 3 is fixed to the ends of the two tension members 4 , which are positioned in opposite helical directions around the sleeve 2 and abut tightly there. They may be drawn through lugs 7 fastened on the sleeve 2 in order for their position to be defined even when the sleeve 2 is slack. Joints 8 form the connecting locations of the compression member 3 and tension members 4 .
- the sleeve 2 is closed by two spherical caps 5 , for example made of the same material as the sleeve 2 .
- FIG. 2 is the perspective illustration of a first exemplary embodiment of the joint element according to the invention.
- the latter comprises a plate 9 with a large opening 10 for the spherical cap 5 of the pneumatic structural element 1 .
- the plate 9 here is, for example, of square configuration and contains four lots of holes 11 , 12 .
- the four holes 12 are located in the center of a row of holes in each case.
- the compression member 3 is fastened, for example, with a screw 15 , as can be seen from FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 3 is the longitudinal section AA through the illustration of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is the longitudinal section along section plane BB.
- the bores of the holes 11 run, for example, obliquely through the plate 9 .
- three holes 11 to the left and right of the compression member 3 are occupied by in each case one cable 16 .
- These in each case three cables 16 are guided parallel to one another and, together, form the tension member 4 described in relation to FIG. 1 .
- the cables 16 are secured in the plate 9 by nuts 17 , as is known from the technology of prestressing cables for reinforced-concrete structures.
- the holes 11 , 12 which are occupied here are located on a straight line. Since the stressing of the cables 16 is equalized, the only bending moment is produced in the plate 9 itself; however, none is diverted to the pneumatic structural element.
- force arrows are designated F A .
- F A force arrows
- the vectors of the compressive forces, which are exerted by the compression member 3 , of the tensile forces, which are produced by the cables 16 , and of the bearing forces may be added together in the plate 9 to give zero, without bending moments being produced in the compression member 3 .
- Possible materials for the plate 9 are, for example, aluminum, glass fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber reinforced plastics or multi-layered plywood.
- FIG. 5 illustrates, as a second exemplary embodiment, a further configuration of the first exemplary embodiment.
- the plate 9 once again, has the large opening 10 , albeit of particular design: in a first portion 18 , the opening 10 is of a cylindrical configuration and contains a first O-ring groove 19 with a first O-ring 20 . The latter provides sealing against the outside of the cylindrical part of the sleeve 2 .
- the first cylindrical portion 19 is adjoined by a second portion 21 , which essentially has the form of the spherical cap 5 located in the opening 10 .
- a cover 22 modeled, for example, on the spherical cap 5 is provided here. It is also possible—depending on expediency—for this cover to be formed in some other way; it is only its essentially conical or spherical profile within the second portion 21 which is essential to the invention.
- the cover 22 is likewise cylindrical and, there, contains an O-ring groove 23 with a second O-ring 24 , which provides sealing against the inside of the cylindrical part of the sleeve 2 .
- the sleeve 2 is clamped in between the plate 9 and the cover 22 , in the conical or spherical part 21 of the opening, by the cover 22 , and the latter is forced against the plate 9 by the positive pressure prevailing in the sleeve 2 .
- the sealing function is performed, as has been described, by the two O-rings 20 , 24 .
- the rest of the plate 9 may be configured in accordance with FIGS. 2 , 3 and 4 .
- cover 22 instead of being of spherical configuration, to have some other, for example planar, form, along with corresponding reinforcement of the wall.
- FIG. 6 A third exemplary embodiment of the joint element according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6 . It is provided for a pneumatic structural element 1 with a plurality of—in this case eight—compression members 3 and, by way of example, two tension members 4 per compression member 3 .
- the plate 9 here is designed as a round flange 27 with a large opening 10 for the spherical cap 5 of the pneumatic structural element 1 .
- the flange 27 contains, in accordance with the number of compression members 3 , holes 12 for the screws 15 for fastening the compression members 3 .
- the flange 27 contains holes 11 for fastening the tension members 4 .
- the flange 27 does not contain any further holes.
- the flange 27 for fastening on further static structures and for the introduction of supporting forces, the flange 27 , or a round plate 9 in general, can be clamped into a plate 28 , as is illustrated in section in FIG. 7 .
- the plate 28 here contains, for example, a circular opening 31 for accommodating the flange 27 .
- a further, for example circular plate 29 contains an opening 32 .
- Both plates 28 , 29 are provided with a circular shoulder 33 which fits with the necessary amount of accuracy over the flange 27 and accommodates the latter.
- screws 30 By means of screws 30 , the two plates 28 , 29 can be fastened in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner on one another.
- the external form of the plate 28 may be round, quadrilateral or polygonal, depending on the structural and design-related requirements. It may, furthermore, contain a multiplicity of holes 34 for fastening the pneumatic structural element 1 on further static structures and for introducing supporting and bearing forces.
- the plate 9 according to FIGS. 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 may be of circular configuration and to be encased by means of the plates 28 , 29 described in relation to FIG. 7 .
- plates 9 , 28 can be used for connecting elements according to FIGS. 8 , 9 , 10 and 11 , as is shown hereinbelow. If one or, at most, four pneumatic structural elements 1 is or are to be positioned, for example, on a column 40 , as is illustrated in FIG. 8 , then use may be made, for example, of a cubic connecting element 41 .
- the plates 9 , 28 are screwed onto the suitably designed connecting element 41 .
- the pneumatic structural elements are only illustrated schematically; this is not associated with any restriction in their design.
- FIG. 9 A variant of this is shown in FIG. 9 .
- a connecting element 42 of triangular cross section for connecting, at most, three pneumatic structural elements 1 .
- FIG. 10 The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 is conceived for connecting, at most, six pneumatic structural elements 1 .
- a connecting element 43 has a hexagonal horizontal projection with preferably square side surfaces. Designing the side surfaces as squares has the advantage that, if the pneumatic structural elements 1 are equipped with four, eight or twelve compression members 3 , there is no need to ensure correct orientation. If, however, a certain orientation is to be maintained, then this can be made certain by the provision of a protuberance 44 , as is illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- connecting elements 41 , 42 and 43 their horizontal projection may be defined as polygonal, the bottom and top surfaces of the connecting elements 41 , 42 and 43 being of equal magnitude and the pneumatic structural elements 1 fastened thereon all being located in the same plane.
- FIG. 11 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a planar arrangement of pneumatic structural elements 1 .
- the, for example, square plates 9 , 28 are screwed one beside the other to a carrying element (not illustrated).
- Such carrying elements as structures which are known per se, do not form a constituent part of the invention.
- This arrangement can be used to produce, for example, a roof surface.
- FIGS. 12 , 13 and 14 are illustrations of non-planar arrangements.
- FIG. 12 shows a connecting element 45 which is, for example, of curved configuration. It is, furthermore, configured such that it can perform the function of the plate 28 , that is to say the connecting element 45 here has five circular openings 31 and, for example, six holes for screws 30 per opening 31 .
- the further plate 29 which belongs to each pneumatic structural element 1 , but is not illustrated in FIG. 12 , is screwed to the connecting element 45 .
- a plurality of pneumatic structural elements are connected to a connecting element 46 which is configured as a polyhedron—in this case an octahedron.
- the pneumatic structural elements are attached to the connecting element 46 in the same way as has been explained in relation to FIG. 12 .
- each plate 9 , 28 it is also possible for each plate 9 , 28 to be in the form of the corresponding side of the polyhedron, in which case the polyhedron is then configured essentially from bars which form its edges.
- FIG. 14 a plurality of, for example six, planar plates 47 are joined together by welding, or by screw connections (not illustrated), to form a pyramid-like connecting element 48 which is open at the top.
- Each plate 47 has, for example, the function of a plate 28 according to FIG. 7 .
- the plates 9 according to FIG. 2 it is likewise possible for the plates 9 according to FIG. 2 to be formed such that they correspond to the plates 47 according to FIG. 14 .
- the connecting element 48 then comprises, for example, as has already been explained analogously in relation to FIG. 13 , bars, which form the edges of the connecting element 48 , to which the plates 47 , for example, are screwed.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
Abstract
A joint element for a pneumatic structural element. The joint element includes a sleeve, a compression member, two tension members and two spherical caps. In each case one joint element is fitted for the spherical caps. The joint elements serve for introducing tensile and compressive forces, in a manner free of bending moments, into the pneumatic structural element. The joint element has holes for fastening the compression member with a screw, on the one hand, and holes for accommodating the tension members, on the other hand. The symmetrical arrangement of the holes ensures that the vectors of bearing forces and of the tensile and compressive forces in the joint element added together give zero and, furthermore, the bending moments occur symmetrically in relation to the compression members. Configuring the joint element as a plate ensures that torques are neither introduced from the outside nor diverted to the outside.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/517,787. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/517,787 is a national-stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT/CH2003/00020. International Patent Application No. PCT/CH2003/000207 was filed on Mar. 31, 2003. International Patent Application No. PCT/CH2003/000207 claims priority from Swiss Patent Application No. 1042/02, which was filed on Jun. 19, 2002. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/517,787, International Patent Application No. PCT/CH2003/000207, and Swiss Patent Application No. 1042/02 are each incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- The present invention relates to a joint element for pneumatic structural elements and associated connecting elements.
- 2. History of the Related Art
- Joint elements for non-pneumatic structural elements are known per se, for example going by the name of MERO systems. The task of these joint elements is to introduce tensile and compressive forces, in a manner free of bending moments, into framework structures. A pneumatic structural element is known, for example, from European Patent Application 01 903 559.1 of the same inventor. The operation of connecting the structural element described in this document to a joint using known means, however, is not without problems since bending moments produced from the reaction to bearing pressure cannot be completely avoided without excessive outlay in respect of auxiliary structural means.
- The object of the present invention is to provide a joint element which allows the tensile, compressive and bearing forces to be brought together without the occurrence of local bending moments and which, furthermore, also allows the bearing forces to be introduced into known and conventional structural elements.
- A more complete understanding of the device of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 a is a side elevational view of a prior art pneumatic structural element; -
FIG. 1 b is a front cross-sectional view of the prior art pneumatic structural element ofFIG. 1 a; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a joint element; -
FIG. 3 is a first longitudinal section view of the first exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a second longitudinal section view of the first exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section of a second exemplary embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment; -
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section view of a fourth exemplary embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first connecting element; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second connecting element; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third connecting element; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth connecting element; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth connecting element; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth connecting element; and -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seventh connecting element. - Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
-
FIG. 1 a is a schematic side view of a pneumaticstructural element 1 according to the prior art. It comprises asleeve 2, acompression member 3 and twotension members 4. Thesleeve 2 is produced from a woven textile fabric which does not expand to a great extent and is either coated in a gas-tight manner or is provided internally with a flexible gas tube which is made of elastic polymer material and performs the sealing function. Thecompression member 3, as can be seen fromFIG. 1 b, has been pushed, for example, into apocket 6, running along thesleeve 2 and fastened thereon by sewing and sealing, welding or adhesive bonding, and it extends over the entire, essentially cylindrical, length of thesleeve 2. At its ends, thecompression member 3 is fixed to the ends of the twotension members 4, which are positioned in opposite helical directions around thesleeve 2 and abut tightly there. They may be drawn throughlugs 7 fastened on thesleeve 2 in order for their position to be defined even when thesleeve 2 is slack.Joints 8 form the connecting locations of thecompression member 3 andtension members 4. - At its ends, the
sleeve 2 is closed by twospherical caps 5, for example made of the same material as thesleeve 2. -
FIG. 2 is the perspective illustration of a first exemplary embodiment of the joint element according to the invention. The latter comprises aplate 9 with alarge opening 10 for thespherical cap 5 of the pneumaticstructural element 1. Theplate 9 here is, for example, of square configuration and contains four lots ofholes holes 12 are located in the center of a row of holes in each case. In thehole 12 of the top row of holes inFIG. 2 , thecompression member 3 is fastened, for example, with ascrew 15, as can be seen fromFIG. 3 ;FIG. 3 is the longitudinal section AA through the illustration ofFIG. 2 ;FIG. 4 is the longitudinal section along section plane BB. The bores of theholes 11 run, for example, obliquely through theplate 9. In the exemplary embodiment according toFIG. 2 , in each case threeholes 11 to the left and right of thecompression member 3 are occupied by in each case onecable 16. These in each case threecables 16 are guided parallel to one another and, together, form thetension member 4 described in relation toFIG. 1 . Thecables 16 are secured in theplate 9 bynuts 17, as is known from the technology of prestressing cables for reinforced-concrete structures. Theholes cables 16 is equalized, the only bending moment is produced in theplate 9 itself; however, none is diverted to the pneumatic structural element. - In
FIGS. 2 and 3 , force arrows are designated FA. These relate to the bearing forces. The vectors of the compressive forces, which are exerted by thecompression member 3, of the tensile forces, which are produced by thecables 16, and of the bearing forces may be added together in theplate 9 to give zero, without bending moments being produced in thecompression member 3. Possible materials for theplate 9 are, for example, aluminum, glass fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber reinforced plastics or multi-layered plywood. -
FIG. 5 illustrates, as a second exemplary embodiment, a further configuration of the first exemplary embodiment. Theplate 9, once again, has thelarge opening 10, albeit of particular design: in afirst portion 18, theopening 10 is of a cylindrical configuration and contains a first O-ring groove 19 with a first O-ring 20. The latter provides sealing against the outside of the cylindrical part of thesleeve 2. The firstcylindrical portion 19 is adjoined by a second portion 21, which essentially has the form of thespherical cap 5 located in theopening 10. Instead of thespherical cap 5, acover 22 modeled, for example, on thespherical cap 5 is provided here. It is also possible—depending on expediency—for this cover to be formed in some other way; it is only its essentially conical or spherical profile within the second portion 21 which is essential to the invention. - Also within the cylindrical part of the
first portion 18, thecover 22 is likewise cylindrical and, there, contains an O-ring groove 23 with a second O-ring 24, which provides sealing against the inside of the cylindrical part of thesleeve 2. Thesleeve 2 is clamped in between theplate 9 and thecover 22, in the conical or spherical part 21 of the opening, by thecover 22, and the latter is forced against theplate 9 by the positive pressure prevailing in thesleeve 2. The sealing function is performed, as has been described, by the two O-rings plate 9 may be configured in accordance withFIGS. 2 , 3 and 4. - It is, of course, also possible for the
cover 22, instead of being of spherical configuration, to have some other, for example planar, form, along with corresponding reinforcement of the wall. - A third exemplary embodiment of the joint element according to the invention is illustrated in
FIG. 6 . It is provided for a pneumaticstructural element 1 with a plurality of—in this case eight—compression members 3 and, by way of example, twotension members 4 percompression member 3. Theplate 9 here is designed as around flange 27 with alarge opening 10 for thespherical cap 5 of the pneumaticstructural element 1. Theflange 27 contains, in accordance with the number ofcompression members 3, holes 12 for thescrews 15 for fastening thecompression members 3. In accordance with the number oftension members 4 percompression member 3, theflange 27 containsholes 11 for fastening thetension members 4. - In the exemplary embodiment according to
FIG. 6 , theflange 27 does not contain any further holes. For fastening on further static structures and for the introduction of supporting forces, theflange 27, or around plate 9 in general, can be clamped into aplate 28, as is illustrated in section inFIG. 7 . Theplate 28 here contains, for example, acircular opening 31 for accommodating theflange 27. A further, for examplecircular plate 29 contains anopening 32. Bothplates circular shoulder 33 which fits with the necessary amount of accuracy over theflange 27 and accommodates the latter. By means ofscrews 30, the twoplates plate 28 may be round, quadrilateral or polygonal, depending on the structural and design-related requirements. It may, furthermore, contain a multiplicity of holes 34 for fastening the pneumaticstructural element 1 on further static structures and for introducing supporting and bearing forces. - Of course, it is also possible for the
plate 9 according toFIGS. 2 , 3, 4 and 5 to be of circular configuration and to be encased by means of theplates FIG. 7 . - The possible formations either of the
plate 9 itself—as has already been illustrated in FIG. 2—or of theplate 28 according toFIG. 7 belong to the joint element according to the invention. - Quadrilateral, or if need be square,
plates FIGS. 8 , 9, 10 and 11, as is shown hereinbelow. If one or, at most, four pneumaticstructural elements 1 is or are to be positioned, for example, on acolumn 40, as is illustrated inFIG. 8 , then use may be made, for example, of a cubic connectingelement 41. Theplates element 41. The pneumatic structural elements are only illustrated schematically; this is not associated with any restriction in their design. - A variant of this is shown in
FIG. 9 . Here, use is made of a connecting element 42 of triangular cross section for connecting, at most, three pneumaticstructural elements 1. - The exemplary embodiment of
FIG. 10 is conceived for connecting, at most, six pneumaticstructural elements 1. Accordingly, a connectingelement 43 has a hexagonal horizontal projection with preferably square side surfaces. Designing the side surfaces as squares has the advantage that, if the pneumaticstructural elements 1 are equipped with four, eight or twelvecompression members 3, there is no need to ensure correct orientation. If, however, a certain orientation is to be maintained, then this can be made certain by the provision of aprotuberance 44, as is illustrated inFIG. 9 . To summarize the configuration of the connectingelements elements structural elements 1 fastened thereon all being located in the same plane. -
FIG. 11 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a planar arrangement of pneumaticstructural elements 1. In this case, the, for example,square plates -
FIGS. 12 , 13 and 14 are illustrations of non-planar arrangements.FIG. 12 shows a connectingelement 45 which is, for example, of curved configuration. It is, furthermore, configured such that it can perform the function of theplate 28, that is to say the connectingelement 45 here has fivecircular openings 31 and, for example, six holes forscrews 30 peropening 31. By means of these screws, thefurther plate 29, which belongs to each pneumaticstructural element 1, but is not illustrated inFIG. 12 , is screwed to the connectingelement 45. - In the exemplary embodiment according to
FIG. 13 , a plurality of pneumatic structural elements are connected to a connectingelement 46 which is configured as a polyhedron—in this case an octahedron. The pneumatic structural elements are attached to the connectingelement 46 in the same way as has been explained in relation toFIG. 12 . As an alternative to this, it is also possible for eachplate - In
FIG. 14 , a plurality of, for example six, planar plates 47 are joined together by welding, or by screw connections (not illustrated), to form a pyramid-like connectingelement 48 which is open at the top. Each plate 47 has, for example, the function of aplate 28 according toFIG. 7 . - As a variant to this, it is likewise possible for the
plates 9 according toFIG. 2 to be formed such that they correspond to the plates 47 according toFIG. 14 . The connectingelement 48 then comprises, for example, as has already been explained analogously in relation to FIG. 13, bars, which form the edges of the connectingelement 48, to which the plates 47, for example, are screwed. - Although various embodiments of the device of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth herein.
Claims (17)
1. A pneumatic structural element comprising:
an elongated gas-tight inflatable hollow body having a longitudinal axis, extending between opposing ends of the elongated gas-tight inflatable hollow body;
at least one compression member disposed on a longitudinal side of the elongated gas-tight inflatable hollow body and longitudinally extending an entire length of the elongated gas-tight inflatable hollow body substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gas-tight inflatable hollow body, the at least one compression member being subjected to axial compression responsive to an operational load applied to the pneumatic structural element;
at least two flexible tension members wound around the elongated gas-tight inflatable hollow body and extending longitudinally between respective ends of the gas-tight inflatable hollow body, the at least two flexible tension members being subjected to axial tension and equal stresses responsive to the operational load;
a rigid flange disposed at least at one end of the gas-tight inflatable hollow body and connected to both the at least one compression member and the at least two flexible tension members, such that the at least one compression member is disposed between the at least two flexible tension members;
an opening disposed in the rigid flange for removably receiving an end of the gas-tight inflatable hollow body;
wherein compression forces are transmitted to the at least two flexible tension members and tension forces are transmitted to the at least one compression member via the rigid flange; and
wherein the at least two flexible tension members are connected to the rigid flange such that, responsive to the operational load, a supporting force acting on the rigid flange is substantially transmitted to the at least two flexible tension members and is substantially not transmitted to the gas-tight inflatable hollow body.
2. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 1 , wherein
the at least one compression member is connected to the rigid flange by way of a screw, the screw being received through a first hole in the rigid flange and fastened to the at least one compression member; and
the at least two flexible tension members are received through at least two second holes in the rigid flange and fastened thereto with at least two nuts.
3. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 2 , wherein the rigid plate-shaped element is a flange.
4. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 1 , wherein:
at least one end cap is received by and enclosed by the gas-tight inflatable hollow body;
the at least one end cap can be introduced flush into the gas-tight inflatable hollow body; and
the at least one end cap and the gas-tight inflatable hollow body are sealed in a gas-tight manner.
5. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 4 , wherein:
the at least one end cap comprises a cylindrical part disposed at least in part within the gas-tight inflatable hollow body and a non-cylindrical part disposed at least in part exterior of the gas-tight inflatable hollow body; and
at least one first O-ring is disposed in a first O-ring groove disposed in the cylindrical part and a second O-ring is disposed in a second O-ring groove disposed in the opening of the rigid flange.
6. The pneumatic structural element of claim 1 , comprising:
a connecting element facilitates attachment of the rigid flange thereto; and
wherein the connecting element is arranged such that bearing forces can be introduced into the rigid flange.
7. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 6 , wherein the connecting element comprises:
at least one first plate comprising at least one shoulder in which the at least one plate can be positioned; and
at least one second plate comprising at least one piece and having a shoulder; and
wherein the shoulder is screwed to the at least one first plate.
8. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 7 , wherein the connecting element comprises a three-dimensional body made up, at least in part, of plates.
9. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 6 , wherein the connecting element compises a frame structure on which the rigid flange is fastened.
10. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 9 , wherein the connecting element is polygonal in at least one projection and at least one rigid flange is fastened on at least one side wall of the connecting element.
11. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 10 , wherein the rigid flange can be fastened on a plurality of sides of the connecting element.
12. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 7 , wherein the connecting element is rectangular and a plurality of joint elements can be fastened thereon, with the result that a pneumatic structural elements run parallel to one another.
13. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 7 , wherein the connecting element is curved and a plurality of joint elements can be fastened thereon, with the result that a pneumatic structural elements run parallel to one another.
14. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 9 , wherein the connecting element comprises a tetrahedron shape and the rigid flange is fastened to a side of the connecting element.
15. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 9 , wherein the connecting element comprises a cube shaped external form and the rigid flange is fastened to a side of the connecting element.
16. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 9 , wherein the connecting element comprises a truncated pyramid external form and the rigid flange is fastened to a side of the connecting element.
17. The pneumatic structural element according to claim 9 , wherein the rigid flange is fastened to the connecting element by way of at least one screw.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/014,574 US20110209416A1 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2011-01-26 | Pneumatic node for compression elements |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CH1042/02 | 2002-06-19 | ||
CH01042/02A CH705207B1 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2002-06-19 | Pneumatic device with node elements. |
US10/517,787 US7926225B2 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2003-03-31 | Node element for pneumatic components |
PCT/CH2003/000207 WO2004001162A1 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2003-03-31 | Node element for pneumatic components |
US13/014,574 US20110209416A1 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2011-01-26 | Pneumatic node for compression elements |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CH2003/000207 Continuation WO2004001162A1 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2003-03-31 | Node element for pneumatic components |
US10/517,787 Continuation US7926225B2 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2003-03-31 | Node element for pneumatic components |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110209416A1 true US20110209416A1 (en) | 2011-09-01 |
Family
ID=29783959
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/517,787 Expired - Fee Related US7926225B2 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2003-03-31 | Node element for pneumatic components |
US13/014,574 Abandoned US20110209416A1 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2011-01-26 | Pneumatic node for compression elements |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/517,787 Expired - Fee Related US7926225B2 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2003-03-31 | Node element for pneumatic components |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7926225B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1513997A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003215481A1 (en) |
CH (1) | CH705207B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004001162A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8640386B1 (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2014-02-04 | Other Lab, Llc | Stiffening of an air beam |
ITUB20153899A1 (en) * | 2015-09-25 | 2017-03-25 | Univ Degli Studi Roma La Sapienza | Tensairity structure with shape memory ropes. |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH705207B1 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2012-11-30 | Prospective Concepts Ag | Pneumatic device with node elements. |
CA2543798C (en) * | 2003-11-04 | 2012-09-25 | Prospective Concepts Ag | Pneumatic two-dimensional structure |
US7824415B2 (en) * | 2004-09-15 | 2010-11-02 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Atraumatic medical device |
US20110305505A1 (en) * | 2007-03-20 | 2011-12-15 | Nemo Equipment, Inc. | Outdoor equipment |
US8984814B2 (en) * | 2007-03-20 | 2015-03-24 | Nemo Equipment, Inc. | Single wall airbeam |
US8943754B2 (en) * | 2007-03-20 | 2015-02-03 | Nemo Equirment, Inc. | Bending mechanism for air-beams |
US8047473B2 (en) * | 2008-09-29 | 2011-11-01 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Connecting node and method for constructing a connecting node |
JP5033273B1 (en) * | 2011-07-21 | 2012-09-26 | 達也 遠藤 | Pressure membrane composite structure |
JP6292829B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2018-03-14 | 曙ブレーキ工業株式会社 | Friction material composition and friction material |
US10179998B1 (en) * | 2017-01-31 | 2019-01-15 | Argonaut Inflatable Research And Engineering, Inc. | Air-beam aircell communicating airflow port assembly and cooperating structural cover port aperture |
US20190127976A1 (en) * | 2017-10-26 | 2019-05-02 | William Donnelly | Interlocking Blocks |
CN109930694A (en) * | 2019-03-18 | 2019-06-25 | 北京工业大学 | A kind of adjustable error space network sleeve node |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4065890A (en) * | 1975-12-17 | 1978-01-03 | Wolfgang Fenner | Framework joint |
US4271654A (en) * | 1977-02-07 | 1981-06-09 | Otto Jungbluth | Three-dimensional structures of frame beams and multiple joints |
US5341567A (en) * | 1992-06-05 | 1994-08-30 | Grenci Charles A | Method of making clean socket fit connection |
US5546707A (en) * | 1995-01-05 | 1996-08-20 | Caruso; Vincent C. | Polyethelene inflatable tube construction device |
US6012742A (en) * | 1995-05-24 | 2000-01-11 | Deutsche Forschungsanstalt Fuer Luft -Und Raumfahrt E.V. | Piping |
US6543730B2 (en) * | 2000-03-27 | 2003-04-08 | Mauro Pedretti | Pneumatic structural element |
US7926225B2 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2011-04-19 | Prospective Concepts Ag | Node element for pneumatic components |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1302293A (en) * | 1916-11-04 | 1919-04-29 | Earl H Blazer | Aeroplane-frame construction. |
DE1659121C3 (en) * | 1968-03-12 | 1974-03-07 | Willy 8000 Muenchen Herold | Space lattice work with rod-like connecting links, which consist of hoses stretched by internal pressure |
FR2341017A1 (en) | 1976-02-11 | 1977-09-09 | Potocki Adam | Inflatable framework for tent - is made from separate inflatable tubes rigidly joined together and covered with cloth sheets |
AU6055880A (en) * | 1979-07-02 | 1981-02-03 | Brown, Angus John Duncan | Collapsible structure and method of erecting the same |
AU6589300A (en) * | 1999-09-16 | 2001-04-17 | Michael Paul Muller | Variable flange |
EP1903559A1 (en) | 2006-09-20 | 2008-03-26 | Deutsche Thomson-Brandt Gmbh | Method and device for transcoding audio signals |
-
2002
- 2002-06-19 CH CH01042/02A patent/CH705207B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2003
- 2003-03-31 US US10/517,787 patent/US7926225B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-03-31 EP EP03760541A patent/EP1513997A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-03-31 AU AU2003215481A patent/AU2003215481A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-03-31 WO PCT/CH2003/000207 patent/WO2004001162A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2011
- 2011-01-26 US US13/014,574 patent/US20110209416A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4065890A (en) * | 1975-12-17 | 1978-01-03 | Wolfgang Fenner | Framework joint |
US4271654A (en) * | 1977-02-07 | 1981-06-09 | Otto Jungbluth | Three-dimensional structures of frame beams and multiple joints |
US5341567A (en) * | 1992-06-05 | 1994-08-30 | Grenci Charles A | Method of making clean socket fit connection |
US5546707A (en) * | 1995-01-05 | 1996-08-20 | Caruso; Vincent C. | Polyethelene inflatable tube construction device |
US6012742A (en) * | 1995-05-24 | 2000-01-11 | Deutsche Forschungsanstalt Fuer Luft -Und Raumfahrt E.V. | Piping |
US6543730B2 (en) * | 2000-03-27 | 2003-04-08 | Mauro Pedretti | Pneumatic structural element |
US7926225B2 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2011-04-19 | Prospective Concepts Ag | Node element for pneumatic components |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8640386B1 (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2014-02-04 | Other Lab, Llc | Stiffening of an air beam |
ITUB20153899A1 (en) * | 2015-09-25 | 2017-03-25 | Univ Degli Studi Roma La Sapienza | Tensairity structure with shape memory ropes. |
WO2017051440A1 (en) * | 2015-09-25 | 2017-03-30 | Universita' Degli Studi Di Roma "La Sapienza" | Tensairity structure with shape-memory wire ropes |
CN108350702A (en) * | 2015-09-25 | 2018-07-31 | 罗马大学 | Air-inflated beam-string structure with shape memory wire rope |
US10407939B2 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2019-09-10 | Universita' Degli Studi Di Roma “La Sapienza” | Tensairity structure with shape-memory wire ropes |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2004001162A1 (en) | 2003-12-31 |
EP1513997A1 (en) | 2005-03-16 |
CH705207B1 (en) | 2012-11-30 |
US20060033335A1 (en) | 2006-02-16 |
AU2003215481A1 (en) | 2004-01-06 |
US7926225B2 (en) | 2011-04-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20110209416A1 (en) | Pneumatic node for compression elements | |
AU777055B2 (en) | Pneumatic structural element | |
US8397463B2 (en) | 3-dimensional universal tube connector system | |
US4334391A (en) | Redundant deployable lattice column | |
US4347690A (en) | Skeletal framework structure and junction for use therein | |
US4241746A (en) | Collapsible building structure | |
Kwan et al. | Active and passive cable elements in deployable/retractable masts | |
EP1597447A2 (en) | Inflatable rigidizable boom | |
CN109811888B (en) | Connecting node of raw bamboo cross beam and upright post | |
US20090282746A1 (en) | Pneumatic Structural Element | |
US20030089390A1 (en) | Steel pole for a rectangular dome-shaped tent | |
JPS60195250A (en) | Prestressed truss beam equipped with member in folded state | |
CA2634501C (en) | Pneumatic structural element and roof produced therefrom | |
US4741609A (en) | Stretched membrane heliostat with integral bladder | |
US20060260209A1 (en) | Flexible compression member for a flexible pneumatic structural element and means for erecting pneumatic element structures | |
CA2454241C (en) | Pneumatic construction or bridging element | |
CN106836496B (en) | Design method of tied space structure system | |
US20160362892A1 (en) | Truss Designs, Materials, and Fabrication | |
CN109811891B (en) | Flexible full-tension structure system, pretension design method and construction method | |
CN215053927U (en) | But assembled FRP post rod spare node fast | |
CN106892135B (en) | The truss module and truss structure of air column and the rigid flexible system based on air column | |
Hernández et al. | A new hybrid: elastic gridshells braced by membranes | |
Wang et al. | Integral-tension research in double-layer tensegrity grids | |
JP3773952B2 (en) | Structural frame | |
US20050077428A1 (en) | Push rod for a pneumatic element |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PROSPECTIVE CONCEPTS AG, SWITZERLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:PEDRETTI, MAURO;REEL/FRAME:026087/0242 Effective date: 20041212 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |