Smooth transition node structure of membrane structure and rigid joint part and construction method thereof
The design, which combines an arched top plate with U-shaped clips, solves the problems of water accumulation and visual abruptness at the junction of the membrane material and the rigid building area, achieving a smooth transition at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure, and enhancing the connection stability and waterproof performance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA CONSTR EIGHT ENG DIV CORP LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images

Figure CN122169589A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of roof membrane structure technology, specifically to a smooth transition node structure and construction method for the junction of membrane structure and rigid structure. Background Technology
[0002] Membrane structures, as a novel architectural form relying on flexible materials and prestressed systems, have been widely used in large-span buildings such as modern stadiums, transportation hubs, and cultural centers due to their superior spatial shaping capabilities, excellent structural mechanics efficiency, and lightweight visual effect. Among them, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated fiberglass membranes have become one of the mainstream materials for large-scale permanent membrane structure roofs due to their outstanding properties such as high strength and durability, fire resistance, self-cleaning, and resistance to UV aging. A key challenge in engineering practice lies in the connection and transition between the PTFE membrane roof system and the surrounding traditional rigid building areas (such as concrete walls, the truss upper chord of metal roofs, or skylight frames). In existing technologies, the most common and direct solution is to use aluminum alloy or stainless steel clamps to directly press and fix the membrane edges to the rigid boundary structure. This mechanical clamping connection method constitutes the technical solution closest to the objective of this invention.
[0003] Traditional clamp connection schemes have significant structural defects. First, in terms of form, the rigid clamp boundaries lack a smooth transition with the flexible membrane surface, often resulting in abrupt angles or localized depressions at the junctions. This severely disrupts the smooth, continuous architectural aesthetics of the membrane structure and affects its overall visual integrity. Second, and more critically, the problem lies in functionality: these abrupt turns and depressions easily create rainwater retention areas during rainy weather, leading to water accumulation; or they alter the natural flow of rainwater, causing concentrated erosion of the local membrane material and connection seams. This significantly increases the risk of leakage in this vulnerable area of the roof system, which, over time, will erode the internal structure and seriously threaten the waterproofing reliability and long-term service life of the entire roof system. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, a smooth transition node structure and construction method for the junction of membrane structure and rigid structure are provided. This solves the problem that the traditional clamp connection between PTFE membrane roofing system and surrounding traditional rigid building area seriously damages the smoothness and continuity of membrane structure and is prone to water accumulation.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a smooth transition node structure is provided at the junction of a membrane structure and a rigid structure, comprising: Two membrane units, each with a membrane profile installed on its outer edge, are respectively located on opposite sides of the upper chord of the roof structure. Multiple support plates are provided, which are vertically mounted on the top of the upper chord. The multiple support plates are spaced apart along the length of the upper chord. An arc-shaped top plate is connected to the top of each support plate, with the inner arc surface of the arc-shaped top plate facing downwards. The multiple support plates are connected by a connecting rod. Multiple U-shaped clips are rotatably fitted onto the connecting rod. Some of the U-shaped clips have their two legs installed on the membrane stretching profile of one membrane unit, while the other U-shaped clips have their two legs installed on the membrane stretching profile of another membrane unit. An elastic pad is provided between the U-shaped clips and the connecting rod. A flow guiding diaphragm, with multiple arc-shaped top plates supporting the middle of the flow guiding diaphragm, and the opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm respectively installed on the membrane profile, with the opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm respectively facing the opposite sides of the upper chord rod and arranged obliquely downward.
[0006] Furthermore, the outer edges of the two diaphragm units are respectively arranged obliquely downward toward the opposite sides of the upper chord, and the inclination of the outer edges of the diaphragm units is less than the inclination of the opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm.
[0007] Furthermore, some of the U-shaped clips are alternately arranged with the rest of the U-shaped clips.
[0008] Furthermore, the top profile of the support plate has a receiving notch, the connecting rod is embedded in the receiving notches of the multiple support plates, and the arc-shaped top plate is arranged across the top of the receiving notch.
[0009] Furthermore, the elastic pad is a rubber pad.
[0010] Furthermore, the two limbs of the U-shaped clip abut against the opposite sides of the membrane profile, and a pair of pull rods are connected between the two limbs.
[0011] Furthermore, the rainwater flow velocity on opposite sides of the flow-guiding diaphragm is greater than or equal to 0.3 m / s.
[0012] Furthermore, the flow-guiding membrane is a PTFE waterproof membrane.
[0013] This invention provides a construction method for a smooth transition node at the junction of a membrane structure and a rigid structure, comprising the following steps: Multiple support plates are vertically installed on the top of the upper chord of the roof structure, such that the multiple support plates are spaced apart along the length of the upper chord. Connecting rods to the plurality of support plates; Multiple U-shaped clips are rotatably fitted onto the connecting rod, and an elastic pad is placed between the U-shaped clips and the connecting rod; Two diaphragm units are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the upper chord; Two legs of some of the U-shaped clips are installed on the membrane stretching profile of one membrane unit, and two legs of the remaining U-shaped clips are installed on the membrane stretching profile of another membrane unit. A flow-guiding diaphragm is covered on a plurality of the arc-shaped top plates, such that the plurality of arc-shaped top plates are supported in the middle of the flow-guiding diaphragm; The flow guiding diaphragm is positioned obliquely downwards towards the opposite sides of the upper chord, and the opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm are respectively installed on the membrane profile.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention lie in its construction of a smooth transition node at the junction of a membrane structure and a rigid structure. By arranging arc-shaped top plates at equal intervals on the non-membrane structure boundary (such as the upper chord of a roof truss or space frame structure), and supporting these arc-shaped top plates on the upper chord via support plates, a lightweight and modular support system is formed, effectively reducing the self-weight of the upper structure. The design of the synergistic cooperation between the U-shaped clamps and the elastic padding layer is particularly crucial. The U-shaped clamps can rotate around connecting rods mounted on multiple support plates, enabling fine-tuning of the clamping height of the membrane units, thereby precisely controlling the membrane tensioning position and pre-tension distribution of the membrane units. Simultaneously, the elastic padding layer on the inner surface of the U-shaped clamps combines buffering and vibration reduction with high-friction anti-slip functions, significantly reducing stress concentration caused by rigid contact and enhancing the connection stability and durability of the system under dynamic loads.
[0015] The smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid part of the present invention forms a smooth and continuous curved surface transition with the membrane units on both sides, which fundamentally solves the problems of water accumulation at the corners and visual abruptness at traditional nodes. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a smooth transition node at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 3 This is a top view of the smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the support plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure label: Diaphragm unit 1, membrane profile 11; Support plate 2, receiving notch 20, arc-shaped top plate 21, connecting rod 22; 3. U-shaped clip; 31. Elastic pad; 32. Tie rod; 4. Diversion diaphragm; Upper chord 5. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0023] Reference Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention provides a smooth transition node structure at the junction of a membrane structure and a rigid structure, comprising: a membrane unit 1, a support plate 2, a U-shaped clamp 3, and a flow guiding membrane 4.
[0024] The smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure of the present invention is used for installation on a roof structure. Specifically, the roof structure is a space frame structure, and the smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure of the present invention is used for installation on the upper chord of the space frame structure.
[0025] There are two membrane units 1. A membrane profile 11 is installed on the outer edge of the membrane unit 1. The two membrane units 1 are respectively set on opposite sides of the upper chord 5 of the roof structure.
[0026] There are multiple support plates 2. The support plates 2 are erected vertically at the top of the upper chord 5. In this embodiment, the support plates are positioned directly above the upper chord.
[0027] Multiple support plates 2 are spaced apart along the length of the upper chord 5. In this embodiment, the multiple support plates are equally spaced along the length of the upper chord. An arc-shaped top plate 21 is connected to the top of the support plate 2. The inner arc surface of the arc-shaped top plate 21 is facing downwards. The multiple support plates 2 are connected by connecting rods 22.
[0028] See Figure 4 As shown, the width of the support plate is greater than the width of the arc-shaped top plate (i.e., the straight-line distance between the two opposite sides of the arc-shaped top plate in the arc direction).
[0029] In some embodiments, the arc-shaped top plates on multiple support plates are connected as a single unit, with the entire arc-shaped top plate extending along the length of the upper chord. The inner arc surface of the entire arc-shaped top plate faces the circumferential surface of the upper chord.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the top profile of the support plate 2 has a receiving notch 20. A connecting rod 22 is embedded in the receiving notches 20 of the plurality of support plates 2. An arc-shaped top plate 21 is disposed transversely above the receiving notches 20.
[0031] The curved top plate closes the receiving notch, thus forming a channel with the curved top plate. The connecting rod is installed in this channel.
[0032] There are multiple U-shaped clips 3. The U-shaped clips 3 are rotatably fitted onto the connecting rod 22. The two legs of some of the U-shaped clips 3 are installed on the membrane profile of one membrane unit 1. The two legs of the remaining U-shaped clips 3 are installed on the membrane profile of another membrane unit 1.
[0033] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 2 As shown, some of the U-shaped clips 3 are alternately arranged with the rest of the U-shaped clips 3.
[0034] An elastic pad 31 is provided between the U-shaped clip 3 and the connecting rod 22. Specifically, the elastic pad 31 is a rubber pad.
[0035] The flow guiding diaphragm 4 is arranged along the length of the upper chord. Multiple arc-shaped top plates 21 are supported at the middle of the flow guiding diaphragm 4. The opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm 4 are respectively installed on the membrane profile. The opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm 4 are respectively arranged obliquely downwards towards the opposite sides of the upper chord 5.
[0036] As a preferred implementation method, see [reference]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the outer edges of the two diaphragm units 1 are respectively angled downwards towards the opposite sides of the upper chord 5. The inclination of the outer edges of the diaphragm units 1 is less than the inclination of the opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm 4.
[0037] In this embodiment, the rainwater flow velocity on both sides of the guide diaphragm 4 is greater than or equal to 0.3 m / s. The guide diaphragm 4 is a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) waterproof membrane.
[0038] Continue reading Figure 2 As shown, the two legs of the U-shaped clip 3 abut against the opposite sides of the tensile membrane profile. A pair of tie rods 32 connect the two legs of the U-shaped clip 3.
[0039] This invention relates to a smooth transition node structure at the junction of a membrane structure and a rigid structure. By arranging arc-shaped top plates at equal intervals on the non-membrane structure boundary (such as the upper chord of a roof truss or space frame structure), and supporting these arc-shaped top plates on the upper chord via support plates, a lightweight and modular support system is formed, effectively reducing the self-weight of the superstructure. The design of the coordinated cooperation between the U-shaped clamps and the elastic pads is particularly crucial. The U-shaped clamps can rotate around connecting rods mounted on multiple support plates, allowing for fine-tuning of the clamping height of the membrane units, thereby precisely controlling the membrane tensioning position and pre-tension distribution of the membrane units. Simultaneously, the elastic pads on the inner surface of the U-shaped clamps provide both cushioning and vibration damping, as well as high-friction anti-slip functions, significantly reducing stress concentration caused by rigid contact and enhancing the connection stability and durability of the system under dynamic loads.
[0040] The smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid part of the present invention forms a smooth and continuous curved surface transition with the membrane units on both sides, which fundamentally solves the problems of water accumulation at the corners and visual abruptness at traditional nodes.
[0041] The smooth transition node construction at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure of this invention is particularly suitable for the connection between the outer ring membrane roof and the inner roof of large stadiums and venues. While meeting structural safety and waterproofing requirements, it achieves a natural transition and aesthetic integration at the junction of the membrane roof and the rigid boundary, demonstrating strong engineering practicality and promotional value.
[0042] Addressing the two major pain points of existing technologies—abrupt transitions affecting aesthetics and structural defects causing leakage—this invention's smooth transition node construction at the junction of membrane structure and rigid structure aims to achieve a smooth and natural transition in form and a reliable and durable connection in construction between membrane units and adjacent non-membrane structure areas. This overcomes the drawbacks of traditional methods and comprehensively enhances the architectural aesthetic value, long-term waterproofing performance, and structural durability of the overall roofing system.
[0043] The smooth transition node at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure in this invention is installed on the upper chord of the roof truss (non-membrane structure boundary). The support plate is a laser-cut arc-shaped top plate, the height of which is determined according to the length of the drainage path. Weight-reducing circular holes are opened in the body of the support plate to achieve lightweighting while ensuring rigidity.
[0044] By periodically installing support plates on the upper chord, compared to the traditional continuous full-coverage or closely spaced arrangement, the amount of steel used is significantly reduced while still meeting structural stiffness and stability requirements, achieving a synergistic design of lightweighting and material conservation. The support plates are joined to the upper chord using bevel welds (weld grade II), and to the curved top plate using double-sided fillet welds.
[0045] The curved roof slab is formed from structural steel through cold pressing into a continuous, smooth curved surface. The design of the curvature radius of the curved roof slab must take into account the height of the supporting plate and drainage requirements to ensure that, given the change in the height of the supporting plate and the length of the drainage path, the resulting longitudinal slope meets the minimum drainage slope requirements specified in the code.
[0046] The arc-shaped top plate and the support plate are connected by double-sided fillet welds. The welding sequence follows the principle of symmetrical welding from the middle to both ends to control thermal deformation.
[0047] As the main drainage surface, its arc length is hydraulically optimized to ensure that the rainwater flow velocity of the guiding membrane is ≥0.3m / s (corresponding to the rainfall intensity with a 50-year return period), thus achieving self-cleaning drainage.
[0048] The connecting rod is made of hot-rolled round steel pipe and runs through the arc-shaped top plate and the support plate.
[0049] The U-shaped clamp is formed by stamping a stainless steel arc-shaped top plate. The two legs of the U-shaped clamp have bolt holes, which are aligned with the film (aluminum) profile during assembly and connected by tie rods.
[0050] An elastic pad is placed between the U-shaped clamp and the connecting rod. Through its elastic deformation, it effectively absorbs and buffers the dynamic stress generated by the membrane material under wind load or temperature changes, while reducing friction and vibration transmission between metal components, and improving the durability and adaptability of the connection node.
[0051] This invention provides a construction method for a smooth transition node at the junction of a membrane structure and a rigid structure, comprising the following steps: S1. Multiple support plates 2 are erected on the top of the upper chord 5 of the roof structure, such that the multiple support plates 2 are spaced apart along the length of the upper chord 5.
[0052] S2. Connect the connecting rod 22 to multiple support plates 2.
[0053] S3. Multiple U-shaped clips 3 are rotatably fitted onto the connecting rod 22, and an elastic pad 31 is placed between the U-shaped clips 3 and the connecting rod 22.
[0054] S4. The two diaphragm units 1 are respectively placed on opposite sides of the upper chord 5.
[0055] S5. Install two limbs of part of the U-shaped clips 3 onto the membrane profile of one membrane unit 1, and install two limbs of the remaining U-shaped clips 3 onto the membrane profile of another membrane unit 1.
[0056] S6. Cover the multiple arc-shaped top plates 21 with the flow guiding diaphragm 4, so that the multiple arc-shaped top plates 21 are supported in the middle of the flow guiding diaphragm 4.
[0057] S7. Set the opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm 4 obliquely downward toward the opposite sides of the upper chord 5, and install the opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm 4 onto the membrane profile.
[0058] When constructing the smooth transition node at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure of this invention, firstly, precise measurements and lines are made on the surface of the roof chord according to the design drawings to determine the welding position of the support plate by setting the spacing. Subsequently, the support plate is welded to the pre-formed arc-shaped top plate to form an integrally stable support frame.
[0059] Next, the connecting rod is placed within the receiving notch formed by the arc-shaped top plate and the support plate, and an EPDM rubber pad is placed between its outer wall and the stainless steel U-shaped clamp as a buffer layer. The connecting rod is then clamped and fixed using the U-shaped clamp and tightened using tie rods (bolts).
[0060] Next, the flow guiding diaphragm is laid flat to cover the surface of the arc-shaped top plate and extends to both sides. The edge of the flow guiding diaphragm is embedded in the groove of the membrane stretching profile of the diaphragm unit, and the membrane stretching profile is connected and sealed by the pull rod and the U-shaped clamp.
[0061] Finally, a zoned synchronous tensioning process is adopted to apply uniform pretension to the membrane material. With the help of real-time stress monitoring and three-dimensional surface scanning technology, the entire transition area is ensured to be smooth and continuous without local wrinkles or stress concentration, thus achieving the unity of structural performance and morphological accuracy.
[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.
Claims
1. A smooth transition node structure at the junction of a membrane structure and a rigid structure, characterized in that, include: Two membrane units, each with a membrane profile installed on its outer edge, are respectively located on opposite sides of the upper chord of the roof structure. Multiple support plates are provided, which are vertically mounted on the top of the upper chord. The multiple support plates are spaced apart along the length of the upper chord. An arc-shaped top plate is connected to the top of each support plate, with the inner arc surface of the arc-shaped top plate facing downwards. The multiple support plates are connected by a connecting rod. Multiple U-shaped clips are rotatably fitted onto the connecting rod. Some of the U-shaped clips have their two legs installed on the membrane stretching profile of one membrane unit, while the other U-shaped clips have their two legs installed on the membrane stretching profile of another membrane unit. An elastic pad is provided between the U-shaped clips and the connecting rod. A flow guiding diaphragm, with multiple arc-shaped top plates supporting the middle of the flow guiding diaphragm, and the opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm respectively installed on the membrane profile, with the opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm respectively facing the opposite sides of the upper chord rod and arranged obliquely downward.
2. The smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer edges of the two diaphragm units are respectively arranged obliquely downward toward the opposite sides of the upper chord, and the inclination of the outer edges of the diaphragm units is less than the inclination of the opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm.
3. The smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Some of the U-shaped clips are alternately arranged with the rest of the U-shaped clips.
4. The smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top profile of the support plate has a receiving notch, the connecting rod is embedded in the receiving notches of the multiple support plates, and the arc-shaped top plate is arranged horizontally above the receiving notch.
5. The smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic pad is a rubber pad.
6. The smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two limbs of the U-shaped clip abut against the opposite sides of the membrane profile, and a pair of pull rods connect the two limbs.
7. The smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rainwater flow velocity on opposite sides of the flow-guiding diaphragm is greater than or equal to 0.3 m / s.
8. The smooth transition node structure at the junction of the membrane structure and the rigid structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow-guiding membrane is a PTFE waterproof membrane.
9. A construction method for a smooth transition node at the junction of a membrane structure and a rigid structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Multiple support plates are vertically installed on the top of the upper chord of the roof structure, such that the multiple support plates are spaced apart along the length of the upper chord. Connecting rods to the plurality of support plates; Multiple U-shaped clips are rotatably fitted onto the connecting rod, and an elastic pad is placed between the U-shaped clips and the connecting rod; Two diaphragm units are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the upper chord; Two legs of some of the U-shaped clips are installed on the membrane stretching profile of one membrane unit, and two legs of the remaining U-shaped clips are installed on the membrane stretching profile of another membrane unit. A flow-guiding diaphragm is covered on a plurality of the arc-shaped top plates, such that the plurality of arc-shaped top plates are supported in the middle of the flow-guiding diaphragm; The flow guiding diaphragm is positioned obliquely downwards towards the opposite sides of the upper chord, and the opposite sides of the flow guiding diaphragm are respectively installed on the membrane profile.