Modular frame structure

Abstract

To provide a modular framework structure capable of forming a structured facility by combining only unit modules without using any connecting members other than the unit modules.SOLUTION: The modular framework structure is configured to construct a three-dimensional truss structured facility by building unit modules serving as unit frames for a three-dimensional truss structure, and then, connecting the unit modules. In the unit module, ridge portions of a tetrahedron or octahedron are formed of frames 3 each having an elongated joint surface 2, and the ends of each frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2 are connected by a joint member 4 to be assembled into a tetra module 1 as a tetrahedral frame, or an octa-module as an octahedral structure, and then, the frames 3 having the elongated joint surfaces 2 are joined to each other with the elongated joint surfaces 2 being joined so that the tetra modules 1 or octa-modules being the unit modules, are connected with each other to form the three-dimensional truss structured facility.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a modular framework structure of a structure using a space truss.

Background Art

[0002] A truss structure that forms the roof, side walls, etc. of a structure with modules of a space truss in which single-shaped members are combined into regular tetrahedrons or regular octahedrons is composed only of members of a single shape, so that the management of members and the construction procedure can be simplified, and the efficiency of construction work can be improved by modularizing the members.

[0003] For example, the following patent document was proposed by Richard Buckminster Fuller and discloses an octet truss structure that forms the roof, side walls, etc. of a structure with modules of a space truss in which single-shaped members are combined into regular tetrahedrons or regular octahedrons.

Patent Document 1

[0004] This Patent Document 1 describes an octet truss structure that is a structure like a vector equilibrium body in a planar or layered form, and an example of forming the roof and walls of the dock of a B-36 bomber as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 is shown.

[0005] Note that many proposals have been made for the octet truss structure in the past. Examples of constructing a tetrahedral framework that becomes a unit framework of a space truss structure by joining frames (chords) with joints (connecting members) and joining the tetrahedral frameworks to each other to construct a space truss structure can be found in the following patent documents.

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0006] Modularization (unitization) is an important element in forming a three-dimensional truss structure by combining members of a single shape. Patent Document 1 shows an example of an octet truss structure in which sheet modules, as shown in Figure 41, are constructed instead of strut modules. An octet truss structure consists of a tetrahedral frame region and an octahedral frame region, with one of them being a complementary spatial region.

[0007] The sheet module may be a thin sheet of aluminum 39 with a flange 40 extending from one edge, as shown in Figure 36, but flanges 41 and 42 extending from one end thereof extend from the other two edges at appropriate angles and lie on the octahedral and tetrahedral faces of the framework system.

[0008] Flange 41 faces upward and outward from the seat, while flange 42 faces downward and outward.

[0009] One of the octahedrons of the truss in Figure 38 is assembled from four aluminum sheets 39.

[0010] The modular frame structure and frame member units described in Patent Document 4 below propose to secure a large interior space by using a vector equilibrium truss as the basic module. [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 4889020

[0011] Patent Document 4 describes a configuration in which multiple vector equilibrium truss units, each composed of frame members of the same length, are arranged in pairs facing each other on one side, and the corresponding four nodes at the base and top of the opposing sides are joined by connecting members B of the same length as the frame member A, while the opposing triangular joints on the opposing sides are joined to each other in the lateral direction.

[0012] According to this Patent Document 4, a square pyramidal truss is formed between the sides of the connected vector equilibrium trusses, so that a single, unstable vector equilibrium truss unit can be assembled as a stable truss structure.

[0013] Furthermore, since the basic unit is a vector equilibrium truss with a shape obtained by cutting off each vertex of a cube (regular hexahedron), a relatively large cubic internal space can be secured inside each truss structure. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] In the aforementioned Patent Document 1, the module shown in Figure 36 does not have a uniform sheet flange angle, but rather varies depending on the application, and the members are not all identical. Furthermore, the octahedron of the truss in Figure 37 is assembled from four aluminum sheets 39, but it is difficult to construct a truss structure using this octahedron as a single module.

[0015] Furthermore, in the truss structure of Patent Document 1, as shown in Figures 39 and 40, a framework for the roof, walls, and floor is formed using trusses that form triangles, but the walls are formed at an angle to the roof.

[0016] The modular frame structure and frame member units of the structure described in Patent Document 4 require a combination of two types of members to form a three-dimensional truss structure by combining multiple units of vector equilibrium truss, specifically by bridging and joining them with connecting members B of the same length as frame member A.

[0017] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the conventional example and to provide a modular frame structure and unit modules used therein that can be assembled as a stable truss structure by combining unit modules without using connecting members other than the unit modules, and moreover, by forming complementary square pyramidal regions inside, and by forming vertical frames such as walls with right-angle connections to horizontal frames such as roofs and floors in the truss structure.

[0018] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a modular frame structure in which, firstly, unit modules that serve as the unit frame of a three-dimensional truss structure are created, and the unit modules are joined together to construct a three-dimensional truss structure. The unit modules are formed by creating frames with elongated joint surfaces at the edges of a tetrahedron or octahedron, and the ends of these frames with elongated joint surfaces are connected by joint members that connect the connecting pieces to the frames with elongated joint surfaces with top plates or side plates to assemble them into a tetrahedron-shaped frame called a tetra module or an octahedron-shaped frame called an octa module. The elongated joint surfaces of the frames are joined together to form a three-dimensional truss structure by connecting the tetra modules or octa modules to each other. Secondly, the gist of the invention is that the joint members have three connecting pieces to the frames with elongated joint surfaces that are spread out at an angle of 120° or 90° to each other in a plan view, and these connecting pieces are connected together with top plates or side plates.

[0019] According to the present invention, a unit module that can be used in a modular manner is constructed, and this unit module is assembled to construct a space frame structure by joining the elongated joining surfaces of members having the elongated joining surfaces to form the edge lines of a tetrahedron or an octahedron. Therefore, in particular, it is possible to construct a space frame structure only by combining the unit modules without using members other than the unit modules as connecting members, and the assembly can be performed simply and quickly with a small number of man-hours. Moreover, since it can be formed only by combining the unit modules, the prefabrication is improved.

[0020] Furthermore, in order to combine the unit modules, the frames that form the edge lines of the tetrahedron or the octahedron overlap each other and become double, so the strength is increased. If this is the part of the diagonal member of the space frame structure, the space frame structure itself becomes robust.

[0021] In addition to this, by forming a joining piece part on the joint member to the frame having the elongated joining surface, the frame can be easily assembled through this joining piece part.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] As described above, the modular framework structure of the present invention can be formed only by combining the unit modules without using connecting members other than the unit modules to form a truss structure. Moreover, it can be assembled as a stable truss structure by forming complementary space regions inside, and a vertical framework such as a wall can be formed with a right-angle connection to a horizontal framework such as a roof or a floor in the truss structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a plan view showing one embodiment of the framework structure of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory view showing the assembled state of unit modules when the unit module used in the framework structure of the present invention is a regular tetrahedron structure. [Figure 3] Perspective view of FIG. 1 in the state where the entire framework structure of the present invention is a disk-shaped body. [Figure 4] Side view showing the state where the disk-shaped body is orthogonal in the framework structure of the present invention. [Figure 5] Perspective view showing the state where the disk-shaped body is orthogonal in the framework structure of the present invention. [Figure 6] Perspective view showing one embodiment in which the unit module used in the framework structure of the present invention is a tetramodule. [Figure 7] Plan view showing one embodiment in which the unit module used in the framework structure of the present invention is a tetramodule. [Figure 8] Front view showing an example of a joint member used in the unit module used in the framework structure of the present invention. [Figure 9] Perspective view showing an example of a joint member used in the unit module used in the framework structure of the present invention. [Figure 10] Explanatory view showing the connection between joint members. [Figure 11] Explanatory view showing the joining of the joint member to a frame having an elongated joint surface. [Figure 12] Perspective view showing an example of the mutual joining of unit modules. [Figure 13] Plan view showing that when the unit module is a tetramodule in the framework structure of the present invention, a square pyramid-shaped truss structure region is formed inside. [Figure 14] Perspective view showing the state of the connection in which when the unit module is a tetramodule in the framework structure of the present invention, a square pyramid-shaped truss structure region is configured inside. [Figure 15] Explanatory view showing that when the unit module is a tetramodule in the framework structure of the present invention, a square pyramid-shaped truss structure region is formed inside. [Figure 16] Plan view showing that when the unit module is a tetramodule in the framework structure of the present invention, an octahedron-shaped structure region is formed inside. [Figure 17] Partial enlarged view of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] This is a front view showing an example of a gusset plate application. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory diagram showing the assembly of unit modules in the framework structure of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is an explanatory diagram of a regular tetrahedron. [Figure 21] This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the center and vertices of a regular tetrahedron. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view showing one embodiment in which the unit module used in the frame structure of the present invention is an octahedral frame called an octamodule. [Figure 23] This is a plan view showing one embodiment in which the unit module used in the frame structure of the present invention is an octahedral frame called an octamodule. [Figure 24] This is a plan view showing an example of a truss structure formed by assembling unit modules, where the unit module of the present invention is an octahedral frame, and a tetrahedral frame region is formed inside. [Figure 25] This is a plan view of the unit module shown in Figure 23, with further expansion. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view showing how to construct an octahedral frame, or OctaModule, using two TetraModules. [Figure 27] This is a perspective view showing a combination of two tetra modules and an octa module. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view showing an example of a frame made from angle material, with elongated joint surfaces of unit modules. [Figure 29] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a tetramodule in which a frame with elongated joint surfaces is formed from H-shaped steel. [Figure 30] This is a perspective view showing the assembled state of a tetramodule, in which a frame with elongated joint surfaces is formed from H-shaped steel. [Figure 31] This is a perspective view showing an example of a frame made from channel material, having elongated joint surfaces of unit modules. [Figure 32]This is a perspective view showing the assembled state of a tetramodule, in which a frame with elongated joint surfaces is formed from channel material. [Figure 33] This is a perspective view showing the formation of a regular octahedral frame by combining four tetramodules. [Figure 34] This is a perspective view of the framework structure made up of 64 Tetra Modules. [Figure 35] This is a perspective view of a framework structure made up of 216 Tetra Modules. [Figure 36] This is a perspective view showing an example of a unit module proposed by Buckminster Fuller, as seen in conventional examples. [Figure 37] This is a plan view showing a three-dimensional truss structure assembled using the proposed unit modules as suggested by Buckminster Fuller, as an example of a conventional design. [Figure 38] This is a perspective view of an octahedron constructed using the proposed unit module, as suggested by Buckminster Fuller, as an example of a conventional design. [Figure 39] This is a front view showing a conventional example of a three-dimensional truss structure proposed by Buckminster Fuller, used to form the roof and walls of an aircraft dock. [Figure 40] This is a side view showing a conventional example of a three-dimensional truss structure, proposed by Buckminster Fuller, used to form the roof and walls of an aircraft dock. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a plan view showing one embodiment of the frame structure of the present invention, in which a tetrahedral frame that serves as the unit frame (referred to as a unit module) of the three-dimensional truss structure is created, and the tetrahedral frame, which is the tetramodule 1, is joined to each other to construct the three-dimensional truss structure.

[0025] First, let's describe Tetramodule 1. Tetramodule 1 is a regular tetrahedron, and as shown in Figure 20, a regular tetrahedron consists of three equilateral triangular faces A, with four vertices B and six edges C. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, the angle between the center D of the regular tetrahedron and the line E connecting the vertices B of the regular tetrahedron is 109.5 degrees.

[0026] The elongated joint surface 2 of frame 3 is a surface obtained by planarly cutting off an edge C (edge) of a regular tetrahedron, and the angle formed by this plane is not inclined in the width direction of the elongated joint surface 2 with respect to the center D of the regular tetrahedron. Furthermore, the width dimension of the elongated joint surface 2 depends on the extent of the cutting, but is not particularly limited.

[0027] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the Tetra Module 1 is a regular tetrahedron, but more precisely, it is assumed to be a regular tetrahedron, and the frames that form the edges of the regular tetrahedron are formed by frames 3 having elongated joint surfaces 2, and the ends of these frames 3 with elongated joint surfaces 2 are connected with joint members 4 to assemble a regular tetrahedron-shaped frame. The equilateral triangles of the regular tetrahedron become the openings. Note that all frames 3 are the same length.

[0028] The frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2 serves as the axial member of the tetrahedron-shaped frame, and a total of six of them are assembled together with joint members 4. The term "tetrahedron-shaped frame" refers to the fact that in the tetramodule 1, there are a total of six elongated joint surfaces 2, and there are equilateral triangular planes 7 at the four vertices, which are the ceiling parts of the joint members 4, making a total of 14 faces, but it is roughly tetrahedron-shaped.

[0029] The frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2 is shown in the figure as a rectangular elongated plate which is a strip-shaped timber, but as long as the surface facing outward when assembled as a regular tetrahedron frame is the elongated joint surface 2, the shape of the axial member is not particularly limited, such as having a semi-circular cross-section, a triangle or other angular shape, or a hollow pipe shape.

[0030] Thus, the frame 3 can be made of various cross-sectional shapes as long as it has an elongated joint surface 2, and it is possible to select from flat plates, hollow tubes, H-shaped or other structural steel, angle materials, or channel materials.

[0031] Figure 28 shows an example of frame 3 made from angle material 11, Figures 29 and 30 show an example made from H-shaped steel 13, and Figures 31 and 32 show an example made from channel material 14.

[0032] Furthermore, the material of the frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2 can be selected from a variety of materials depending on the intended use of the completed three-dimensional truss structure, including metals such as steel and aluminum, wood, and synthetic resins. For offshore structures and the like, titanium, which has high corrosion resistance, can also be used.

[0033] The material of the joint member 4 is also similar and can be selected from various options depending on the application, such as metals like steel and aluminum, wood, or synthetic resin.

[0034] The joint member 4 for assembling the frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2 does not have any particular shape as long as it can be assembled into a regular tetrahedron frame using the frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2. However, it is preferable that the joint member has three connecting pieces 5 that are spread out at a 120° angle to each other in a plan view, and these connecting pieces 5 are connected to each other by a top plate or side plate 6. In the illustrated example, they are connected to each other by side plates 6. Side plates 6 are not required.

[0035] Furthermore, in order to avoid interfering with the joining of the unit modules, the tetra module 1, the end faces of the rectangular elongated flat plate 2 do not overlap the ceiling portion of the joint member 4, and the ceiling portion 7 of the joint member 4 is either an equilateral triangular opening or a top plate that is roughly equilateral triangular (hexagonal) in plan view, as shown in the figure. The ends of the joining pieces 5 and the side plates 6 are continuously connected to each (side) edge of this ceiling portion 7. Figures 8 and 9 show enlargements of the joint member 4.

[0036] Although not shown in the diagram, if the ceiling portion 7 of the joint member 4 is made of a top plate, a through hole for bolt connection may be provided in the center of the top plate.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, multiple joint members 4 (four in the illustration) can be joined together by welding or other means to form a larger overall unit.

[0038] Regarding the connection between the frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2 and the joint member 4, at the connection point between the joint piece 5 of the joint member 4 and the rectangular elongated flat plate 2, both are overlapped and then fixed, or a slit is formed in the frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2, and the joint piece 5 is inserted into this slit and sandwiched. Both the joint piece 5 and the frame 3 are fixed by fastening with bolts and nuts or by welding.

[0039] Figures 6 and 7 show an example where the joining piece 5 of the joint member 4 is joined on the outside of the frame 3 which has an elongated joining surface 2, but it may also be joined on the inside. Figure 11 shows examples of joining on both the inside (see Figure 11a) and the outside (see Figure 11b).

[0040] Furthermore, if the joining piece 5 is joined on the outside of the frame 3 having the elongated joining surface 2, the joining piece 5 of the joint member 4 will not protrude from the elongated joining surface 2, as long as the joint member 4 is flush with the surface.

[0041] Next, we will explain how to form a three-dimensional truss structure using the tetramodules 1. The tetramodules 1 are assembled by joining them together as unit modules to form a three-dimensional truss structure. As shown in Figure 2, the tetramodules 1 are joined together by overlapping frames 3, each having an elongated joint surface 2, at the elongated joint surface 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the tetra modules 1 can be joined and fixed to each other in several ways: by fixing the frames 3, each having an elongated joint surface 2, to each other at the frame 3 portion; by joining the joint members 4 to each other without fixing the frames 3, each having an elongated joint surface 2; or by employing both methods.

[0043] Furthermore, to fasten two frames 3, each having an elongated joint surface 2, together at this point, they can be joined by means of fastening with bolts and nuts, welding, interlocking joints, or crimping with bands, etc.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to strengthen the overlapping of the frames 3, as shown in Figure 12, irregularities 8 may be formed on the elongated joining surface 2, and the joining may be performed by lap joint using these irregularities 8.

[0045] Examples of joints formed by lap joints using such irregularities 8 include, in addition to the example shown in Figure 12, cases where the elongated joint surface 2 is embossed with dot-like irregularities, or cases where the irregularities are wavy like teeth.

[0046] The three-dimensional truss structure that can be assembled by joining the Tetra Module 1 together can take various forms, such as a plate shape or a cube shape, and as shown in Figure 1, a complementary square pyramidal truss frame region B can be constructed inside.

[0047] In a three-dimensional truss structure assembled with Tetra Module 1, the frames 3, each having an elongated joint surface 2, are joined together via these elongated joint surfaces 2. As a result, a complementary square pyramidal truss frame region B is formed inside the three-dimensional truss structure.

[0048] As shown in Figure 13, when four tetra modules 1 are combined so that their vertices converge to a single point, one of the elongated joint surfaces 2 of the frame 3, which corresponds to the edges where the vertices of the tetra modules 1 form opposing faces, forms a square frame A that surrounds the set of vertices that converge to a single point, and a complementary square pyramidal truss frame region B is formed therein.

[0049] To further explain this complementary square pyramidal truss frame region B, when two tetramodules 1, which are unit modules of a regular tetrahedron frame, are joined at the edges of the frame 3, their elongated joint surfaces 2 become diagonal members, while the other frame 3 is arranged horizontally or vertically and orthogonally with its elongated joint surface 2 facing outwards. When these are combined, the square frame A of the base surface of the complementary square pyramidal truss frame region B is formed.

[0050] Incidentally, the volume of the complementary square pyramidal truss frame region B is the same as the combined volume of two Tetra Modules 1.

[0051] When these interconnected tetra modules 1 are assembled front-to-back and left-to-right, a complementary square pyramidal truss frame region B can be formed between the sides of the unit modules, allowing a stable truss structure to be assembled using only tetra modules.

[0052] Furthermore, when combining the Tetra Module 1, the frames 3, which form the edges of the regular tetrahedron, overlap each other, becoming double-layered, thus increasing their strength. If this is the case for the diagonal members, the diagonal members of the three-dimensional truss structure become more robust.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14, 15, and 16, it is also possible to form a truss structure by incorporating an octahedral frame region C, which is created by combining the complementary square pyramidal truss frame region B, into the interior.

[0054] Figure 33 shows the same structure as in Figure 14, but a tetrahedral truss (shown in gray) is formed from four tetramodules 1, with the length of the ridges being twice that of the tetramodule 1. Inside this truss, a complementary octahedral frame region C is formed.

[0055] A tetrahedron truss of the same size as the given tetrahedron truss (shown in white) intersects at the midpoints of the two tetrahedron trusses, forming a new dual tetrahedron truss. In this case, the four vertices located on the outside of the dual tetrahedron truss constitute the eight vertices of the cube-shaped truss structure. This cube-shaped truss structure consists of eight tetrahedron modules.

[0056] The right side of Figure 15 shows the case where a square pyramidal truss frame region B is combined with an octahedral frame region C inside, while the left side shows the case where the square base face of the square pyramidal truss frame region B is used as an open surface and the octahedral frame region C is not formed outwards. The top image shows the assembled state, and the bottom image shows the assembled state.

[0057] Furthermore, the combination of Tetra Module 1 is relatively flexible. As shown in Figure 18, an example of its deployment is to prepare two sets of four Tetra Module 1 units joined together in a three-fold rotational symmetry (left end of Figure 18), then flip one of them over (center of Figure 18), and join the frame 3 so that the four vertices of each unit align, thereby forming a planar truss structure with three-fold rotational symmetry (right end of Figure 18).

[0058] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the points where the joints 4 at the vertices of the tetrahedral frame, the tetramodule 1, meet can also be covered by connecting them with gusset plates 9.

[0059] In the illustrated example, the gusset plate 9 is a circular disc plate, and the gusset plate 9 reinforces the joint between unit modules and the joint members.

[0060] Furthermore, by using a disk plate, the gusset plate 9 can reinforce the joints of four unit modules with a single gusset plate.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, the joints of the unit modules on the outer perimeter are covered and connected with gusset plates 9' made of disc plates bent at 90°, thereby reinforcing the connections between the unit modules. In this way, the gusset plates 9' can reinforce the connections between the unit modules.

[0062] Figures 34 and 35 show the propagation morphology of the Tetra Module 1 combination. Figure 34 shows a tetrahedral truss structure (shown in gray) with a length four times the length of the edges of the tetrahedral modules, which is formed from 24 tetrahedral modules.

[0063] A tetrahedron truss structure with four times the length of its edges and a tetrahedron truss structure of the same size (shown in white) intersect at the midpoints of their edges, forming a dual tetrahedron truss structure. In this case, the four vertices located on the outside of the dual tetrahedron truss constitute the eight vertices of the cube-shaped truss structure. Ultimately, the cube-shaped truss structure is formed from 64 tetrahedron modules.

[0064] In Figure 35, the four vertices on the outside of the dual tetrahedral trusses constitute the eight vertices of the cube-shaped truss structure. The cube-shaped truss structure, which is made entirely of tetrahedral modules, is formed from 216 tetrahedral modules.

[0065] In the modular frame structure of the present invention, when constructing a structure that includes floors X, walls Y, and a roof Z, the base quadrilaterals of the square pyramidal truss frame region B should be arranged horizontally or vertically to form the construction surface.

[0066] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the entire body in a disc shape, where a joint surface a and a joint surface b are formed horizontally for connecting the tetra modules 1 to each other.

[0067] Figures 4 and 5 show the state in which the aforementioned plate-shaped bodies are orthogonal. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connection between the floor X portion and the wall Y portion, or the connection between the wall Y portion and the roof Z portion, is a connection between frames that are aligned horizontally or vertically and orthogonally, allowing for the assembly of three-dimensional truss structures as floor X and wall Y or roof Z at right angles, and enabling the formation of wall Y that rises (or falls) at right angles to the floor or roof Z.

[0068] In Figure 4, c is the joint surface of the tetra module 1 for joining the modules horizontally, and it is an extension of the floor X. d is the joint surface of the tetra module 1 for joining the modules vertically, and it is an extension of the wall Y. e is the joint surface of the tetra module 1 for joining the modules horizontally, and it is an extension of the roof Z.

[0069] Regarding the load-bearing capacity and deformation shape of the three-dimensional truss structure constructed in this manner, we will explain the benefits of the square pyramidal truss frame region B, which is a complementary square pyramidal truss using tetramodules.

[0070] Three-dimensional truss structures are often used in roof structures and other applications because they are lightweight and can form large spans. Therefore, the loads are predominantly vertical loads such as snow loads and wind loads, and their strength is considered in the design. Let's consider applying a three-dimensional truss structure, which forms large spans in a planar manner, to a structure that supports extremely large vertical loads over a long period of time. In this case, the effects of earthquakes must also be considered, and the inherent strength and plastic deformation capacity of the three-dimensional truss against horizontal loads are required.

[0071] If we view the three-dimensional truss shown in Figure 1 as a lattice structure, the three-dimensional truss, in which complementary square pyramidal regions are formed by tetramodules, can be seen as a member configuration in which the top and bottom surfaces are square lattices, and the diagonal members are superimposed on the projection plane onto the lower chord members that make up the bottom surface. In this case, each individual member that forms the complementary square pyramidal truss frame region constitutes a member in the three-dimensional direction.

[0072] Therefore, even if the individual truss members constituting the three-dimensional truss structure buckle, stress redistribution is possible, and toughness against seismic forces can be expected. Furthermore, the truss structure that constitutes a complementary square pyramidal truss frame region using tetramodules allows for the formation of an economically efficient three-dimensional truss through prefabrication using tetramodules, which have a minimum number of members and nodes compared to the member configurations of other three-dimensional trusses.

[0073] Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, we will describe the case in which the unit module that forms the unit frame of the three-dimensional truss structure is an octahedron-shaped frame called an octamodule 10, as shown in Figures 22 and 23. An octahedron is a type of regular polyhedron, a solid in which space is enclosed by eight equilateral triangles. It is also the shape obtained by cutting off each vertex of a regular tetrahedron to the center of the edge.

[0074] In the case of the Octa Module 10 of the present invention, just like the Tetra Module 1, a regular octahedron is assumed, and the frame that will form the edge portion of the octahedron is formed by a frame 3 having an elongated joint surface 2, and the ends of these frames 3 having an elongated joint surface 2 are connected with joint members 4 to assemble a regular octahedron-shaped frame.

[0075] All frames 3 are of the same length. The octa module consists of two square pyramidal frames arranged vertically with a common square frame, and three sets of square frames intersect to form eight triangular grids.

[0076] Although not shown in the diagram, the joint member 4 has three connecting pieces that attach to a frame having an elongated joint surface, which are spread out at a 90° angle to each other in a plan view, and these connecting pieces are connected to each other by a top plate or side plate.

[0077] The frame 3, which has elongated joint surfaces 2, serves as the axial member of the octahedral frame. A total of 12 frames are assembled using joint members 4. The term "octahedral frame" is used because it has 12 elongated joint surfaces 2, and six square planes at its vertices. These, along with the eight triangular truss faces on the sides, make up a total of 26 faces.

[0078] The joint member 4 can be assembled into a regular octahedral frame using the frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2, but the four connecting pieces 5 to the frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2 may be spread out at a 90° angle to each other in a plan view, and these connecting pieces 5 may be connected to each other by a top plate or side plate.

[0079] The frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2 is shown in the figure as a rectangular elongated plate which is a strip-shaped timber, but as long as the surface facing outward when assembled as a regular octahedral frame is the elongated joint surface 2, the shape of the axial member is not particularly limited, such as having a cross-section that is semicircular, triangular, or other angular, or even a hollow pipe shape.

[0080] Similar to the case of the tetramodule 1, the frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2 can be selected from any of the following: flat plate, hollow tubular material, H-shaped or other structural steel, angle material, or channel material.

[0081] Furthermore, the material of the frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2 can be selected from a variety of materials depending on the intended use of the completed three-dimensional truss structure, including metals such as steel and aluminum, wood, and synthetic resins. For offshore structures and the like, titanium, which has high corrosion resistance, can also be used.

[0082] The material of the joint member 4 is also similar and can be selected from various options depending on the application, such as metals like steel and aluminum, wood, or synthetic resin.

[0083] The elongated joint surface 2 of frame 3 is a surface obtained by planarly cutting off an edge C (edge) of a regular octahedron, and the angle formed by this plane is not inclined in the width direction of the elongated joint surface 2 with respect to the center of the regular octahedron. Furthermore, the width dimension of the elongated joint surface 2 depends on the extent of the cutting, but is not particularly limited (not shown in the figure).

[0084] The joining of the connecting piece 5 of the joint member 4 and the rectangular elongated flat plate 2 is done by overlapping or inserting, and the fixing is done by fastening with bolts and nuts, welding, etc., and the joining piece 5 of the joint member 4 is joined on the inside of the frame 3 having the elongated joining surface 2, joined on the outside, or inserted, as is the case with the Tetra Module 1.

[0085] Next, we will explain how the Octa Module 10 is used to form a three-dimensional truss structure. The Octa Modules 10 are joined together to form a three-dimensional truss structure, and, as with the Tetra Module 1, this joining is done by overlapping frames 3, each having an elongated joining surface 2, at the elongated joining surface 2.

[0086] Furthermore, the connection of these octa modules 10 can be achieved by fixing the frames 3, each having an elongated joint surface 2, by connecting the joint members 4 without fixing the frames 3, or by employing both methods.

[0087] Furthermore, to fasten two frames 3, each having an elongated joint surface 2, together at this frame 3 portion, they can be joined by means such as fastening with bolts and nuts, welding, interlocking joints, or riveting with bands, but interlocking joints can also be formed on the elongated joint surface 2 and joined by lap joints.

[0088] As described above, the octa module 10, which has two square pyramidal trusses inside with a common quadrilateral base, forms a complementary tetrahedron-shaped structural region D inside the three-dimensional truss structure when assembled with three rotational symmetry, as shown in Figure 24.

[0089] Figure 25 shows a case where the combination of octa modules 10 is further expanded to form a panel. When the elongated joint surfaces 2 of the frame 3, which has an elongated joint surface 2, are joined together, the frame where these elongated joint surfaces 2 overlap becomes a diagonal member. The formation of a complementary tetrahedral frame region D inside the three-dimensional truss structure is the same as in Figure 24.

[0090] The load-bearing capacity and deformation shape of a three-dimensional truss structure having a complementary tetrahedral frame region formed solely by octamodules are as described above.

[0091] As a third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 26, the octa module 10 is formed by connecting two tetra modules to each other and adding a frame 3a having a length of √2 of the frame 3.

[0092] As shown in Figure 27, by connecting these octa modules 10 to each other, a complementary tetrahedral frame region D can be formed by frames 3a having a length of √2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1...Tetra module 2...Elongated joint surface 3,3a...Frame 4...Joint member 5...Joining piece part 6...Side plate 7...Ceiling part 8...Irregularities 9,9'... Gusset plate 10... Octa module 11... Angle material 13…H-beam 14…Channel material 39…Aluminum sheet 40,41,42…Flange A…Square frame B…Square pyramidal truss frame area C... Octahedral frame area D... Tetrahedral frame area X…Floor Y…Wall Z...Roof a, b, c, d, e... Part of a square frame

Claims

1. This modular frame structure is characterized by constructing unit modules that serve as the unit framework of a three-dimensional truss structure, and then joining these unit modules together to construct a three-dimensional truss structure. The unit modules are formed by creating frames with elongated joint surfaces along the edges of a tetrahedron or octahedron, and connecting the ends of these frames with elongated joint surfaces with joint members that connect the connecting pieces to the frames with elongated joint surfaces with top or side plates to assemble them into tetramodules (tetrahedron-shaped frameworks) or octamodules (octahedron-shaped frameworks). The elongated joint surfaces of the frames are then joined together to connect the tetramodules or octamodules, which are the unit modules, to form a three-dimensional truss structure.

2. The modular frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the joint member has three connecting pieces that attach to a frame having an elongated joint surface, which are spread out at an angle of 120° or 90° to each other in a plan view, and these connecting pieces are connected to each other by a top plate or side plate.

Images