Method for constructing truss structures by increasing the number of modules

Abstract

To achieve the quantization of modules in forming a truss structure by combining the modules, to perform planar-filling and space-filling in a board shape by the combination of only the modules without using a connecting member other than the modules, and to easily and quickly perform assembly with a small number of man-hours.SOLUTION: A module is assembled by forming the ridge line part of a polyhedron with frames having slender joint surfaces and connecting the end parts of the frames having the slender joint surfaces, and the slender joint surfaces of the frames having the slender joint surfaces of the module are joined to each other to connect the modules to each other, by which the modules are multiplied to form a space truss structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a method for constructing a truss structure by the growth of modules.

Background Art

[0002] Many proposals have been made regarding a truss structure that constitutes a roof, side wall, etc. of a structure with a three-dimensional truss formed by combining members of a single shape into a regular tetrahedron or a regular octahedron.

[0003] For example, the following patent document constructs a three-dimensional truss structure by joining frames (chords) with joints (connecting members) to form a tetrahedral framework that is the unit framework of the three-dimensional truss structure, and then joining the tetrahedral frameworks to each other. [[ID=1十八]]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A truss structure is a structural form in which members are connected to each other in a triangular shape. Since both ends of the members are pin-jointed to form a triangle, only axial force is generated even when an external force is applied.

[0005] For example, when a force is applied to a quadrilateral, the quadrilateral will bend under the force. On the other hand, a triangle does not "bend" under the force, but undergoes deformation such as "shrinking" or "stretching". A bending moment acts on a member that undergoes the deformation of "bending", but only an axial force acts on the deformation of "shrinking, stretching".

[0006] Even for members of the same size, a member on which a bending moment acts and a member on which only an axial force acts, the latter is overwhelmingly advantageous. That is, for a member on which only an axial force acts, an efficient cross-section can be selected.

[0007] Thus, the advantages of the truss structure are as follows: Only axial force acts between the members. Therefore, it is possible to construct structures using thin members. • This structural form is also suitable for roof structures in large spaces. • It allows for the creation of buildings using lightweight and slender components, which is aesthetically appealing. This is one possible explanation.

[0008] On the other hand, a disadvantage of truss structures is that they are difficult to construct. Truss structures require members such as upper chords, lower chords, braces, and diagonal members, and the points where these members intersect tend to have complex joints.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the conventional example and to aim for the quantization of modules when forming a truss structure by combining modules, which makes it possible to combine only modules without using connecting members other than modules, allowing for simple and rapid assembly with fewer man-hours, and since it can be formed by combining only modules, it provides a method for constructing a truss structure by increasing the number of modules, which improves prefabrication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a method for constructing a truss structure, which involves creating modules that serve as the unit frame of a three-dimensional truss structure, and joining these modules together to construct a three-dimensional truss structure, wherein the modules are formed by creating elongated joining surfaces at the edges of polyhedrons. Frame Formed by, These frames It is assembled by connecting the ends, with the edges of the polyhedron being joined by elongated connecting surfaces. Frame The elongated joint surface is inclined from the face of the polyhedron, and such module The elongated joint surfaces of the frame are joined together. The essence of this method is to create a three-dimensional truss structure by increasing the number of modules by interconnecting joules.

[0011] According to the present invention as described in claim 1, as a method for constructing a truss structure, modules that serve as the unit frame of a three-dimensional truss structure are created and the modules are joined together. A module can be likened to one of the "structural units" that form a crystal structure, and by increasing their number, various three-dimensional truss structures can be formed.

[0012] In this way, modules that can be used like blocks are constructed, and these modules can be combined to construct a three-dimensional truss structure by joining the elongated joint surfaces of members that have elongated joint surfaces to form the edges of the polyhedron. In particular, it becomes possible to construct a three-dimensional truss structure by combining only modules without using members other than modules as connecting members, improving prefabrication and allowing for simple and rapid assembly with fewer man-hours.

[0013] By connecting modules to each other, the modules can be multiplied, and since the connections are surface-to-surface, the direction is fixed, and the assembly can be done stably.

[0014] Furthermore, when combining modules, the frames that form the edges of the polyhedrons overlap each other, becoming double-layered, which increases their strength. If these overlap with the diagonal members of a three-dimensional truss structure, the three-dimensional truss structure itself becomes more robust.

[0015] Furthermore, by joining the slender joint surfaces of the frame that forms the ridge of each module, it is possible to stack modules not only in the lateral direction but also in the vertical direction to assemble a multi-layered, stable truss structure.

[0016] Furthermore, since a stable truss structure with variable shape can be constructed simply by connecting modules, it is easy to accommodate requests for specification changes or space changes after construction.

[0017] Depending on the number of unit modules required, it can be applied to a variety of modular structures, from small-scale prefabricated structures such as greenhouses, lodges, and shelters to large-scale structures such as buildings.

[0018] Since the framework of the structure can be constructed only by combining modules, it is easy to manufacture and manage the members. Also, when assembling, it is sufficient to connect modules of the same shape in the same pattern, so the construction efficiency can be improved and the cost can be reduced.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] As described above, the method for constructing a truss structure by proliferating modules of the present invention enables the formation of a truss structure by combining modules only, without using connecting members other than modules. The assembly can be performed simply and quickly with a small number of man-hours. Moreover, since it can be formed only by combining modules, the prefabrication is improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It shows one embodiment of the method for constructing a truss structure by proliferating modules of the present invention, and is a plan view of a truss structure formed by proliferating tetra-modules. [Figure 2] It shows one embodiment of the method for constructing a truss structure by proliferating modules of the present invention, and is a perspective view of a truss structure formed by proliferating tetra-modules. [Figure 3] It shows one embodiment of the method for constructing a truss structure by proliferating modules of the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing that the combination of tetra-modules forms a complementary square pyramid truss. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory view showing the stacking of the truss structure shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It shows one embodiment of the method for constructing a truss structure by proliferating modules of the present invention, and is a perspective view of a truss structure formed by proliferating tetra-modules. [Figure 6] It shows one embodiment of the method for constructing a truss structure by proliferating modules of the present invention, and is a perspective view from the front direction in which two √2 octa-modules are combined in parallel. [Figure 7] This shows one embodiment of the method for constructing a truss structure by increasing the number of modules of the present invention, and is a perspective view from the rear direction showing two √2 octa modules combined in parallel. [Figure 8] This shows one embodiment of the method for constructing a truss structure by increasing the number of modules of the present invention, and is a perspective view from the rear direction when √2 octa modules are added to the left and right of the structure shown in Figures 6 and 7. [Figure 9] This shows one embodiment of the present invention's method for constructing a truss structure by increasing the number of modules, and is a perspective view of a truss structure developed using a minimum unit of √2 octa modules combined in orthogonal directions. [Figure 10] This diagram shows one embodiment of the present invention's method for constructing a truss structure by increasing the number of modules, and is a front view of a truss structure in which √2 octa modules are unfolded so as to be translated vertically and horizontally. [Figure 11] This is a front view showing one embodiment of the present invention's method for constructing a truss structure by increasing modules, and represents the minimum mirror image structural units (left-handed and right-handed structural units) that form a truss structure with 3 rotational symmetry consisting of three √2 octa modules. [Figure 12] This is a front view showing one embodiment of the present invention's method for constructing a truss structure by increasing modules, and is an example of a truss structure in which a √2 frame is automatically formed inside all octahedrons by combining the minimum number of left-handed and right-handed mirror image structural units that form a 3-fold rotationally symmetric truss structure consisting of √2 octamodules as shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a plan view illustrating one embodiment of the present invention's method for constructing a truss structure by increasing the number of modules, showing an example in which a truss structure assembled from octa modules has complementary tetrahedral frame regions formed inside. [Figure 14] This shows one embodiment of the present invention's method for constructing a truss structure by increasing the number of modules, and is a plan view of a truss structure obtained by further increasing the number of octa modules in the truss structure shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15]This is a perspective view of the tetra module used in the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a plan view of the tetra module used in this invention. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of the √2 octa module used in the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view showing the assembly of the √2 octa module used in the present invention. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory diagram of the strength of the √2 octa module used in this invention. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of the octa module used in the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a plan view of the octa module used in the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a front view showing an example of a joint member. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view showing an example of a joint member. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view showing an example of a frame with elongated joint surfaces for modules, made from angle material. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing an example of a frame with elongated joint surfaces of modules, formed from H-shaped steel. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view showing an example of a frame with elongated joint surfaces of modules, made from channel material. [Figure 27] This is a perspective view of two frames, each having √2 times the length, joined together using the √2 octa-module used in this invention. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view before joining, showing an example of joining frames having √2 times the length using the √2 octa module used in the invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. First, the modules used in the present invention will be described.

[0022] In this context, "module" refers to a unit that is assembled as a completely identical block to construct a truss structure. These modules are prefabricated as prefabricated hubs, and the structure is constructed by combining them.

[0023] This invention uses modules as constituent elements, likening them to crystals, to achieve quantization through modules, and thereby impart periodicity in crystallography. In crystallography, periodicity refers to rotational symmetry, translational symmetry, and mirror symmetry, and this invention also enables the realization of these rotational, translational, and mirror symmetries through the coupling of modules.

[0024] The module used in this invention has elongated joining surfaces at the edges of polyhedra. Let's assume It is formed from frames, and assembled by connecting the ends of these frames which have elongated joint surfaces. The frames of the modules, which have elongated joint surfaces, can be joined together at their elongated joint surfaces to connect the modules to each other.

[0025] Here, we have used the tetramodule and octamodule as examples of polyhedron modules, but other modules are also acceptable, and they are not limited to regular polyhedra in which all faces are congruent regular polygons and all face angles around all vertices are equal. Examples of spherical polyhedra include truncated tetrahedrons, truncated hexahedrons, rhombic dodecahedrons, vector equilibrium, and truncated octahedrons.

[0026] Module 1 in the present invention, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, is based on the assumption of a regular tetrahedron. Frames 3 that form the edges of the regular tetrahedron are made of members having elongated joint surfaces 2. These frames 3 having elongated joint surfaces 2 are of the same length, and their ends are connected to form a tetrahedron-shaped frame structure, which is a tetramodule 1.

[0027] Module 2 in the present invention is a module that can reinforce the tetra module 1. As shown in Figures 17 to 19, it is an octahedral structure called an octa module, in which the tetra modules 1 are connected to each other by joining their elongated joint surfaces, and the opposing tops of the two tetra modules are connected by a frame 3a that is √2 times the length of the frame forming the tetra module. (This module will hereinafter be referred to as the √2 octa module 15.)

[0028] Module 3 in the present invention, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, is an octamodule 10 that is an octahedron-shaped frame structure in which a frame 3 that forms the edge portion of the octahedron is formed from a member having an elongated joint surface 2, and these frames 3 having an elongated joint surface 2 are of the same length and their ends are connected.

[0029] The frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2 that forms the module is shown as a rectangular elongated plate, which is a strip-shaped timber. However, as long as the outward-facing surface is the elongated joint surface 2 when assembled as a tetrahedron or octahedron frame, various cross-sectional shapes can be used, and it is possible to select from flat plates, hollow tubes, H-beams or other structural steel, angle materials, or channel materials.

[0030] Using Tetra Module 1 as an example, Figure 24 shows an example where the frame 3 is made from angle material 11, Figure 25 shows an example where it is made from H-shaped steel 13, and Figure 26 shows an example where it is made from channel material 14.

[0031] 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.

[0032] While it is possible to directly weld or glue the ends of the frames 3 together, we decided to assemble them using joint members 4 for ease of assembly.

[0033] Figures 22 and 23 show an example of a joint member 4 of the Tetra Module 1. The shape of the joint member 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can be assembled into a regular tetrahedron structure using the frame 3 having the elongated joint surface 2. However, it is preferable that the joint members 4 have 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.

[0034] The material of the joint member 4 is the same as that of the frame 3, and can be selected from various materials depending on the application, such as steel, aluminum, other metals, wood, or synthetic resin.

[0035] Furthermore, to avoid interfering with the joining of the Tetra Modules 1, the end faces of the elongated rectangular joining surface 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.

[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] 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 joint surface 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Furthermore, in order to join and fix these tetra modules 1 together, there are three methods: fixing the frames 3 having elongated joint surfaces 2 together at the frame 3 portion; joining the joint members 4 together without fixing the frames 3 having elongated joint surfaces 2 together; or employing both methods.

[0040] Furthermore, to secure the overlapping frames 3, each having an elongated joint surface 2, to each other at this portion of the frame 3, they can be joined by means such as fastening with bolts and nuts, welding, interlocking joints, or crimping with bands.

[0041] This invention involves connecting the elongated joint surfaces 2 of frames 3, each having such elongated joint surfaces 2, to each other, thereby increasing the number of modules and forming a three-dimensional truss structure.

[0042] In the case of Tetra Module 1, the joining is achieved by rotational symmetry between frames 3, each having an elongated joining surface 2, using the elongated joining surface as the axis. Two Tetra Modules 1 are combined, and then four Tetra Modules 1 are combined using rotational symmetry. (As shown in the upper diagram of Figure 3)

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, in a three-dimensional truss structure assembled from four tetramodules 1, if the opposing frames 3 of each tetramodule 1 are set as the top and bottom surfaces and the vertices of each tetramodule 1 are arranged to converge at a single point, the elongated joint surfaces 2 of each frame 3 form a square frame A, and a complementary square pyramidal truss frame region B is formed.

[0044] Incidentally, the volume of the complementary square pyramidal truss frame region B is the same as the combined volume of two Tetra Modules 1. The volume of the complementary square pyramidal region B can be automatically generated using only Tetra Modules.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, by stacking the combination shown in Figure 3 vertically, a truss structure is formed that incorporates a regular octahedral frame region C, which is formed by combining the complementary square pyramidal truss frame region B, into its interior. The regular octahedral region automatically generates four times the volume of the tetramodule.

[0046] Figure 5 shows an example of further development of the three-dimensional truss structure of Figures 1 and 2 by increasing the number of tetramodules 1. This is a truss structure in which the plate-shaped bodies of Figure 2 are orthogonal to each other through translation and stacking (periodic repetition).

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, by combining disc-shaped bodies X and Y, and connecting the X and Y portions, a three-dimensional truss structure that can serve as a floor, wall, or roof can be assembled at right angles, and walls that rise (or fall) perpendicular to the floor or roof can be formed.

[0048] Module 2 was designed to reinforce Tetra Module 1. As shown in Figures 17 to 19, when Tetra Modules 1 are joined together, if A and B of Tetra Module 1 rotate left and right around the rotation axis X at the joint, Frame 3a acts as a member that prevents the rotation of the two joined Tetra Modules 1 from occurring.

[0049] Furthermore, in Figure 19, the presence of frame 3a causes the OPQR at the vertices inside the √2 octa module to form a tetrahedron.

[0050] When connecting √2 octa modules 15 together, the process is the same as when connecting tetra modules 1 together: the frames 3, each having an elongated joint surface 2, are joined together by connecting the elongated joint surfaces 2.

[0051] As described above, the √2 octa module 15 is connected by a frame 3a that has √2 times the length of the frame 3 of the two tetra module 1s. When the two √2 octa modules 15 are joined together by connecting both tetra module 1s that make up the √2 octa module 15, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the frame 3a is placed diagonally across the square frame A, which is the base surface of the square pyramidal truss frame region B that is formed complementary to the tetrahedral frame region inside the tetra module 1 itself that is constructed inside the three-dimensional truss structure. The frame 3a triangulates the square frame A and acts as a brace.

[0052] Figure 8 shows the state shown in Figures 6 and 7, with √2 octa modules 15 added to the left and right in an expanded configuration. Compared to the structure consisting of tetra modules 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, in Figure 8, the square frame A, which is the base surface of the square pyramidal truss frame region B, is triangulated by the frame 3a of the √2 octa module 15.

[0053] Although not shown in the diagram, the structure shown in Figure 8 can be translated laterally and unfolded to form a plate-shaped truss structure.

[0054] Figure 9 shows a truss structure formed by combining the √2 octamodules 15 perpendicular to each other as a group, translating these groups horizontally to form columns, and then translating these columns further. This creates complementary tetrahedral regions and simultaneously results in a completely triangularized and tetrahedral structure.

[0055] Figure 10 shows the √2 octamodule 15 unfolded by translating it vertically and horizontally. In this case as well, the truss structure is completely triangulated and tetrahedronized, forming complementary tetrahedron regions.

[0056] Figure 11 shows two minimal structural units that form a truss structure with three rotational symmetries and mirror image symmetries (left and right structural units) consisting of √2 octamodules 15. Two initial complementary tetrahedral regions are formed vertically, surrounded by three √2 octamodules 15. Three frames 3a are joined to each other and orthogonal to each other in the regular octahedral region (not a complementary regular tetrahedral region) formed inside the module by the joining of the three √2 octamodules 15.

[0057] Figure 12 shows a truss structure when a minimal right-handed structural unit, consisting of three √2 octamodules as shown in Figure 11, is surrounded by six left-handed structural units, which are then expanded in a plate-like manner.

[0058] The octahedron assumed in Octa Module 10, shown in Figure 13, is a type of regular polyhedron, a solid formed by enclosing space with eight equilateral triangles. It is also a shape obtained by cutting off each vertex of a regular tetrahedron to the center of its edge.

[0059] In the case of the Octa Module 10 of the present invention, the modules are joined together to form a three-dimensional truss structure. However, similar to 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.

[0060] The Octa Module 10 has two square pyramidal trusses inside, sharing a common quadrilateral base. As shown in Figure 13, when assembled with three rotational symmetry, a complementary tetrahedron-shaped structural region D is formed inside the three-dimensional truss structure.

[0061] Figure 14 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. A complementary tetrahedral frame region D is formed inside the three-dimensional truss structure.

[0062] The above describes an example of combining modules by overlapping the frames that make up the modules. However, when combining the √2 octa modules 15, it is also possible to combine them by overlapping the frames 3a and connecting them using these frames 3a, as shown in Figures 27 and 28.

[0063] In this case, the √2 octa module 15 had its frame 3a formed from angle material and was positioned outward to connect the opposing tops of the two tetra modules.

[0064] In this way, the √2 octa modules 15 can be assembled side by side, and the overlapping frames 3a can be fixed together.

[0065] In this way, by connecting the frames 3a to each other, the state in which two tetrahedra, which represent half the region of a square pyramid, are joined together automatically generates complementary square pyramids, and the tetrahedron region OPQR (see Figure 19) inside the √2 octa module 15 forms a "double bond" function with each other by the √2L material.

[0066] Unlike two regular tetrahedron modules, the tetrahedron region OPQR contained within the octahedron module of the √2 octamodule 15 forms a tetrahedron region that cannot be separated from the octahedron module. Similar to regular tetrahedron modules that are continuous through the interconnection of struts at the edges, mechanical stability can be formed throughout the truss structure by the interconnection of the √2L members.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, by orthogonalizing up to three frames 3a to each other, four tetrahedral regions OPQR that are orthogonal in an X shape form a regular octahedron, creating the strongest octet truss. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1...Tetra module 2...Elongated joint surface 3, 3a... Frame 4, 4'... Joint members 5...Joining piece part 6...Side plate 7...Ceiling section 10...Octa module 11…Angle material 13…H-beam 14...Channel material 15...√2 octa module A…Square frame B…Square pyramidal truss frame area C... Octahedral frame area D... Tetrahedral frame area a, b, c, d, e...parts of a square frame X, Y, Z... Disc-shaped bodies a, b, c, d, e... Part of a square frame

Claims

1. This is a method for constructing a truss structure by creating modules that serve as the unit frame of a three-dimensional truss structure, and then joining these modules together to construct a three-dimensional truss structure. The modules are formed by creating frames with elongated joint surfaces at the edges of polyhedra, and these frames are assembled by connecting their ends. The frames with elongated joint surfaces at the edges of polyhedra have these elongated joint surfaces inclined from the faces of the polyhedra. The method is characterized by increasing the number of modules by joining the elongated joint surfaces of these module frames together and connecting the modules to each other, thereby forming a three-dimensional truss structure.

2. A method for constructing a truss structure by multiplying modules according to claim 1, wherein the multiplication is performed by a combination based on rotational symmetry, translational symmetry, or mirror symmetry.

3. A method for constructing a truss structure by increasing the number of modules according to claim 1, wherein the module is assumed to be a regular tetrahedron, and the frame that forms the edge portion of the regular tetrahedron is formed of members having elongated joint surfaces, these members having elongated joint surfaces are of the same length, and their ends are connected to form a tetrahedron-shaped frame tetramodule.

4. A method for constructing a truss structure by increasing modules according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the module is assumed to be a regular tetrahedron, and the frame that forms the edge portion of the regular tetrahedron is formed of members having elongated joint surfaces, these members having elongated joint surfaces are of the same length, and the ends of the members are connected to form a tetrahedron-shaped frame, and the tetramodule is an octahedron-shaped frame in which two tetramodules are connected to each other by joining the elongated joint surfaces of the frames having elongated joint surfaces, and the opposing tops of the two tetramodules are connected to each other by a frame having a length of √2 times that of the frame forming the tetramodule.

5. A method for constructing a truss structure according to claim 1, wherein the module is assumed to be a regular octahedron, and the frame that forms the edge portion of the regular octahedron is formed of members having elongated joint surfaces, these members having elongated joint surfaces are of the same length, and their ends are connected to form an octahedron-shaped frame, an octamodule.

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