Bar-Type Framework with Interlocking Rods and Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rod structures face challenges in achieving high strength and ease of assembly, as traditional plug-in connections require nodes to be moved longitudinally, stressing other rods and limiting bending stiffness, while additional fasteners restrict material choice and design in high-strength applications.
Innovation Solution
A rod structure where parts are inserted between nodes without changing their distance, with engagement members acting like a bayonet catch to connect and hold the rod and node parts together, eliminating the need for additional fastening means and allowing for any degree of rigidity, and the rods and nodes can be designed without material weakening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plug-in connections are used to achieve high strength, then the tensile strength of rod-node connections is improved, but the assembly process requires moving nodes longitudinally which stresses other rods and limits bending stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The node is divided into two separate parts (first and second parts) that can be assembled independently. The rod is inserted into receptacles formed in both parts before the parts are joined together, allowing the rod to be secured without requiring longitudinal movement of the complete node assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is inserted into the receptacles of both node parts in advance, before the node parts are joined together. This preliminary positioning ensures the rod is already in place and properly aligned when the node parts are connected, eliminating the need for subsequent adjustment or longitudinal movement.
2Strength
If additional fasteners are used to hold node parts together, then the strength of the structure is improved, but the choice of material and geometric design of nodes is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The rod itself serves as the fastening element by forming engagement elements at its ends that directly engage with complementary engagement elements in the node parts. This self-fastening mechanism eliminates the need for separate fasteners like screws or pins, allowing greater freedom in material selection and node geometry design.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural rod and the fastening function are merged into a single integrated solution. The engagement elements are formed as integral parts of the rod ends, combining the load-bearing function with the connection function, thereby eliminating the need for additional fastening components.
3Strength
If large overlapping of engaging elements is used to increase connection strength, then the tensile strength is improved, but the rods must be stressed in bending during assembly which limits bending stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the rod to be bent or nodes to be moved during assembly, the invention inverts the sequence: the rod is first inserted into receptacles in both node parts, and then the node parts are joined together. This reverses the traditional assembly approach and eliminates bending stresses on the rod during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly process transitions from longitudinal movement (one dimension) to rotational movement (another dimension). The node parts are joined together by rotating one part relative to the other, allowing large overlapping engagement elements to be engaged without requiring the rod to be bent or nodes to be displaced longitudinally.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bar-type supporting framework with junctions (10, 12, 14) and with bars (16, 18, 20) which are held in an interlocking manner between the junctions at least in the direction transversely with respect to their longitudinal direction by means of engagement elements (34), characterized in that at least one bar (20) and/or at least two junctions (14) which are connected by a bar are composed of a plurality of parts (24, 26; 30, 32) which are held together in an interlocking manner by means of relative rotation of the engagement elements (34) of the bars and of the junctions about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the bars.