Three-Leg Beam Connector for Geodesic Dome Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Geodesic structures face challenges in construction due to the need for complex beam shapes, precision machining, and multiple beam lengths, making the assembly process difficult and time-consuming, especially when trying to support exterior and interior paneling, utilities, and requiring additional reinforcement materials.
Innovation Solution
A beam connector with three legs extending radially at specific angles from a middle portion, allowing for a simplified and stronger joint that reduces material and manpower needs, enabling the omission of some beams in the geodesic pattern, with a kit design for connecting beams in hexagonal and pentagonal patterns using beams of the same length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional geodesic structures use hubs and struts or wooden beams with compound angles, then the structure can be assembled, but the construction process becomes difficult and time-consuming requiring precision machining and multiple beam lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The beam connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a middle portion for structural connection and three legs extending at specific angles for beam attachment. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently with standardized dimensions, eliminating the need for complex precision machining of compound angles while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam connector serves multiple functions: it joins three beams at specific geometric angles, provides structural support for the geodesic pattern, and eliminates the need for separate hub components. The standardized design with three legs at predetermined angles makes it a universal connector that can be used throughout the entire structure, replacing the need for multiple beam lengths and complex joint configurations.
2Loss of substance
If geodesic structures use five or six beams per joint, then the geometric pattern is achieved, but material and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the beam connector, specifically the angles between legs (120 degrees between each leg in the preferred embodiment). This parameter change allows three beams to form a stable triangular configuration that maintains structural integrity while reducing material usage compared to traditional five or six beam joints.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring five or six beams per joint as in traditional geodesic structures, the invention uses exactly three beams per connector, providing the minimum necessary for structural stability. This partial action approach achieves sufficient structural integrity with reduced material consumption, as the three-beam configuration forms a stable triangular framework that distributes loads effectively.
3Manufacturing precision
If precision machining of complex compound angles is performed, then accurate beam joints are achieved, but construction time and manpower requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam connector uses standardized, pre-fabricated components with simple geometric features that can be manufactured using conventional machining or even CNC routing without requiring expensive precision machining equipment. The connectors can be produced in batches with consistent accuracy, and the simple design allows for easy verification and assembly, significantly increasing construction speed while maintaining adequate joint precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hub and strut structures are used, then the geodesic pattern is formed, but the ability to support exterior paneling, interior paneling, studs, insulation and utilities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The beam connector extends the structural framework into additional dimensions by providing multiple attachment surfaces and angles on each leg. The three legs extending at 120-degree angles create three-dimensional attachment points that can accommodate exterior paneling, interior paneling, studs, insulation and utilities in directions not available with traditional linear hub-and-strut configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved beam connector providing enhanced means for connecting beams in geodesic spherical or domed dwellings and commercial structures. The improved connector design provides for construction of an entire geodesic frame using only one connector size and shape, and one beam size and shape. The improved connector comprises three angularly spaced apart legs radiating from the center at a downward pitch, each leg for receiving a beam. The top surfaces of each leg may form a dihedral angle for supporting adjacent exterior hexagonal and pentagonal panels. The bottom surfaces of each leg may form a dihedral angle for supporting adjacent interior hexagonal and pentagonal panels.