Curved Reflector Space Frame With Zero-Clearance Node Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double layer grid (DLG) structures face inefficiencies due to eccentricity and clearance issues in pinned connections, leading to increased material weight and assembly costs, as well as deviations in actual load magnitudes compared to design loads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a double layer grid space frame with non-parallel major surfaces, utilizing zero-clearance shear pins and node connectors with specific geometrical configurations to minimize eccentricity and clearance, allowing for precise alignment and load transmission, thereby reducing material weight and enhancing structural efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional pinned connections are used in DLG structures, then assembly is simplified, but eccentricity and clearance issues increase leading to heavier materials and higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameter from traditional pinned connections to rigid connections with moment-resisting capabilities. This parameter change eliminates eccentricity and clearance issues while maintaining assembly feasibility, thereby reducing material weight without compromising ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curved or spherical node geometries that naturally accommodate framing members from multiple directions. This curvature-based design eliminates the need for precise alignment and pinned connections, reducing both eccentricity issues and material weight while keeping assembly straightforward
2Ease of operation
If pinned connections with clearance are used, then assembly tolerance is increased, but load transmission precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features and pre-positioned connection elements that ensure precise load transmission paths before final assembly. This preliminary action maintains both assembly tolerance and load transmission precision by establishing accurate geometric relationships early in the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connection system into segmented components with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows for modular assembly with built-in alignment features that maintain precision while accommodating tolerance, as each segment can be independently positioned and connected
3Manufacturing precision
If moment connections are used in DLG, then load transmission accuracy improves, but assembly cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the moment-resisting function with the connection geometry itself, rather than adding separate moment connection mechanisms. By integrating moment capacity into the basic connection design through curved surfaces and direct bearing interfaces, load transmission accuracy improves without proportionally increasing device complexity
4Stability of the object's composition
If framing members are made heavier to compensate for connection eccentricity, then structural stability improves, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameter from pinned to rigid moment-resisting connections, which eliminates eccentricity-induced instability. This parameter change allows for optimized member sizing that achieves required structural stability with reduced material usage, as members no longer need to compensate for connection-induced load deviations
Data Source
AI summary
A movable support armature for a curved reflector of electromagnetic radiation is defined substantially as a double layer grid space frame. The armature has plural parallel major chord framing members each having an elongate axis and disposed in a frame major surface. The major chord members include a pair of bottom major chord members essentially in a bottom one of the frame major surfaces. Upper major chord members include a central chord member which is located between two outer upper chord members. The outer chord members lie in respective ones of two planes which also include the central upper chord member; the planes intersect at the central chord member at an included angle which is concave away from the frame bottom plane. Node connector structures are disposed at spaced locations along each major chord member. Minor chord framing members are connected between corresponding node structures on the major chord members defining the respective planes to form arrays of major and minor chord members in each plane. Strut framing members are interconnected between node connector structures in different ones of the planes. Bracing framing members are connected between non-adjacent node connector structures in each array.