Geodesic Dome Connector With Variable Thickness Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geodesic dome connectors lack structural rigidity and adaptability, particularly in distributing weight evenly and resisting extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and earthquakes, while maintaining the efficiency and flexibility of geodesic dome structures.
Innovation Solution
A dome connector featuring a hub portion with six pairs of strut portions, where the strut portions have a greater thickness at an intermediate region, providing enhanced structural support and attachment points for side members, fabricated from materials like aluminum or steel, with tapered configurations and apertures for improved rigidity and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional connectors are used in geodesic domes, then the structure can be assembled with simple components, but the structural rigidity and ability to resist extreme weather conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector applies local quality by varying the thickness of the strut portions along their length. The intermediate region has greater thickness than the upper and lower ends, providing enhanced structural rigidity where needed while maintaining lighter weight and simpler design in less critical areas. This non-uniform thickness distribution optimizes the connector's ability to resist extreme weather conditions without requiring complex overall design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If uniform thickness struts are used in connectors, then manufacturing is simpler, but the ability to distribute weight evenly and provide structural rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The strut portions feature non-uniform thickness with the intermediate region being thicker than the upper and lower ends. This local quality variation enables the connector to distribute weight more effectively through the dome structure, providing enhanced structural rigidity and stability. The tapered design allows for optimized load distribution while remaining manufacturable through standard casting or extrusion processes.
3Strength
If connectors with greater thickness throughout are used, then structural rigidity is improved, but the use of building material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design concentrates material where it is most needed - the intermediate region of the strut portions has greater thickness to provide structural rigidity and weight distribution capability, while the upper and lower ends have reduced thickness. This localized material placement achieves the required strength and weather resistance while minimizing overall material consumption compared to uniformly thick connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes parameter changes by varying the thickness parameter along the length of the strut portions. This continuous or stepped variation in the thickness parameter allows optimization of structural performance - providing greater rigidity in the intermediate region where loads are concentrated, while reducing material usage in the end regions where less structural support is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A dome connector including a hub portion and at least one pair of strut portions. The at least one pair of strut portions attached to and extending from the hub portion. Each of the strut portions has an upper end, a lower end and an intermediate region between the upper end and the lower end. The intermediate region has a greater thickness than the upper end and the lower end.