Geodesic Frame Hub Connector Assembly Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geodesic frame systems are complex and difficult to assemble due to multiple hub connector configurations and extensive hardware requirements, leading to increased construction time and risk of improper assembly.
Innovation Solution
A geodesic frame system utilizing a discontinuous ring-shaped hub connector with standardized openings and elongated struts, allowing for easy coupling and locking with a single wire piece, eliminating the need for multiple hardware pieces and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional geodesic frame systems use multiple hub connector configurations and extensive hardware, then the structural stability and strength are improved, but the assembly complexity and construction time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single hub connector configuration that can accommodate multiple strut arrangements and frequencies. The hub connector is designed with multiple receiving openings positioned at different radial distances from the center, allowing it to serve various structural roles without requiring different hub types. This eliminates the need for users to select from multiple hub configurations and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hub connector design by separating the receiving openings into different radial positions, allowing each opening to receive struts at different angles. This segmentation enables a single hub connector to handle multiple strut configurations independently, reducing the need for multiple specialized hub connectors and simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Reliability
If conventional geodesic frame systems use multiple pieces of hardware per hub joint, then the connection reliability is improved, but the construction time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple hardware components into a single integrated hub connector design. Instead of requiring separate pins, caps, bolts, and nuts for each hub joint, the invention uses a unified hub connector with receiving openings that directly accommodate struts. This merging reduces the number of discrete hardware pieces from multiple components to essentially a single hub connector per joint, significantly reducing construction time while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub connector design incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features where the receiving openings are positioned to automatically guide struts into the correct orientation. The discontinuous ring structure with strategically placed openings allows the hub connector to self-position and self-secure struts without requiring multiple separate fastening operations, making the assembly process more efficient and time-saving.
3Strength
If conventional geodesic frame systems require users to locate, sort and manipulate multiple various components, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation and user friendliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by providing a single hub connector type that replaces multiple specialized components. Users no longer need to locate, sort, and manipulate various different hub connectors and hardware pieces. The universal hub connector with its discontinuous ring structure and multiple receiving openings serves all connection needs, dramatically simplifying the user experience while maintaining the connection strength required for geodesic frame structures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional geodesic frame systems use multiple hub connector types, then the adaptability to different strut configurations is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring correct components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality with a single hub connector design that adapts to multiple strut configurations through its discontinuous ring structure with receiving openings at different radial distances. This single universal hub connector replaces the need for multiple specialized hub types, making component identification straightforward for users while maintaining adaptability to various strut arrangements and dome frequencies.
Data Source
AI summary
A geodesic frame system comprises a hub connector comprising a discontinuous ring and having a first ring opening and a second ring opening. The geodesic frame system further includes at least two elongated struts, each strut including a first end, a first strut opening greater than a hub connector cross-section and proximate the first end, a second end, and a second strut opening greater than the hub connector cross section and proximate the second end, where each elongated strut is capable of being coupled with the hub connector by insertion of the hub connector through the first strut opening. A wire piece having a wire piece diameter less than the first ring opening and the second ring opening is capable of being coupled with the hub connector by insertion through the first and second ring opening, is further included.