Hemispherical Node Anchoring for Structural Frameworks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural support frameworks face challenges in efficiently anchoring elongate supports at nodes due to complex configurations and varying loadings between support surfaces, requiring precise determination of anchoring locations and orientations.
Innovation Solution
The use of hemispherically-domed members with outwardly-directed equatorial flanges and cylindrical sockets with threaded spigots and nuts allows for secure clamping of elongate supports in radial alignment with the center of the domed members, facilitating anchoring at nodes with defined angular and longitudinal orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional anchoring methods are used for elongate supports at nodes, then the framework can provide structural support, but the design and construction become complex due to varying configurations and loadings between support surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The hemispherically-domed member serves as a universal node component that can accommodate multiple elongate supports with different orientations and loadings. The spherical geometry allows any number of supports to be anchored at various angles from the same node, eliminating the need for different node designs for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hemispherical dome geometry provides a curved surface that naturally accommodates multiple anchoring points in different directions. The spherical shape allows elongate supports to be anchored at various angles while maintaining consistent structural properties, simplifying the design process compared to flat or angular node configurations.
2Reliability
If precise anchoring locations and orientations are determined for each elongate support, then structural stability is improved, but the time and effort required for assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hemispherically-domed members are pre-formed with standardized anchoring capabilities built into their geometry. The spherical shape and integrated flange structure are manufactured in advance, so that during assembly, workers simply need to position the nodes and attach supports without performing complex calculations or precise measurements on-site.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical geometry of the domed members automatically provides the correct orientation and positioning for elongate supports. The geometry itself guides the alignment of supports radially from the node center, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or procedures during assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elongate supports are anchored to accommodate complex configurations, then the framework can support varied loading conditions, but the number of anchoring locations and nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each hemispherically-domed member is designed as a multi-functional node that can support any number of elongate supports. A single node can accommodate 2, 3, 4, or more supports depending on the structural requirements, eliminating the need to create separate nodes for each support and reducing the total node count in the framework.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple anchoring functions are merged into a single hemispherically-domed member. Instead of having separate anchoring devices for each elongate support, the spherical node combines all anchoring functions in one component, allowing multiple supports to converge at a single location.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A support-framework (1) supports a surface (2), or supported elements, at a designed variable spacing from a support surface (3), using elongate supports (4) of rod- or tubular- form that act as ties or struts. Each support (4) is anchored at one of its ends to the supported surface (2) or element, and at the other end to the support surface (3). The anchoring at each end is via a node N that involves an individual domed-member (5) which is secured to the relevant surface (2, 3) or supported element, and which has a part-spherical surface (6) to which the elongate supports (4) are anchored to extend radially by a coupling (12). The domed-members (5) may be of metal or plastics, and may each be hemispherical having an outwardly directed equatorial flange (7) by which they are secured to the relevant surface (2, 3) or supported element.