Hinged Polyhedral Building System for Rapid 3D Structure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building systems for creating three-dimensional structures are complex, time-consuming, and limited in variability, requiring numerous pieces and intricate assembly processes, making it difficult to create multiple variations efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A versatile building system comprising single-piece and double-piece elements with hinged connections, made from uniform material, featuring through-holes and internal coupling mechanisms, allowing for easy assembly, re-assembly, and manipulation into various shapes without the need for fasteners, providing intuitive coupling and efficient manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional building systems use numerous pieces and intricate assembly processes to create complex three-dimensional structures, then structural complexity and functionality are improved, but assembly time and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The building system divides complex structures into modular polyhedral units, each composed of multiple building elements with standardized coupling means. These pre-configured modules can be assembled independently and then connected to form complex three-dimensional structures, reducing overall assembly time while maintaining structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The building elements are designed with universal coupling means that can connect to various other elements in multiple orientations. The hinged connections allow single-piece elements to function as both structural components and articulation points, while double-piece elements provide both structural support and pre-configured articulation, reducing the number of different component types needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If building systems provide many variations of structures with multiple functions, then versatility and functionality are improved, but the number of different pieces and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building system incorporates hinged connections that allow building elements to move relative to each other, enabling structures to transition between different configurations. Single-piece elements can be hinged to create articulation points, while double-piece elements provide pre-configured articulation, allowing the same set of components to form multiple functional structures without requiring additional specialized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The building elements are designed to nest within polyhedral unit configurations, where multiple elements combine to form complete units. The coupling means are positioned to allow elements to nest together in standardized patterns, reducing the number of unique component configurations needed while maintaining the ability to create varied structures.
3Strength
If building elements use traditional fasteners and complex assembly processes, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing cost and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The building elements are manufactured as single-piece molded components with integrated coupling means. The coupling features are formed directly into the element geometry during molding, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, joints, or assembly steps. This merging of the element body and connection features reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means are designed to self-align and self-connect when building elements are brought together. The geometric features of the coupling means guide proper orientation and provide automatic engagement, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening operations, thereby simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.
4Ease of manufacture
If building systems use uniform material throughout, then manufacturing efficiency and cost are improved, but structural adaptability for different functions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments structures into discrete building elements that can be manufactured uniformly from the same material. Each element is designed with specific geometric features and coupling means that allow uniform manufacturing processes to produce components suitable for different structural roles. The segmentation allows functional differentiation through geometry rather than material variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The building elements utilize changes in geometric parameters (shape, size, coupling feature configuration) rather than material properties to achieve structural adaptability. Elements made from the same uniform material can serve different functions through variations in their dimensional parameters and geometric configurations, maintaining manufacturing efficiency while providing structural versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a building system for creating three-dimensional structures (39), which structures (39) are comprised of a plurality of polyhedralunits (37), each unit (37) being hingedly coupled to at least one adjacent unit (37), wherein the plurality of hinged units (37) are arranged to be interchangeably manipulated between various forms of said three-dimensional structures (39). The system further comprises at least two types of plate-likebuilding elements (3), a single- piece element (1) and a double-piece element (33) that is comprised of two single-piece elements (1) arranged adjacent each other and being hingedly attached to each other at one of the edges (7) of each of the two adjacently arranged single-piece elements (1). An inner portion (5) of each edge (7) of each element (3) is furthermore provided with coupling means (9) arranged for coupling elements (3) together along their edges (7) so as to create polyhedral units (37). Each polyhedralunit (37) of a completed three-dimensional structure (39) is comprised of at least one single-piece element (1) and at least one double-piece element (33). The invention further relates to a three-dimensional structure (39) created by means of the building system.