Modular Truss Structure with Integrated Hole Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing truss structures for temporary applications, such as trade shows and conventions, face issues with stability, robustness, and efficient load distribution due to the use of clamps that can shift and cause local stresses, leading to potential buckling and deformation.
Innovation Solution
A modular truss structure design featuring elongated structural shapes with a zigzag brace configuration and strategically placed holes for connecting means, allowing for secure attachment of loads without additional clamps, while maintaining stability and flexibility for assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If clamps are used to attach loads to the truss, then the truss can support external loads, but the clamps may shift from fastening positions causing instability and local stresses leading to buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic clamps from the system entirely. Instead of using separate clamping devices that can shift and cause local stresses, the load attachment function is integrated directly into the truss structure through precisely positioned holes in the chords, allowing loads to be secured without additional clamping components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces holes in the chords as an intermediary feature that mediates between the truss structure and external loads. These holes serve as the interface for load attachment, eliminating the need for clamps while providing stable, predetermined attachment positions that prevent shifting and distribute loads evenly.
2Strength
If clamps are used to attach loads, then the truss can support external loads, but the mounting of clamps increases the bounding box of the construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unnecessary clamps from the system, eliminating their volume and the space they occupy. By integrating load attachment directly into the truss chords through holes, the overall bounding box of the construction is reduced while maintaining full load carrying capacity.
3Strength
If clamps are used to attach loads, then the truss can support external loads, but high local stresses occur due to limited contact between round tube trusses with flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clamps that create high local stresses through limited contact areas. By using holes in the chords for load attachment, the stress distribution is improved as the load is transferred through the hole rather than through localized clamping pressure on flat surfaces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If coupling elements are used to connect truss structures, then the truss structures can be assembled, but the coupling elements are subject to large loads and form weak points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the truss structure into modular units with standardized hole patterns in the chords. This segmentation allows multiple truss structures to be connected through their chords using the existing hole pattern, eliminating the need for separate coupling elements and distributing loads throughout the structure rather than concentrating them at weak coupling points.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The above object is accomplished by a truss structure and in particular a truss structure comprising a series of truss base elements, wherein each truss base element comprises a series of elongated structural shapes, a first series of braces, a first series of holes provided on a first outer face of the first elongated structural shape, a second series of holes provided on a second outer face of the second elongated structural shape. Each hole of the first and second series of holes have a hole diameter D1 and a hole center C, wherein D1 is determined according to the relation R=H/D1, wherein R is determined according to 1.1≤R≤3.0, preferably 1.4≤R≤2.6, and more preferably R = 2.0. It is an object to provide for an alternative, sustainable modular truss structure with improved degree of customisation and shape flexibility while still guaranteeing stability for connecting external loads or other compatible structures.