Modular Truss Assembly With Rigid Couplings for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing truss systems require significant storage and transport space due to the diversity of truss elements needed for various forms and functions, and collapsible designs compromise stiffness and strength.

Innovation Solution

A truss element design featuring ladder elements connected by form-stiff coupling elements, allowing modular disassembly into ladder and coupling components, with connecting means between tube bodies, and optional strengthening devices for additional stiffness and strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If truss elements are made collapsible to reduce storage and transport space, then storage space and transport space are reduced, but stiffness and strength of the truss system deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidstiffness and strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The truss element is divided into separate modular components: ladder elements and coupling elements. These segments can be stored compactly and assembled into rigid structures when needed, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The truss system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic assembly-disassembly system. The coupling elements enable reversible connection of ladder elements, allowing the structure to be compact during storage and rigid during use, thus resolving the contradiction between storage volume and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If diversity of truss elements is increased to achieve various forms and functions, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediversity of structuresVSAvoidnumber of truss elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ladder elements and coupling elements are designed as universal modular components that can be combined in multiple configurations to create various truss structures. This standardization reduces the total number of different element types needed while maintaining high adaptability for different forms and functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the truss system into standardized ladder elements and coupling elements, the patent reduces device complexity. Instead of needing many different complete truss elements for various functions, the system uses fewer standardized segments that can be reconfigured, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12571212B2Truss element, ladder element, coupling element and truss system

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 SIXTY82 BV

AI summary

A truss system comprises at least one truss element of mutually parallel tube bodies (11, 12) which are mutually connected in a ladder element (10) by a system of shores (15, 16). The tube bodies (11, 12) are provided at opposite outer ends with coupling means (13) for a force-transmitting coupling to a further truss element. Ladder elements (10) are connected releasably to each other by form-stiff coupling elements (30).