Modular Truss Framework Using Tetrahedral Unit Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional truss structures face challenges in standardization and stability due to varying angles of flanges in modular units, and require multiple types of members for assembly, leading to inefficiencies in construction and potential diagonal misalignment of walls and roofs.
Innovation Solution
A modularized framework structure where unit modules are interconnected using elongated joining surfaces that conform to regular tetrahedral or octahedral shapes, allowing for the formation of stable truss structures without additional joint members, enabling vertical and horizontal construction at right angles and enhancing structural strength through overlapping frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional modular units with varying flange angles are used, then construction flexibility is improved, but standardization and manufacturing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the modular units by using regular tetrahedral or octahedral shapes with standardized edge lengths and joining surface orientations. This standardization allows all units to be manufactured with identical specifications while still achieving construction flexibility through the geometric properties of the regular polyhedra themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized modular units with elongated joining surfaces can serve multiple functions in construction - they can be assembled in various configurations to form different structural shapes and orientations. The universal design allows the same unit type to be used throughout the entire structure, eliminating the need for multiple specialized component types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of members are used for assembly, then structural adaptability is improved, but device complexity and construction efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a universal modular unit design where identical tetrahedral or octahedral units with standardized elongated joining surfaces can be assembled in various configurations to create different structural forms. This single unit type replaces the need for multiple specialized members, simplifying inventory management and assembly procedures while maintaining structural adaptability.
3Strength
If additional joint members are used for connection, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and construction time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the joining function directly into the modular units themselves through the elongated joining surfaces. These surfaces are integrated features of the tetrahedral or octahedral units, eliminating the need for separate joint members. The joining surfaces provide both the connection interface and the structural strength needed for assembling the framework.
4Productivity
If conventional modular units are used, then construction speed is improved, but structural stability and alignment precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the modular units to regular tetrahedral or octahedral shapes with standardized edge lengths and specifically oriented elongated joining surfaces. These geometric parameters are chosen to ensure that when units are assembled, their faces align at precise right angles, providing inherent structural stability and preventing diagonal misalignment while maintaining fast assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A modularized framework structure of a three-dimensional truss structure is obtained as a result of making unit modules and interconnecting the unit modules. Each of the unit modules is made of frames, having elongated joining surfaces and connected mutually at end portions, to conform to a regular tetrahedron or octahedron. The elongated joining surfaces are obtained as a result of planarly truncating surfaces of edges of the frames corresponding to ridgelines of the regular tetrahedron or octahedron such that the elongated joining surfaces can be joined mutually, and the elongated joining surfaces are oriented orthogonally to perpendiculars drawn from the center to the corner centers of the elongated joining surfaces to form a Tetra- or Octa-module. The unit modules as the Tetra- or Octa-module are interconnected by joining mutually the elongated joining surfaces of the frames thereby to form the three-dimensional truss structure.