Octagonal Articulating Hub for Compact Deployable Structures
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible self-supporting structures face challenges in ease of erection, collapse, and storage due to bulky and heavy designs, requiring multiple workers and special tools, with limitations on structure size and strut diameter affecting structural integrity and compactness.
Innovation Solution
An improved articulating hub assembly with an octagonal shape and offset slits allows larger diameter tubular struts to rotate freely, enabling quick erection and collapse, and a mushroom-shaped keeper for secure fabric attachment, facilitating the formation of larger and more compact deployable structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional circular joints with radially arranged rods are used, then the structure can be collapsed, but the rods on opposite sides must share a common geometric plane which limits the structure size and strut diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using an octagonal hub configuration instead of a circular joint, where slits are positioned at non-uniform angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, etc.) rather than evenly spaced radial positions. This asymmetric arrangement allows rods to be positioned independently in three-dimensional space without being constrained to a common geometric plane, enabling larger strut diameters and greater structure size while maintaining collapsibility to a compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional radial arrangement (where all rods lie in the same plane) to a three-dimensional configuration where rods can be positioned at different angular elevations and azimuthal angles. The octagonal hub with offset slits enables rods to extend in multiple directions simultaneously, utilizing spatial dimensions to achieve both large structure size and compact collapsed volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent adhesive bonding is used to join hub sections, then the structure is rigid, but none of the rods or plugs can be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hub into multiple separable sections (e.g., upper and lower hub halves) that are mechanically assembled rather than permanently bonded. Each section contains specific slits and mounting features that allow independent assembly and disassembly. This segmentation enables rods and plugs to be removed and replaced by separating the hub sections, while maintaining structural rigidity when assembled together through mechanical fastening methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub design transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic mechanically assembled structure. The mechanical fastening system (screws, bolts, or interlocking features) allows the hub sections to be easily assembled and disassembled as needed, providing both structural rigidity when assembled and component replaceability when disassembled. This dynamic approach replaces the irreversible adhesive bonding with a reversible mechanical connection system.
3Reliability
If multiple workers and special tools are required for erection and collapse, then the structure is stable, but the deployment time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service features through the octagonal hub design with strategically positioned slits that guide rod insertion and alignment automatically during assembly. The geometric configuration of the hub and rods enables self-alignment and self-locking mechanisms that allow rapid erection and collapse without requiring multiple workers or specialized tools. The structure can be deployed by simple manual manipulation, reducing deployment time while maintaining structural stability through the inherent geometric rigidity of the octagonal configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible self-supporting structure used in combination with an improved articulating hub assembly. The articulating hub assembly is used as a connector among tubular rod elements which together provide a generally tubular frame matrix used to erect a collapsible self-supporting prefabricated deployable structure where a clear span interior without supporting columns is required.