Reconfigurable Truss Joint Linkage for Adjustable Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional truss systems have limited reconfigurability due to fixed-length structural members and pivot joints that restrict the ability to adjust geometry and size, limiting their applications.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable truss system with structural members featuring adjustable lengths, joint attachments with pivotable segments, and connectors that allow for the addition or removal of members, enabling the formation of various geometries and structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length structural members are used in conventional truss systems, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to adjust geometry and size is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The structural member is divided into multiple segments (first segment and second segment) that can move relative to each other through pivotal coupling. This segmentation allows the member to change its effective length and geometry while maintaining manufacturing simplicity of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural member transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic configuration where segments can pivot and adjust. The pivotal coupling mechanism enables the member to adapt its geometry and size dynamically while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pivot joints connect only a single pair of structural members in identically configured joint mechanisms, then manufacturing consistency is achieved, but the system becomes closed and does not permit addition or subtraction of members
Solution Approach 1:
The joint attachment is designed with multiple segments and connectors that can interface with various configurations of structural members. The first and second segments with their respective connectors (male/female) create a universal interface that accommodates different member arrangements while maintaining consistent manufacturing of the joint attachment itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint attachment contains nested segments where the first segment and second segment are coupled together, with connectors that can receive or provide connection points for additional structural members. This nested structure allows for expansion or contraction of the overall truss system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length members are used to form concentric spherical joint mechanisms, then structural rigidity is maintained, but the range of applications is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The structural member incorporates dynamic adjustment capability through pivotal coupling of segments, allowing the truss to adapt its geometry for different applications while maintaining structural rigidity through proper connection mechanisms and segment design.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective length and orientation parameters of the structural member can be changed by pivoting the segments relative to each other. This parameter adjustment enables the same member to serve multiple applications while maintaining the necessary structural strength through controlled configuration changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint attachment system for a reconfigurable truss includes a first joint attachment having a first pivot axis and a second joint attachment having a second pivot axis. The first joint attachment and second joint attachment form a concentric spherical joint linkage when attached to a first body member and a second body member, respectively. The first pivot axis of the first joint attachment intersects the second pivot axis of the second joint attachment at a single point X which defines a center of the concentric spherical joint linkage. The concentric spherical joint linkage is configured to allow the addition of one or more joint attachments and body members to the truss node. In addition, the concentric spherical joint linkage is configured to allow the removal of one or more joint attachments and body members from the truss node.