Support-frameworks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support-frameworks for surfaces or elements face challenges in efficiently anchoring elongate supports due to complex configurations and varying loading conditions, requiring precise determination of anchoring locations and spacings, which complicates the design and construction process.
Innovation Solution
The use of domed-members with part-spherical surfaces secured to supported surfaces, allowing elongate supports to extend radially and be anchored via nodes, facilitating secure anchoring through radially-pierced apertures and couplings, enabling flexible and efficient support frameworks even in complex configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional anchoring methods are used for support-frameworks, then the structure can provide basic support, but the design and construction become complex and time-consuming when dealing with complex configurations and varying loading conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical node serves as a universal anchoring component that can accommodate multiple elongate supports with different orientations and loading conditions. The spherical geometry allows any number of supports to be anchored at various angles from a single node, eliminating the need for different anchoring solutions for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical geometry of the node provides inherent advantages for anchoring elongate supports in multiple directions. The curved surface allows supports to be anchored radially outward in any orientation, simplifying the design for complex configurations compared to flat or angular anchoring surfaces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple anchoring locations are established to support complex surfaces, then the structural stability improves, but the number of nodes and anchoring operations increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each spherical node acts as a multi-functional anchoring point that can secure multiple elongate supports simultaneously. This reduces the overall number of separate anchoring operations needed compared to traditional methods where each support might require its own dedicated anchoring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple anchoring functions are merged into a single spherical node component. Instead of using separate anchoring devices for each support, the spherical node combines multiple anchoring capabilities in one element, streamlining the construction process.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise determination of anchoring locations and spacings is performed for each support, then the structural accuracy improves, but the design and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical node provides a universal reference point that simplifies the determination of anchoring locations. Once a spherical node is positioned, the radial geometry naturally defines the anchoring points for multiple supports, reducing the need for complex calculations for each individual support location.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical nodes are designed to be pre-fabricated with standardized geometries and anchoring features. This preliminary preparation of the nodes with built-in radial anchoring capabilities reduces the need for on-site measurements and adjustments, speeding up installation while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A support-framework (1) supports a surface (2), or supported elements, at a designed variable spacing from a support surface (3), using elongate supports (4) of rod-from or tubular-form that act as ties or struts. Each support (4) is anchored at one of its ends to the supported surface (2) or element and, at the other end, to the support surface (3). The anchoring at each end is via a node N that involves an individual domed-member (5) which is secured to the relevant surface (2, 3) or supported element, and which has a part-spherical surface (6) to which the elongate supports (4) are anchored to extend radially by a coupling (12). The domed-members (5) are metallic or plastics, and may each be hemispherical having an outwardly directed equatorial flange (7) by which they are secured to the relevant surface (2, 3) or supported element.