Transverse Span Airform Structure for Dome Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radial gore airform membranes used in dome construction are prone to failure due to high internal tensile forces, especially in low-profile and adverse weather conditions, and inefficient material utilization, limiting the size and complexity of dome structures.
Innovation Solution
The use of transverse spans in airform membranes, which reduce internal tension, minimize seams, and optimize material usage by employing a load-compensated design with flare regions to accommodate material stretch, allowing for safer and more efficient construction of large-diameter and complex dome structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radial gore airform membranes are used in dome construction, then the dome structure can be formed with conventional design, but the membrane is prone to failure due to high internal tensile forces especially in low-profile and adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The airform membrane is divided into multiple transverse spans instead of using a continuous radial gore design. Each span is a separate structural unit that can independently manage tensile forces, preventing failure propagation across the entire membrane structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane structure incorporates varying span lengths and configurations at different locations to optimize local stress distribution. Critical areas with higher tensile forces use shorter spans or reinforced configurations, while lower-stress areas use longer spans to reduce seam数量.
2Loss of substance
If radial gore airform membranes are used, then the construction can proceed with standard materials, but material utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse spans are pre-designed with optimized dimensions and geometries before manufacturing. This preliminary design phase allows for precise material cutting and shaping, minimizing waste during the actual construction process while maintaining ease of assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If radial gore airform membranes are used, then the dome structure can be constructed with simple design, but the size and complexity of dome structures are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the membrane into standardized transverse spans, the design achieves versatility for various dome sizes and complexities while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity. The modular span units can be configured in different patterns to create diverse dome geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse span design serves multiple functions: structural support, stress distribution, and modular assembly. This multi-functionality allows the same basic span design to be used across different dome sizes and configurations, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing design complexity.
4Productivity
If radial gore airform membranes are used, then the construction process can follow conventional methods, but manufacturing time is increased due to multiple seams
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is segmented into transverse spans arranged to minimize the total number of seams while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation strategy reduces assembly time compared to conventional radial gore designs with numerous converging seams, directly improving manufacturing productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Transverse spans enhance safety and construction efficiency by reducing membrane failure risk in storm conditions and minimizing material waste, enabling the creation of larger and more complex dome structures with reduced manufacturing time and increased material utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a load compensated region with at least one of a length dimension and a width dimension reduced from an intended final dimension to compensate for stretch of the material when the airform membrane is inflated
Data Source
AI summary
A transverse span for an airform membrane is disclosed that can include a material having a perimeter defined at least in part by a longitudinal edge having opposite ends that terminate at a base edge further defining the perimeter. The longitudinal edge can be configured to couple to a longitudinal edge of an adjacent transverse span of the airform membrane. The base edge can at least partially define a base perimeter of the airform membrane for coupling with a base support structure. The transverse span can also include a load compensated region with a length dimension and/or a width dimension reduced from an intended final dimension to compensate for stretch of the material when the airform membrane is inflated. In addition, the transverse span can include a flare region between the load compensated region and the base edge. The flare region can transition in the length dimension and/or the width dimension between the load compensated region and the base edge.