CN1142348C - Construction system for torsion/ring elements and construction method related thereto - Google Patents

Abstract

A structural system of torsion/hoop elements (184, figure 84) is disclosed that can be joined to form a structure with greater structural strength and efficiency, and that has the ability to withstand compressive, tensile and bending loads by converting such loads into the torsional loading of the joined torsion/hoop elements. The invention also includes construction methods using the torsion/toroidal element.

Description

Structural systems of torsion/ring elements and construction methods related thereto

technical field

This patent classification system does not include classifications of structural systems, such as the best description of the present invention, but addresses specific types of structures, such as "static structures" (US Class 52) "bridges" (US Class 14) "railroad vehicles" ( US, Class/Subclass 105/396+) "Marine" (USA, Class/Subclass, 144/65+), "Aviation" (US, Class/Subclass, 244/117+), "Ground Vehicle Body and Top" (United States, Class 296), etc. The structural classification of torsion devices was not found, and the classification was limited to springs (Class 267 in the United States) and the like. Also, the present invention has elements generally considered to be covered by US Class/Subclass 152/1-13, Spring Wheels, Elastomeric Tires and Wheels, and US Class/Subclass 152/516-520, "Blow-by" devices.

Background technique

Since the advent of prestressed and reinforced concrete, structural steel, and the use of cables as tension members, no significant progress has been made in construction systems for essentially static structures. New advances have been made in engineering and architecture, such as various types of folded structures, tubes, balls and other space trusses, and in the field of vehicle construction, such as the stiffening of formed sheets. However, none of these advances has moved away from the traditional use of structural elements in compression, tension, and bending. Although there are some new developments in the field of vehicle construction, such as stiffening of formed sheets, the basic approach to the design of stiffeners, stringers, and trusses has not changed significantly. The present invention provides a significant advance in both static and movability aspects of weight, strength, flexibility and quantity in structural systems.

The invention does not appear to rely on any prior art, except in the usual technical field of structural engineering, in which there is no direct discussion of any structural combination of torsion elements or ring elements.

Similarities in figures involving certain surfaces of shape or form can be found in certain patents claiming inventions involving dome or spherical structures using circular or circular elements. One of these is the annular configuration disclosed in US Patent No. 4,128,104, which is "a structural frame composed of annular members intersecting each other in a specific manner". This publication does not specify any application of torsional loading of the ring members, and requires that the ring members connect ("intersect"). Another is the unit dome structure of US Patent No. 3,959,937, which consists of a dome formed by "ring" elements of the same size connected in a specific manner. The publication includes "Improvement of architectural structures of domes or other spherical frames", does not teach a universal structural system, and teaches the use of "simple rings or other simple forms of thin rings" due to visible and unpredictable strength , is limited to the use of "elements of substantially the same size" and does not specify any application of material or load torsional strength.

Contents of the invention

The main purpose of the present invention is:

1. To provide a versatile structural system for all types of stationary and moving structures comprising connected torsional/loop elements and possessing a high degree of structural integrity, strength, efficiency and flexibility.

2. To provide a structural system in which structural loads in the form of compression, tension and bending are converted into torsional loads of the torsional elements of which it is composed, so that such torsional elements bear the greatest part of the structural loads.

3. To provide a structural system in which the structure of the torsion/ring elements is uniformly loaded and thus the material constituting the torsion elements is uniformly stressed, resulting in a high strength to weight ratio.

4. To provide a structural system in which the load is properly distributed across all torsion/ring elements.

5. To provide a structural system that is visually complete, attractive, and facilitates the aesthetic design of self-supporting annular torsion elements, where the curved structure is architecturally natural.

6. To provide a structural system capable of dynamic shape transformation and dynamic redistribution of loads through adjustable and/or actuated structural connections while maintaining structural strength and integrity.

7. To provide a structural system which is economical, amenable to automatic design, automatic fabrication, and structural, and suitable for extreme assembly in its smallest element and largest member form.

8. To provide a structural system in which all structural features of all elements can be precisely predetermined, designed, given.

9. To provide a structural system in which conventional structural elements such as beams, I-beams, decks, trusses, etc. can be constructed from torsion/loop elements and incorporated as conventional members in conventional structures.

10. To provide a structural system wherein various torsional/loop elements are available in all sizes, material and load characteristics standardized and stored in a database to provide automatic selection of components for their structural design.

11. Provide a structural system compatible with traditional structural systems.

The present invention is a structural system that, in one embodiment, utilizes elements that form "rings" that are connected to form a structure; "Torsion elements" are connected to each other to form a structure; and in a preferred embodiment, "annular torsion elements" are used, which are "ring-shaped" and act as the main load-bearing structural elements through torsion, and are connected to form a structure.

The term "torsion element" as used in this disclosure and the appended claims refers to a structural element that acts by torsion as its primary means of load bearing.

As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term "annular" means or is in relation to a "circular ring", the term "circular ring" is not intended to limit the invention to ring-shaped elements, It is defined mathematically as a surface, and is a bound solid of revolution, obtained by rotating the section of the tube defining the ring around a circle of an axis in the plane of the circular section. The term "circle" as used in this specification and the appended claims means any form having the general properties of a wheel ring, i.e. a tube, cylinder, or prism closed in itself, without regard to any regularity thereof, and It further refers to any tubular shape, cylindrical or prismatic which closes itself into the general configuration of a wheel ring, thus completing the mechanical circuit of the "tube" forming the "ring", regardless of its cross-sectional shape, which can be used in a changes uniformly in what is known as a "ring". Torus may be formed by the joining of sections of straight or curved cylinders or prisms, or of any combination or sequence of straight or curved sections, and may be of any shape formed by closed tubes; elliptical, circular, polygonal, whatever Whether regular, irregular, symmetrical, partially symmetrical or even asymmetrical, whether partially or completely outwardly convex or concave. Additionally, as used in this specification or appended claims, the term "annular" is used for and includes: (a) an annular continuous surface, a pipe wall of finite thickness, the exterior of which is bounded by an annular surface, and a solid body bounded by an annular surface; (b) any frame of elements which, if covered, would have the shape of a ring; (c) any frame of elements lying in the track of a circular surface; (d) bundles or coils, bundles, bundles, of fibers, wires, wires, cables, or hollow tubes, Wrapped, braided, twisted, glued, welded or otherwise joined together in such a way as to form plural or individual loops. The main characteristic of the annular member is that its inner perimeter of the tube, acted upon by compression, tension or other loading, has no non-annular conventional cross braces, diameters or chords. However, the annular element may be reinforced at the inner periphery of its tube by other annular elements, as shown in Figures 78 to 81, which may be annular, conventional or otherwise.

As used in this disclosure and the appended claims the term "torsion/ring element" refers to a member which may be either a torsion element, a ring element or a twisted ring element, the term "torsion/ring element" thus includes all three refills. Furthermore, when referring to any one of the above alternative meanings, the alternative is specifically indicated by its appropriate description: torsion element, ring element or twisted ring element. However, reference to a torsional element will be used to designate a torsional element which may be toroidal or non-annular, and reference to a toroidal element will be to designate an toroidal element which may be torsional or non-torsional.

The present structural system includes a plurality of torsional/circular elements joined together such that there is substantially no unwanted movement of the torsional/circular elements in connected relation to one another. Two or more torsion/ring elements can be connected in the same connection. The connection of torsion/ring elements is the means by which loads are transmitted in torsion/ring elements or distributed among each other.

The term "connection" as used in this disclosure and the appended claims refers to, in addition to its ordinary meaning, a connection with a torsion/loop element, and as used in this disclosure, the term "connection" includes , in addition to its ordinary meaning, any combination of elements and processes that bring about the connection of two or more components, and further includes the space actually based on such components, the objects produced by such processes, and the use of such components or Parts of objects that touch connected members; but neither the terms "connected" nor "connected" include the connection (intersection) of members as a means of connecting ring elements.

While the construction system of connected torsion elements can be used in configurations that do not utilize torsion elements, and the construction system of connected torsion elements can be used in constructions that do not utilize torsion elements, the preferred embodiment and best mode are and additionally A structural system of connected, toroidal torsion elements are combined together. Thus, although the structural system of the torsion element and the structural system of the torsion element are each operable separately (not in combination with the other), by having complementary properties of the torsionally loaded toroid, they are fundamental to the invention of the torsion element's structural system are combined in principle.

The present invention includes methods of constructing structural systems in various ways, and of annular torsional element construction during replication, and the construction of certain advanced structures that may be used in such systems.

Torsion/Toroidal elements use the strength of the material more efficiently and have the ability to redistribute the load assigned to them through their connection to the structural system for which they are an element. The structural system efficiently distributes most of the compressive, tensile, bending and torsional loads among the torsional/loop elements connected in construction. Thus, this construction differs from conventional construction in that the latter utilizes elements that act only in compression, tension or bending, such as beams, struts, I-beams, decks, trusses, etc. However, the same load-distributing structural benefits are obtained when elements used only in compression, tension, or bending are constructed with the present invention.

A preferred embodiment of the invention employs an annular element constructed using an annular torsion element. Torsion elements use the torsional strength of the materials and their ability to withstand the torsional loads assigned to them through the connection of the construction system of which they are part, utilizing the preferred embodiment of the annular torsion element to convert most compression, tension and bending constructed with this system Load to a torsional load that includes a torsional element construction. The use of annular torsion elements also contributes to the self-supporting annular configuration.

The present invention takes into account that a torsion/ring element may be constructed from another torsion/ring element, and thus constituted in such a way, that the known torsion/ring element functions by carrying structural loads through its constituent substructure. Such structures may be members, torsion/annular, conventional or otherwise, which are part of a combination of members sized similar to known torsion elements, or members whose dimensions are significantly smaller than known torsion/annular elements and which essentially serve as The basis for the bearing capacity of torsional/circular elements is known. In the latter case, the structure of the known torsion/ring element may be a replica of a small substructure of the torsion/ring element, which in turn may be a replica of an even smaller substructure of the torsion/ring element. This process of structural replication can continue down to the microscopic, even molecular, level.

The present system also includes configurations using conventional elements that may be used in configurations torsion/loop elements used in combination with other torsion/loop elements. Additionally, one of the features of the present invention is that conventional elements such as beams, I-beams, decks, trusses, etc. constructed with torsion/loop elements can be constructed with arched surfaces and prestressed. While this construction bears similarities to traditional trusses, the structural integrity of the torsional elements and the strength of the torsional elements ultimately depend on torsional/ring elements that can withstand torsional loads, and are not essentially (in the sense of original support) or Must rely on elements like linear strings and struts in compression, tension or bending to carry the load.

The torsion/ring element may be made of virtually any material suitable for a structurally loadable and environmentally applicable structure.

The basic principle of the structural system is the invention that the torsion elements bear the largest part of the torsional load of the loads placed on the structure of which they are part, this load being equally distributed in its The structure is finally and basically constructed on the connected torsional elements.

The present invention contemplates that structures formed of connected torsional/loop elements may be incorporated with conventional components in other structures to accommodate compression, tension and bending loads with such torsional/loop structures.

The torsional elements may have virtually any shape that allows them to be connected and thus acted upon by torsional loads. However, preferred embodiments of the present invention employ annular torsion elements. This toroidal torsion element can be used to generate a variety of new structural forms for both static and movable structures. The ring shape facilitates the replication of constructed toroidal torsion elements to produce larger and larger toroidal torsion elements that may be sized for the final structural application.

Various structures can be generated by initiating the replication process with nanostructural scale or larger torsion/ring elements, which themselves can be considered as materials employed in conventional structures, such as for bridge decks, slabs, skins and arbitrary curvatures tablet.

Torsion/loop elements can be used to generate new structural forms for both static and movable structures. The ring shape facilitates the duplication of ring elements, producing larger and larger ring elements that can be sized for structural applications. Initiating the replication process with annular elements on the order of nanostructures or larger yields structures that can themselves be considered as materials employed in conventional structures such as bridge decks, slabs, skins, and laminates of arbitrary curvature .

Buildings using the structural frame of the present invention require only the connection of torsion/loop elements and may use pre-positioned, or even incorporated, connectors in the design of the torsion/loop elements.

Torsional/ring elements may be connected by any means that do not allow unwanted movement in the connection. This means can be any form of bonding, such as welding, gluing, welding, or the use of fasteners such as pins, screws, or clamps. However, the preferred means of connection is to use a "coupler". The term "coupling" is used in this disclosure to mean a device that connects two or more torsion elements, maintaining them in a desired relative position to each other, so that when the torsion/ring element reaches the desired position, the torsion/ring Components cannot make unwanted relative movement to each other within the coupling. The coupler itself could consist of a torsion/ring element, or be solid or have some other structure. The term "coupling" also includes means for connecting the torsion/ring element to the conventional member, holding both the torsion/ring element and the conventional member in a desired position so that the members cannot move undesirably relative to each other within the coupling. Although the function of the coupling is to maintain the positional relationship of the torsional/circular elements with respect to each other, the torsional/circular elements may move outside of the connection with respect to the structural loads of the elements, including the movement of the elements to each other by passing around an axis defined by a clamp within the coupling Rotation, and sliding of the element through the coupler clamp, this movement is expected and suitable for distributing pressure in the element of known torsion/ring configuration.

The function of the coupler to hold the member in place can be engaged with previous position adjustments and the actuation of such adjustments. In this respect the relative position of the torsion/ring elements connected by the coupling with respect to each other can be changed or adjusted and then held in the desired position. Therefore, the coupler must be designed to be capable of even accomplishing this adjustment, but also be designed to be driven by some kind of power. Such actuation may perform dynamic distribution of loads in affected members, or perform dynamic shape transformations, or both. This is achieved by making one or more connections adjustable with or without actuation. Additionally, the dynamic actuation of the adjustable coupler connection can be computer controlled to precisely determine the desired shape changes and structural effects. Thus, the function of the coupling is to adjust the coupled connection, with or without the controlled actuation, so that a torsion/ring element can be moved in connection with the other member to which it is connected, and then by the The movement-generated connection in this position remains securely such that there is no significant movement of the torsion/ring element in the connection relative to any other member in the connection unless purposefully moved again by the coupling.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a plan view of two open rectangular torsion elements joined by two couplings in the same orientation.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the open rectangular torsion element connection shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the torsion element shown in Fig. 1 .

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the open rectangular torsion element connection shown in FIG. 3 .

Figure 5 is a plan view of two open rectangular torsion elements joined by four couplings through an intermediate torsion element in opposite orientations.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the open rectangular torsion element connection shown in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the torsion element of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the open rectangular ring element connection shown in FIG. 7. FIG.

Figure 9 is a plan view of two 'M' shaped torsion elements joined by four couplings through an intermediate torsion element in opposite orientations.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the torsion element of FIG. 9 .

Figure 11 is a perspective view of two 'U' open rectangular torsion elements connected at an angle by two couplers in opposite orientations.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of two 'U' open rectangular torsion elements connected at an angle by four couplings in opposite orientations through an intermediate torsion element

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a linear array of six connected pairs of open rectangular torsion elements, each pair connected at an angle to each other by two types of couplers.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of 32 pairs of 'U'-shaped torsion elements connected at a certain angle by four kinds of couplers in opposite orientations, and connected into a circular array by an intermediate ring element to form a ring.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of two annular torsion elements connected at an angle by a coupler.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the toroidal torsion element of FIG. 15. FIG.

Fig. 17 is a plan view of the annular torsion element shown in Fig. 15 .

Figure 18 is a bottom view of the annular torsion element shown in Figure 15 .

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the 32 pairs of annular torsion elements shown in Figures 15-18 connected in a circular array to form a ring.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of two annular torsion elements joined at an angle without an external coupling.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the toroidal torsion element of FIG. 20. FIG.

Fig. 22 is a plan view of the annular torsion element in Fig. 20 .

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the annular torsion element of FIG. 20. FIG.

Figure 24 is a plan view of 64 pairs of angularly connected annular torsion elements connected in a circular array to form a ring.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the ring shown in FIG. 24. FIG.

Figure 26 is a side view of two rings, one of which is internally connected to the coupler as shown in Figure 24, connected by a variety of ring elements of one type with the closest ring element of the other .

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the internal connection area between the rings of FIG. 26 .

Fig. 28 is another side view of the two rings shown in Fig. 26 .

Figure 29 is an exploded view of the internal connection area between the rings of Figures 20 to 23.

Fig. 30 is a view of the two rings in Fig. 28 in the direction of the arrow.

Figure 31 is an exploded view of the internal connection area between the rings of Figure 30.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the two rings in Fig. 30 in the direction of the arrow.

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the internal connection area between the rings shown in FIG. 32. FIG.

Fig. 34 is the perspective view of the ring formed by two kinds of tubular concentric rings. The inner and outer sides of a concentric ring are rings formed by connecting 32 pairs of annular torsion elements shown in Figs. 20 to 23 to form a circular array, but There are different angular orientations of pairs of ring elements.

Figure 35 is a plan view of 20 pairs of annular torsion elements connected in an elliptical array as shown in Figures 20 to 23 to form a ring.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the ring formed from the elliptical array shown in FIG. 35. FIG.

Figure 37 is a perspective view of an annular element with a circular helical tube adjoined by coaxial annular elements of smaller tubular diameter bonded, bound or otherwise connected to a central annular element .

Figure 38 is a plan view of an annular element consisting of seven interconnected annular elements, the tubes of which may be bonded, bound or otherwise connected to each other.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the ring element of FIG. 38. FIG.

Figure 40 is a perspective view of the ring element of Figure 38 .

FIG. 41 is a side view of the ring element of FIG. 38. FIG.

Figure 42 is a perspective view of various pairs of annular elements shown in Figures 20 to 23 joined in a linear array to form a straight cylindrical rod, strut or tube.

43 is a perspective view of various pairs of annular elements joined in a linear array to form a right cylindrical rod, strut or tube, having different angular orientations than those comprising the structure shown in FIG. 42. FIG.

44 is a perspective view of the linear array shown in FIG. 42 connected to and coaxially enclosing the linear array shown in FIG. 43. FIG.

Figure 45 is a perspective view of a ring element with two opposing semi-elliptical sides and two opposing straight sides.

Figures 46 to 49 show various connections between ring elements (even numbers indicate plan views and odd numbers indicate perspective views).

Figures 50, 51 and 52 are perspective views of the coupler with splined clamps showing the two element connections shown, respectively the open coupler, the compression band, and the closed coupler with the compression band applied.

Figures 53, 54, 55 and 56 are perspective views of couplings with splined clamps for connecting axially inclined annular elements, showing respectively opening the coupling, compressing the strap, and closing the coupling with the applied compression strap device, and a coupling with any angle between the axes of the fixture (also with added compression straps).

Figures 57 to 58 are perspective views of an annular element having two types of splined collars on opposite sides of the element attached to the annular element containing them.

Figure 59 is a side view of a structural assembly comprising three ring elements connected to form a triangle.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the structural assembly shown in FIG. 59 .

Figure 61 is a side view of a linear array of eight structural elements shown in Figure 59 forming a strut, beam or rod structure of triangular cross-section.

FIG. 62 is a top view of the linear array shown in FIG. 61. FIG.

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the linear array shown in FIG. 61. FIG.

Figure 64 is a side view of a structural assembly comprising six ring elements connected to form a rectangular box.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the structural assembly of FIG. 64. FIG.

Fig. 66 is a side view of a linear array of eight structural components shown in Fig. 64 forming a strut, beam, or rod structure of rectangular cross-section.

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of the structure shown in FIG. 66. FIG.

Figure 68 is a double width perspective view of a 3-tier vertical linear array of 8 structural elements forming an I-beam or beam structure, shown in Figure 64.

Figure 69 is a perspective view of a three-width semi-circular array of 45 rectangular structural assemblies joined in a semi-circular array to form an arcuate torsion element.

Figure 70 is a perspective view of a ninety rectangular structural assembly of annular torsion elements connected in a circular array.

Figure 71 is a cutaway plan view of a hexagonal ring element with 2 sets of 3 rotationally coupled inner shafts, one set within each opposing half of the hexagon.

FIG. 72 is a partially cut away perspective view of the annular member of FIG. 71. FIG.

FIG. 73 is a partial cutaway side view of the annular member of FIG. 71. FIG.

Figure 74 is a side view of the two hexagonal ring elements shown in Figure 71 being angularly joined by a coupler.

FIG. 75 is a plan view of the two ring elements of FIG. 74. FIG.

FIG. 76 is a bottom view of the two ring elements of FIG. 74. FIG.

FIG. 77 is a perspective view of the ring element of FIG. 74. FIG.

Fig. 78 is a perspective view of the annular element shown in Fig. 24 connected to a similar concentric annular element within it, the radius of the annular element comprising equal inner and outer annular elements.

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of the annular element formed by the 32 pairs of annular torsion elements shown in FIG. 21 connected in a circular array to the concentric circle formed by the 32 pairs of annular torsion elements oriented as shown in FIG. On the inner ring element, it is connected into a circular array.

Figures 80 and 81 show two types of concentric connections of two ring elements at different angles (even numbers indicate plan views, odd numbers indicate perspective views).

Figure 82 is a schematic vertical view of a dome structure formed by successive compartments of an equal number of upwardly decreasing diameter rings, each connected at six points to those capped adjoining by similar smaller diameter dome structures ring to form a compound dome structure. Figure 83 is a schematic vertical view of a spherical structure formed of two dome structures formed by successive layers of equal numbers of upwardly decreasing diameter annular elements, each annular element connected at four points to those adjacent, connected on the ring element oriented in opposite polarity.

Figure 84 is a side view of a spherical/dodecahedron structure composed of twenty connected ring elements, the voids of which are squeezed by smaller diameter ring elements, connected to the structure in scale with a set of elements as shown in Figure 85 The tallest ring element in the first set is similarly scaled to the tallest ring element in the first set with a similar connection of a similar set.

Figure 85 is a set of 6 connected ring elements comprising the frontmost part of the spherical/dodedecahedral structure of Figure 84.

Fig. 86 is a perspective view of a tower structure formed from a vertical array of connected prismatic structural elements downsized upwards.

Figure 87 is a schematic vertical view of a conical tower structure formed by successive compartments of an equal number of upwardly reducing diameter rings, each ring connecting those adjacent at four points.

Figure 88 is a schematic vertical view of a conical tower structure formed by successive compartments of an equal number of upwardly reducing diameter rings, each ring connecting those adjacent at six points.

Figures 89, 90 and 91 are perspective views of drive two-element couplings with splined clamps, the latter two showing cutaway views of the motor, transmission, and driver for each type of splined clamp within the coupling body.

Figures 92 and 93 show plan views of a series of changing shapes of the ring elements, from the shape of a circular array of 40 ring elements forming a circular ring to the shape of an elliptical array forming an elliptical ring.

Figures 94 to 98 show schematic elevational views of the stages of development of the shape transformation of a series of prolate spheroids to an oblate spheroid through intermediate structures of smaller volume.

Figure 99 is a perspective view of a circular horizontal arch of 20 ring elements.

Figure 100 is a perspective view of the structure formed by two compartments of circular horizontal arches as shown in Figure 99

Figure 101 is a perspective view of a structure formed of three compartments of circular horizontal arches as shown in Figure 99 .

Figure 102 is a cutaway perspective view of the frame of the annular wheel body housed in the housing.

Figure 103 is a cutaway perspective view of a wheel and tire structure (lowest five elements shown in detail, remaining elements shown diagrammatically) embedded in a matrix.

Figure 104 is a perspective view of a wheel and tire structure (the lowest five elements shown in detail, the rest shown diagrammatically) supported by a common belt.

FIG. 105 is a perspective view of the tire with the wheel and tire structure installed in FIG. 104. FIG.

Figure 106 is a mathematical diagram showing the relationship between a projected angle and length for the construction of a ring element framework comprising a number of dimensions represented by smaller ring elements.

Figure 107 is a perspective view of a schematic mathematical diagram of a dome representing a number of dimensions to show a planned relationship between angles and lengths for the construction of an annular dome framework.

Figure 108 is an elevational schematic illustration of a schematic mathematical diagram of a dome representing a number of dimensions to show a planned angle and length relationship for the construction of a circular dome framework.

Detailed ways

For a description of the details of the system, the function of its elements, and the method of constructing those structures with the system, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1 to 4 represent an embodiment showing the basic principle of the twisting behavior of the structural system. In FIGS. 1 to 4, two kinds of torsion elements 3, 4 are connected by two kinds of couplings 1, 6 to form a torsion structure assembly. Torsion elements 3 and 4 are shown as rectangles with openings of circular cross-section to illustrate the principle, but any cross-sectional shape and any element shape can be used for a coupling with compatible openings. Couplings 1, 6 are shown having cylindrical openings, coupling 6 has bearings 7 to facilitate free rotation of the torsion elements within the coupling, and coupling 1 has splined clamps 2 to engage the torsion elements 3, 4 Spline end 5. The purpose of the splined end 5 engaged by the corresponding spline clamp 2 is to securely hold the torsion element relative to the coupling 1 in order to prevent movement of the torsion element in the coupling. The purpose of the bearing coupling 6 is to constrain the arms of the torsion elements 3 and 4 in alignment under force. Thus, when the torsion element 3 is subjected to a force which attempts to rotate the arm of the torsion element 3 about its axis relative to the coupling 1 in which it engages, this force will generate a torsional load on the arm, while on the arm the coupling The position of 1 is fixed. Where the position of the coupling 1 is not fixed, such an attempt to change the orientation of the torsion element 3 will also produce a rotation of the coupling 1 with the torsion element 3 relative to the torsion arm of the other torsion element 4, which is also engaged in in coupler 1. Such an attempt to rotate the coupling 1 , the splined clamp 2 already engaged to the splines 5 of the torsion element 4 , will create torsional loads on the arms of the other torsion element 4 where the position of the torsion element 4 is fixed. A change in the position of the torsion element 3 connected to the other element 4 by the engaged coupling 1 will then produce a torsional load transfer from the torsion element 3 to the other element 4 . The role of the coupler 6 is to help maintain the alignment of the arms of the torsional elements 3 and 4 .

Another embodiment illustrating the principle is shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 . In this variation, the orientation of the torsion elements is reversed, but the transmission of the torque load is accomplished with couplings 21, 26, by adding an intermediate torsion element 28, in this invention a cylindrical rod, coupling 21 , 26 are similar to those in Figs. 1 to 4. The purpose of the splines 25 is in turn to engage the spline clamps 22 of the coupling 21, thus securing them in rotation as well as the torsion elements 23, 24, and the purpose of the coupling 26 with bearings 27 is to constrain the arms of the torsion elements 23, 24 The movement and rotation of the intermediate torsion element 28 align each other. In this variant, the intermediate torsion element 28 acts with opposite torque through the coupling 21 connected to its opposite end point, and this coupling can transmit the load on the torsion elements 23 and 24. The load is transmitted to the intermediate torsion element 28 in the same manner as is shown in Figures 1 to 4, and in the same manner as the load is transmitted between the torsion elements 3 and 4 of the assembly. Thus, the load transmitted from one type of torsion element 23 to the intermediate torsion element 28 is opposite to the torsional load transmitted from the other type of torsion element 24 . In this way, the intermediate element 28 provides additional capability to withstand torsional loads through the structural assembly.

Although the connection between the torsion elements 23 and 24 through a single intermediate torsion element 28 is shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the connection between the torsion elements 23 and 24 as shown in FIGS. Proper combination and placement of intermediate torsion elements and couplings completes.

In both of the above variations, the torsional loads are equally distributed on the connected torsional elements by their action on each other, as known by Newton's third law, which can be stated in part as "to every action there is always an equal reaction .”

The splined clamp couplings and corresponding splined ends of the torsion elements shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 are not the only means of attempting to achieve a fixed connection between the torsion element and the coupling. Indeed, all means for securing the coupling to the torsional element such as welding, gluing, fusing, pinning, screwing, clamping, and mating of the coupling to any torsional element of non-circular cross-section are considered adequate for use with Connect the torsion element to the coupling to transmit the torsional load.

The components shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 themselves can similarly be connected in linear arrays, and the different types of components shown can be connected in arrays having any shape and can be closed, round or not. Symmetrical and irregular.

Closed arrays of connected torsional assemblies have no load-transmitting terminations, as do linear arrays. Thus, any torsional load placed on a torsional element in a closed array will be transmitted to and distributed among all torsional elements in the array.

As previously indicated, the torsional elements may take virtually any shape provided they can be connected in a manner similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 5 to 8, thus providing torsional load bearing and transmission. Another example of the shape of the torsion element is shown in Figures 9 and 10, and various ways of connection are shown in Figures 5-8.

Torsional elements can be angularly connected to produce angular torsional assemblies and structures and form linear arrays thereof, as shown in the example in FIG. 13 . The same features of torsional load transfer exist in this type of configuration, as in the structures shown and discussed earlier. As shown in the examples of Figures 11 and 12, angular connections are possible for virtually any type of torsion element. In addition, any type of connection can be used for the angular connection of torsion elements.

Angularly connected torsional elements can also be connected in closed arrays, as shown in Figure 14. Angled connections between elements facilitate including more torsional elements in the array within the same length, thereby providing the array with greater capacity for absorbing torsional stress. Although only a circular array is shown, any closed array is possible and will share the same characteristics of torsional load distribution as a circular array. Whether the array is open or closed, the symmetry of an array and the way it is loaded will determine the uniformity of the torsional stress distribution. It can also be seen from Figure 14 that the closed symmetrical array of torsion elements forms a kind of circular ring, the shape of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Structural assemblies of torsion elements and arrays thereof may also be connected using a coupling, as shown in Figures 15 to 18, where the torsion elements are annular. A smoothly curved torsion element absorbs torsional stress variably along the length of the annular tube. A torque applied to such a torsion element at any point along its length tends to twist the torsion element. Torque is transmitted along the body of the torsion element by The structure of the torsion element, the capacity of the material used to absorb the torsional stress, and the curvature of the torsion element are determined. In any case, the load of one bending torsion element fixedly connected by a coupling to another bending torsion element, as shown in Figures 15 to 18, will be transmitted to the other element in the same way as shown in Figure 1 to the torsion element of the connection in 4.

As with all other torsional elements, annular torsional elements can be connected in a closed array as shown in Figure 19, which can form a larger annular element frame with torsional strength characteristics. Indeed, the present invention, taking into account the self-similarity of annular torsional elements composed of smaller annular torsional elements, can be extended to precisely control the structural characteristics of all such annular torsional elements.

Through Fig. 19, all connections between the torsion/ring elements are shown as "external", ie made with an "external" connector added to the outer surface of the torsion/ring elements. This connection will continue to be referred to as "external", as opposed to "internal" connection, which includes all means of connecting torsion/ring elements without the use of couplings or other intervening means. The torsion/ring elements in a combination of internally connected torsion elements are shown in various views in FIGS. 20 to 23 .

For the purposes of the figures in this disclosure, it should be understood that all torsional/circular elements shown in close proximity are connected in their proximate areas by internal connections, unless otherwise indicated, such as with couplings. Additionally, it is the intent of the remainder of this disclosure that, unless otherwise indicated, the absence of the appearance of an external coupler where two torsion/loop elements are closest together does not mean that such elements are not coupler-connectable. All connections so shown in the figures may be internal or external as required by the actual application, even if not indicated as such in a particular figure. This convention is used in the example of the closed array shown in Figures 24 and 25, where the structural assembly is shown in Figures 20 to 23, forming the frame of the annular torsion element.

By convention established here, the circular arrays shown in Figures 24 and 25 comprise interconnected annular torsional elements. However, the observation of the internal connections, shown in the various views of Figures 26 to 33, between the two rings formed in Figures 24 and 25, illustrates that by using external connections between their constituent ring elements An internal connection between ring elements is achieved. This internal connection is not achieved by coupling of the constituent ring elements of the ring, but may be accomplished by an internal connection between the ring elements constituting the constituent ring elements. This internal connection can also be conveyed by additional elements, twisted or otherwise. Alternatively, this process can be replicated in a self-similar fashion at smaller and smaller sizes, down to basic torsional/toroidal elements, which can be a construct in themselves, but need not be formed from circular arrays.

Arrays of angularly connected torsional/circular elements which themselves form rings which may be elliptical, as shown in Figures 35 and 36, or of any other shape, with various directional features, as produced in The lateral bending of the torsion/ring elements is converted to the torsional load of their constituent torsion elements. Different configurations of such torsion/ring elements can be combined as required to meet the external structural requirements of the tubular concentric connection between such torsion/ring elements, as shown in FIG. 34 .

Linear array configurations of connected torsional/loop elements can also be used to form members such as rods, tubes, piles or struts, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 . These configurations can also have directional characteristics similar to the circular arrays discussed above, and can be included in composite tubular concentric configurations as shown in FIG. 44 .

The basic torsion/ring element may be fabricated from a material that is considered to be solid, such as metal, polymer, foam, wood, or a tube of such material. Such basic torsion/ring elements can even be partly or fully pressed as component-connected torsion elements in the form of torsion/ring element frames. Basic torsion/loop element fabrication can be performed by any standard fabrication method such as winding, extrusion, molding, layering of resins and fabrics, and fiber compounding.

The torsional/circular element can also be constructed with other torsional/circular elements, rather than linked arrays, such as the links shown in Figures 38 to 41, formed from six surface textile strips that circle around a central axis annulus, all of which have identical size of. The main feature of this type of torsion/ring element is the surface woven strip of rings, free to rotate about its circular axis, hindered only by the internal friction of the rings in the strip and the friction between each other.

It is possible to construct torsion/toroidal elements from a tube defined by a closed helix, as shown in Figure 37. The main feature of this type of toroidal element is that the helical tube rotates freely about its axis, which is a centrally located curve within the tube, limited only by the internal Friction hinders. Such an annular tubular helix can transmit torque at any point around the tube axially around the tube and thereby distribute torsional stress throughout the tubular helix. This annular tubular helix is stabilized by a torsion/annular element connecting the perimeter of the tube, as shown in Figure 37, whereby the rotation of the helix about its tube axis is regulated by the peripheral torsion/annular element. The helix itself may be an array of connected twisted/looped elements.

The torsional/circular element may take virtually any shape, as shown in Figure 45, and may either consist of a suitably shaped array of torsional/circular elements, or be machined as a basic torsional/circular element.

Combinations and orientation classifications of structural components that can be constructed from torsion/loop elements using couplings are illustrated in Figures 46-49. Examples of couplings that can be used to achieve this combination and orientation are shown in Figures 50 to 52 for two-element connections as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 5 to 8; and Figures 53 to 56 for the ones shown in Figures 46 to 49 The type of connection.

Splined clamp couplings and corresponding torsion/ring element spline collars are among several other devices that attempt to transfer torsional loads between the torsion/ring element and the connecting coupling. Examples of such other means are welding, gluing, welding, use of fasteners such as pins, screws and clamps; and couplings of couplings with torsion/ring elements of non-circular cross-section.

Couplings can also be designed with various mechanisms for integrated positioning against movement of the held torsional/circular elements. An example of such a coupling is shown in FIGS. 50 to 52 , a split block coupling in which parts 61 and 63 of each of the blocks fit on splined clamps 62 . The way in which the coupler affects the connection is through a splined collar around the torsion/ring elements being connected, enclosing the block parts 61 and 63 . The blocks are joined by tensioning the compression strap 65 into the strap groove 64 using a ratchet roller fastening device 66 such as a compression strap wrapped thereon.

The coupler shown in Figures 53 to 56 is an open end coupler in which each of the end caps 83 and 87 and the body of the coupler 81 is secured with a splined clamp 82, the type of connection is also shown in Figure 46. The way the coupler affects the coupling is by enclosing the end caps 83 and 87 with splined collars around the torsion elements being connected, and bonding the caps to the body block with compression straps 85 which are locked to the body with locking pins 88, And enter belt groove 84 with fastening device 86 tensioning.

Torsion/ring elements like splined collars 101, 103, 102, 104 shown in Figs. 57 and 58 can be connected by couplings with splined clamps. The splined collar may be integral with the torsional/circular element, or by bonding the splined collar to the torsional/circular element or parts thereof, or by a mechanical linkage in the splined collar, or by joining or fastening to the splined collar, by means of which the splined collar is attached. . If the member does not have a splined collar attached, other forms of connection are possible, such as with couplings with forming clamps, or by internal connections of the torsion/ring elements that make up such a member.

Split block couplings with forming clamps use structural foam that solidifies into a permanent shape after being compressed around the torsion/ring element, or a resilient pad that clamps the torsion/ring element, and are shown in Figures 50 to 52 The forming fixture will occupy a similar position to the spline fixture. The block parts of the coupler are then either locked in place by either a compression strap, as used on the split block coupler shown in Figures 50 to 52, or a device used to secure the blocks together such as screw or bolt.

Formation of structures using the present system can be performed by constructions known as "structural components". One basic form of structural assembly is a connected triangular array of torsional/loop elements, shown in FIGS. 59 and 60 . A linear array of components connected into a triangular structure to form a rod, beam or strut structure is shown in Figures 61 to 63. A connected array of such components can form a slab or bridge deck structure. Another basic structural component is the connected cubic array of torsion/ring elements shown in Figures 64 and 65, and the connected linear array shown in Figures 66 and 67 to form rod, beam, or strut structures whose connected arrays can form plates , bridge deck and I-beam structure, as shown in Figure 68. A wide variety of such structural components can be made.

Figure 69 is an example of a more complex structure, such as an arch or rib, that is formed when the structural components shown are connected in an array. The closed circular array in Figure 70 could also be in the form of another twisted/ringed element.

Structures can also be formed from polygonal torsion/ring elements. The preferred use of this form is as a body for complex toroidal torsion elements with internal shafts to absorb torsional stresses, as shown in Figures 71 to 73, in a variation whose torsional stress is absorbed by various internal shafts. 112 absorbed. These axes of rotation 112 are point areas of connection to other components where they are not closed by the polygonal toroidal body 111 of the annular torsion element. The shaft 112 rotates on a bearing 114 positioned by a bearing housing 113, which is fixedly mounted on the body 111. If the rotation of the shaft is restrained in some way, the torque used to twist the shaft 112 at the connection point will Stress is induced in the shaft 112 . In the polygonal annular torsion element shown, the torque imparting shaft 112 is connected at both ends to the other shafts 112 by means of universal joints 115 which transmit torque to the other shafts 112 . If the rotation of any one of the shafts 112 is restricted, torque on the shafts 112 will cause torsional stress in the shafts 112 and the load will be transferred to adjacent shafts 112 by means of the universal joints 115 connecting them. The movement of the shaft 112 is restricted by a rotating block 116, which is a means of securing the end of the shaft 112 to the body 111 or other means to prevent movement, so that the end of the shaft 112 will not rotate freely. Such rotary blocks 116 may be added to the ends of the torque-applying shaft 112 where it protrudes for connection to other components. These reels will spin freely if no blocks are turned. If these freely rotating shafts are in turn connected by universal joints around the sides of the elements, the torque will be transferred from the area of application to the other connection area. Rotation induced on one side of the element will then be transmitted to the other side of the element without significant constraints within the element. However, if the movement of the shaft is restricted on one side of the element, such as by being connected to another torsion member, torsional loads will be generated and transmitted equally along the connected shaft, and torsional stresses will be induced therein.

As with other torsional/circular elements, polygonal torsional/circular elements will be joined in arrays to form structural assemblies, as shown in FIGS. 74-77. The coupling used may be of the split block type, shown in Figures 50 to 52. Still other torsional/circular elements can take a wide variety of forms and combinations of angular torsional/circular elements. Multi-angle torsional/ring elements can range from pentagonal to non-angular, the number of sides is only limited by the application, multi-angle torsion/ring elements can be combined with other torsion/ring elements to form complex torsion/ring elements, with structural properties suitable for Requirements for any structural application.

In addition to connections between torsion/ring elements, where the torsion/ring elements remain outside the peripheral tube of the other, previously shown in Figure 34, connections between torsion/ring elements, where one element is held outside the other A connection of spaces surrounded by tubes is a useful structural alternative to the combination of torsion/ring elements formed with coaxial tubes. This variation is shown in Figures 78 and 79, where the twist/ring elements are coaxial, and in Figures 80 and 81 where the axes of the twist/ring elements are angled to each other.

Using certain basic structural forms that are difficult to realize without significant structural defects of conventional structural systems, it is natural to use the present invention without structural defects. Among these are spherical frames shown in Figure 84, and frame towers shown in Figure 86. Other examples of equally suitable torsion/ring element configurations are shown in FIGS. 82 , 84 , 85 , 83 , 87 and 88 . All of the structural forms shown are also useful in combination with each other for reinforcement, aesthetics, and design of complex structures.

Important to some of these structural forms is a structure in which the horizontal compressive support of the torsion/ring elements to one another is produced by the application of a vertically downward load on the torsion/ring elements. The structure can be described as a "horizontal arch" formed by a variety of torsion/loop elements joined side by side on or within an arc of one kind of curve in the horizontal plane, and adjacent members leaning together pointing towards the curvature of the arc center, as shown in Figure 99. The positions of the bases of such torsion/ring elements are fixed at their bases along the horizontal arch whose general shape is described by it, said position being determined by the layout of each torsion/ring element, thus its side Direct or indirect contact in connection, above or within the perimeter of said arc of the horizontal arch. Under a vertically downward load applied near the top of each compression element, the horizontally arched torsion/ring elements compress together horizontally.

Horizontal arches, as exemplified in Figures 100 and 101, can be used as elements in sequential vertical stack constructions, where each level subjects the next level below to vertically downward loads, such as towers and multi-story buildings. The vertical load of the "horizontal arch" layer presses the torsional/loop elements of each layer together horizontally and increases the horizontal cohesion of the structure, thereby enhancing its vertical load-bearing strength.

With respect to the spherical frame, an example of which is shown in Figure 84, another useful form of construction is possible with the replication of segments, as shown in Figure 85. Then attach it to the twist/ring element at the proper size to form a spherical surface as shown in Fig. 84. The replication of the spherical segment is shown in Fig. 85 first applied at 141 and then again at 142 with a smaller size than the first. This application of spherical segments as shown in Figure 85 can be produced by replicating all torsion/ring elements forming a sphere and then iteratively for all torsion/ring elements forming successive replicas until a practical limit is reached , beyond the limit, the process is without structure efficiency. This replicated spherical frame can be used as an implosion-resistant pressure vessel in which the internal pressure of the vessel can be maintained at a lower level than the external pressure of the vessel.

With component elements designed to move, torsional/loop elements can also be used to create dynamic structures not only through deflection as a result of loading, but also through efficient management of structural stresses. Torsional/loop elements can also be dynamically changed in shape in order to accomplish changes in the shape, size and volume of the structures of which they are composed.

Often, structures such as buildings, bridges, and even automobiles, seaplanes, aircraft racks, and space frames are considered static structures based on the way they behave. That is, the expectation for the performance of such structures is that they respond to the loads they experience through adequate management of stresses on the materials used and connections to devices comprising the materials of the structure. There is some kind of structure built with moving parts, like a ceiling that slides open or some kind of other aperture that's driven, manually or otherwise, like some other hole created in the casing of a kiosk. The invention allows for its application to generate dynamic structures in which the stresses of the materials and their connections are managed by the automatic actuation of the couplings of torsion/ring elements and the transformation of the dimensions and shapes of the structures driven by the couplings.

An example of a drive coupling that can accomplish a basic transformation of shape is shown in Figures 89 to 91, where a motor 135 drives a bearing 133 supported by a splined clamp 132 through rotational power by using a transmission 134, which is transmitted to the driver 136 by the motor 135. When the motor 135 is energized, the splined clamp 132 is driven to rotate in a controlled manner and thereby rotate the torsional element held in the clamp associated with the body 131 of the coupler, as well as any other held in the splined clamp 132. Other torsion/ring elements. The manner in which shape variation of a 20 element array can be effected using this drive coupling is shown in FIGS. 92 and 93 . Couplings such as those described above and shown in Figures 89-91 (but not shown in Figures 92 and 93) will connect torsion/ring elements in the area closest to these elements and will vary the rotation of the elements with sufficient precision, The exact shape and dimensions of the resulting structure are thus required. This change in shape or size can be directed in an organized fashion to occur for all torsional/loop elements of the structure, including replicated substructures, which will produce a change in shape or size of the overall structure. An example of such an operation is shown in the series of schematic diagrams of Figures 94 to 98 by changing the shape of the elliptical torsion/ring element comprising a prolate spherical surface frame to a constituent connection of a more circular torsion/ring element, where the prolate sphere ( The frame of the surface of Fig. 94) is transformed in stages (Figs. 95 to 97) to the frame of the surface of the ball (Fig. 98). This transformation results in a reduction in the volume bound by the frame, other transformations are possible, such as by changing the shape of the connected torsion/ring elements from a frame comprising a spherical surface to a more elliptical torsion/ring element, where the surface of the ball The frame transform is the frame of the oblate spheroid surface. This transformation will increase the volume bound by the frame. A similar but isovolumetric transformation is also possible, as is the inverse of the described transformation.

The aspect of the sphere of the invention thus exhibited is a general property of the structural system. This can be further shown schematically, with a planar array of connected torsion/ring elements transforming to an array of torsion/ring element connections in the surface of a parabola, from a frame comprising a plane, to a more elliptical torsion/ring element computable and controllable shape changes of torsion/ring elements that make up the connections, variably forming parabolic frameworks, such shape transformations can be used to change the shape or size of any array of elements, not only those that provide surface frameworks, but It is a solid frame.

The invention can also be practiced in wheel and tire constructions: as a torsion/ring wheel body, having the shape of a torus without a central hub, and either by direct contact with the underlying surface or by means of other wheels or rollers on top of it Operation or drive to rotate parts, as shown in Figure 102; and as a tire structure, it includes a circular array of various circular torsion support elements connected to form a ring shape, as shown in Figures 103 and 104.

The annular wheel structure is a framework of annular torsion elements, as shown in Figures 19, 87 and 88, which are self-supporting and can be configured to bend to accommodate surface irregularities. In advanced forms of this embodiment of the invention, the annular wheel body need not be round, and its shape can be continuously controlled by internal drivers, such as those shown in Figures 89 to 91, to suit the surface and drive mechanism. The annular wheel body frame can be directly used as the annular wheel body, or be enclosed within the shell, as shown in Figure 102. Without a casing, the framed annular wheel can operate on subsurface surfaces consisting of soil, sand, snow, or loose materials thereof.

The tire structure can be used as a pad in the tire, as shown in Figure 105, directly incorporated into the structure of the tire body or tire carcass, as shown in Figure 103, or attached to a kind of central belt, as shown in Figure 103, or Receive a hub structure where the shaft forms a complete wheel structure. The purpose of this embodiment of the invention is to provide non-pneumatic support to the wheel, as a part of the non-pneumatic tire or wheel itself, which may be assisted by other gaseous, fluid, or mechanical means, including those devices. Although the present invention provides a non-pneumatic tire support structure, it can also be used with pneumatic, fluid-filled, or other cushioning elements. The flared interior of the annular tube of the tire support structure also allows for the inclusion of other types of annular structures within the annular tube, as shown in Figure 34, and allows for other applications for wheels and other tire structures.

The method of constructing any known ring element frame from other ring elements, such as the rings shown in Figures 19, 24 and 25, begins with the determination of the desired ring component curvature, followed by the planning of the ring frame. For example, a donut shape in one plane will have only one radius of curvature, the radius of the donut. More complex rings, such as the elliptical rings shown in Figures 35 and 36, will have more than one radius of curvature, the number depending on the number of elements used in the construction and the tightness of the approximation to the desired elliptical curvature. For such complex curved rings, the number of constituent elements and the radius of curvature are interrelated. Figure 106 is a diagrammatic plan used to represent the construction of a ring framework comprising smaller ring elements 151 of dimension numbers. Construction of a known circular ring frame with tubes of approximately circular cross-section, wherein the radius of the ring is RT, the radius of the ring tube is Tr, the number of elements is n, and the angle of the arc occupied by one element is Phi=360/ n, the radius of the annular element is r, and the relationship between the angle and the length marked in Figure 106 is as follows: RO=RT+Tr; RI=RT-Tr Ro=RO-r; Ri=RI+r; Sin(Theta)=r /Ri; Sin(Psi)=r/Ro; Li=r/Tan(Theta); Lo=r/Tan(Psi); x=Ro*Sin(Phi-Psi), (* refers to the adjacent quantity multiplication); Ld=Ro*Cos(Phi-Psi)-Li; Tan(Alpha)=(x-r)/Ld; Ej(dia)=(x-r)/Sin(Alpha), for known RT, Tr, n and r, these relations can be used to find out Li, Ej(dia) and Alpha. And together enough for the planning of the circular frame. This group of relational expressions can be solved digitally by standard mathematical methods, and will be called the algorithm of ring element frame planning in the future. The construction of the ring frame contains multiple radii of curvature, even in more than one plane, and the same planning can be made by solving the relationship of each circular frame where each part of the ring frame is similar. Then by preparing a template/mold for locating the elements, this template/mold constitutes the ring framework specified by the ring element framework planning algorithm. The construction of the ring element frame can be carried out by positioning the constituent ring elements in the template/mold and connecting the constituent ring elements thus positioned. For example, a simple template/ die. The constituent elements can then be placed between the pins in the thus outlined positions and joined together. The positions of the constituent elements may also be outlined by triangular or rectangular blocks, or other types of stops or clamps or other positioning means to maintain or define angles between the constituent elements according to the plan for constructing the ring frame structure. Such other means also include dimples formed in the planned surface that can fit the component elements. The positioning means are also adjustable to accommodate the planning of ring frame constructions of various sizes with variable constituent elements. The joining can then be done manually or by automated means with templates/molds containing static or moving, rotating or otherwise annular elements.

The template/die can also be used on non-planar surfaces using the same principles described above for this construction, except that when the tangent plane to the non-planar surface is set at the correct angle to correctly position the attached ring elements, the Takes into account the curvature of additional dimensions.

The progress of constructing a dome from ring elements is shown as a circle item with ring element compartments in FIGS. 99 to 101 . The method of constructing this dome begins with determining the shape of the dome's base. The base may be circular or constituted by a more complex curve approximated by segments of parts with different curvatures. 107 and 108 are schematic diagrams showing the construction of a dome framework showing the number of ring members 163 included. The vertical planes 161 and 162 in the figure are only used to show the relationship between the dimensions of the dome frame and the ring elements 163 which make it up. To construct the known spherical dome framework where the number of base ring elements is n, the radius of the sphere is S, the horizontal element angle is f = 360/n, the deflection of the base is t, the vertical element angle is e, and the element joint angle Is p, the relationship between the angle and length marked in Figures 107 and 108 is as follows: element radius, R=S*Sin (e/2); Upper base radius; Ur=Cos (t+e); Upper base height Uh =S*Sin(t+e); Lower foundation radius, Lr=S*Cos(t); Lower foundation height Lh=S*Sin(t); And the relationship between e and p is by the following homogeneous equation given:

Numerical solutions to this set of equations can be found using standard mathematical methods and will hereafter be referred to as the planning algorithm for ring-dome structures. The algorithm of the annular dome framework can be modified to facilitate the planning of the annular dome framework for compartments and stacks of spherical structures having virtually any base shape or elevation angle.

The construction of the dome frame can then be carried out by, on the means of said ring elements specified by the ring dome frame planning algorithm, locating the constituent ring elements there, and connecting the ring elements of the size specified by the ring dome planning algorithm. Construction, work can be simplified by utilizing the template/formwork of the specification provided by the ring dome frame planning algorithm, and connecting the constituent ring elements so positioned. These connections can then be added manually or by automated means. The domes may also be joined opposite their bases to form a full or partial spherical configuration. In the case of tower constructions, such as those shown in Figures 87 and 88, the method of construction will proceed similarly.

While the invention has been disclosed in terms of preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the particular shown embodiments, but it is intended to cover various alternatives and equivalent constructions included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The best mode is a preferred embodiment of the invention and utilizes an annular element constructed with an annular torsion element. The preferred embodiment using an annular torsional element utilizes a system to transfer the compression, tension, and bending loads of most configurations to the torsional loads of the torsional elements that the configuration contains. The use of annular torsion elements enables the construction of self-supporting circular rings.

Uses of the invention include every conceivable structure: bridges, towers, furniture, aircraft, ground and water vehicles, appliances, instruments, buildings, domes, airships, space structures and vehicles, planetary and space habitats. The number of such structures contemplated and made structurally and economically possible by the system ranges from tiny stretches to gigantic configurations. The possible structures using the present invention are not limited to any particular design, but are even freely formed.

Certain structural forms can be used to build buildings on unstable foundations and can withstand foundation movement and failure.

Claims (44)

1. torsion element structural system that makes up all size frameworks comprises:

(a) a plurality of torsion elements, wherein each torsion element is the structural member that reverses carry load;

(b) coupling of torsional load between the two or more torsion elements of one or more transmission of connection torsion element.

2. a kind of structural system according to claim 1, wherein coupling is at the described two or more torsion elements of the relative fixed-site of two or more torsion elements, in described two or more torsion elements and the fixing position of coupling, described torsion element contacts with coupling.

3. structural system that makes up all dimensional structure frameworks comprises:

(a) a plurality of torsion elements, wherein each torsion element is the structural member that reverses carry load;

(b) coupling of torsional load between the two or more torsion elements of one or more transmission of connection torsion element.

4. a kind of structural system according to claim 3, wherein coupling is at the described two or more torsion elements of the relative fixed-site of two or more torsion elements, in described two or more torsion elements and the fixing position of coupling, described torsion element contacts with coupling.

5. make up the method for all size frameworks with torsion element, comprising: the coupling with torsional load between the two or more torsion elements of one or more transmission connects framework of a plurality of torsion elements formation.

6. system that makes up all size frameworks comprises:

(a) a plurality of torsion elements; And

(b) coupling of torsional load between the two or more torsion elements of one or more transmission of connection torsion element.

7. the structural system of a torsion element comprises:

(a) a plurality of structural members, each structural member carrying torsional load;

(b) coupling of torsional load between the two or more structural members of one or more transmission of syndeton element.

8. structural system according to claim 7, wherein coupling is at the described two or more structural members of the relative fixed-site of two or more structural members, in described two or more structural members and the fixing position of coupling, described structural member contacts with coupling.

9. according to the described structural system of claim 1-8, wherein with coupling contacting structure componentry at an angle to each other.

10. according to the described structural system of claim 1-8, one or more structural member is annular.

11. according to the described structural system of claim 1-8, one or more structural member is annular, further comprise one or more small construction elements, they are used as the reversing of bearing mode, these structural members by the form with array connect with form described one or more structural members annular.

12. the structural system of a ring-type element comprises: adjoin each other ground or externally be joined together to form structural framing of a plurality of ring-type elements, described ring-type element; Each of wherein said a plurality of ring-type elements is self-supporting, does not have the part of the structural framing that other than ring type supports as space externally, and by described a plurality of ring-type elements described each pipe institute around; Wherein the size of the maximum of each ring-type element is bigger than another the size of each maximum that is connected of described each ring-type element and described a plurality of ring-type elements.

13. the structural system of a ring-type element comprises: adjoin each other ground or externally be joined together to form structural framing of a plurality of ring-type elements, described ring-type element; Each of wherein said a plurality of ring-type elements is self-supporting, does not have the part of the structural framing that other than ring type supports as space externally, and by described a plurality of ring-type elements described each pipe institute around; Wherein the size of the maximum of each ring-type element is bigger than another the size of each maximum that is connected of described each ring-type element and described a plurality of ring-type elements; Wherein one or more described a plurality of ring-type elements comprise the framework of the ring-type element of a connection.

14. bar, pillar, a beam that is used as the element of construction operation, i iron, arch, the structural system of the ring-type element of flat board, deck, spiral and ring-type element structural framing comprises:

(a) a plurality of ring-type elements; With

(b) in abutting connection with ground or ring-type element is interconnected to form the device of structural framing;

Each of wherein said a plurality of ring-type elements is self-supporting, does not have the part of the structural framing that other than ring type supports as space externally, and by described a plurality of ring-type elements described each pipe institute around; Wherein the size of the maximum of each ring-type element is bigger than another the size of each maximum that is connected of described each ring-type element and described a plurality of ring-type elements.

15. a structural system that is used to make up the ring-type element of non-dome and non-spherical frame comprises: adjoin each other ground or externally be joined together to form structural framing of a plurality of ring-type elements, described ring-type element; Each of wherein said a plurality of ring-type elements is self-supporting, does not have the part of the structural framing that other than ring type supports as space externally, and by described a plurality of ring-type elements described each pipe institute around; Wherein the size of the maximum of each ring-type element is bigger than another the size of each maximum that is connected of described each ring-type element and described a plurality of ring-type elements.

16. a kind of structural system according to claim 15, the non-dome wherein and the size range of non-spherical frame structure can be from nanostructured to very large sizes.

17. a structural system that is used for the ring-type element of turriform, dome and spherical structure comprises: a plurality of ring-type elements, adjoin each other ground or externally be joined together to form a plurality of leveling courses of described ring-type element at the ring-type element of sealing in the lamination, the leveling course of wherein said ring-type element is arranged and connects with overlapped way; Each of wherein said a plurality of ring-type elements is self-supporting, does not have the part of the structural framing that other than ring type supports as space externally, and by described a plurality of ring-type elements described each pipe institute around; Wherein the size of the maximum of each ring-type element is bigger than another the size of each maximum that is connected of described each ring-type element and described a plurality of ring-type elements.

18. a kind of structural system according to claim 17, each of wherein said leveling course has the ring-type element of equal number.

19. a kind of structural system according to claim 17 has identical size comprising the ring-type element of described leveling course in each layer.

20. a kind of structural system according to claim 17, each of wherein said leveling course has identical size and dimension.

21. a kind of structural system according to claim 17 has identical size comprising the ring-type element of described leveling course from one deck to another layer.

22. a kind of structural system according to claim 17 is connected with other leveling course in abutting connection with leveling course that is included in stacked comprising each ring-type element in the ring-type element of a leveling course in the leveling course described in stacked.

23. a kind of structural system according to claim 17, the one or more of wherein said leveling course are taper.

24. a kind of structural system according to claim 17, the size ratio of wherein said one or more leveling courses is little with another size of the described leveling course of described one or more adjacency of described layer.

25. a kind of structural system according to claim 17, the ring-type element longitudinally that further comprises one or more centres is connected to comprising the one or more ring-type elements in described leveling course on the ring-type element longitudinally of described one or more centres.

26. a kind of structural system according to claim 17, wherein the leveling course of adjacency is arranged in stacked, thereby each ring-type element in described in abutting connection with leveling course one is connected at described ring-type element in the another one of leveling course one.

27. the circular configuration of a ring-type element, comprise: a plurality of ring-type elements that are actually same size, they are arranged in the plane on poyhedron surface of an imaginary rule, adjoin each other ground or externally be joined together to form a structural framing of described a plurality of ring-type elements; Each of wherein said a plurality of ring-type elements is self-supporting, does not have the part of the structural framing that other than ring type supports as space externally, and by described a plurality of ring-type elements described each pipe institute around; Wherein the size of the maximum of each ring-type element is bigger than another the size of each maximum that is connected of described each ring-type element and described a plurality of ring-type elements.

28. circular configuration according to claim 27, wherein said a plurality of ring-type elements are arranged in the surface of circular configuration.

29. circular configuration according to claim 27, further comprise one or more additional ring-type elements that are connected on described a plurality of ring-type element, wherein said one or more additional ring-type element is arranged in the surface of circular configuration, therefore, described one or more additional ring-type element bridge joint the one or more spaces between two or more ring-type elements of the described a plurality of ring-type elements in the surface of circular configuration.

30. circular configuration according to claim 27, further comprise: the one or more ring-type elements in circular configuration are connected to two or more of described a plurality of ring-type elements, therefore, the described one or more ring-type elements in the circular configuration have been reinforced circular configuration internally.

31. turriform, the structural system of the ring-type element of cheese and circular configuration, comprise: a plurality of ring-type elements, they are connected to form the leveling course of a plurality of ring-type elements in the sealing lamination, and wherein the connection between described a plurality of ring-type elements is not ring-type element link or crossing result; The leveling course of wherein said ring-type element is arranged with overlapped way and is connected; And comprising the size of all ring-type elements of one of described water layer than comprising that another the size of ring-type element in abutting connection with described one the described leveling course of described leveling course is little.

32. turriform, the structural system of the ring-type element of cheese and circular configuration, comprise: a plurality of ring-type elements, they are connected to form the leveling course of a plurality of ring-type elements in the sealing lamination, and wherein the connection between described a plurality of ring-type elements is not ring-type element link or crossing result; The leveling course of wherein said ring-type element is arranged with overlapped way and is connected; Wherein in lamination the leveling course of adjacency by staggered, therefore each ring-type element in of the leveling course of described adjacency be connected to described adjacency leveling course other in two of ring-type element on.

33. turriform, the structural system of the ring-type element of cheese and circular configuration, comprise: a plurality of ring-type elements, they are connected to form the leveling course of a plurality of ring-type elements in the sealing lamination, and wherein the connection between described a plurality of ring-type elements is not ring-type element link or crossing result; The leveling course of wherein said ring-type element is arranged with overlapped way and is connected; Therefore wherein the ring-type element in leveling course in lamination is arranged, and each ring-type element in described in abutting connection with leveling course one is connected on two of ring-type element in described in abutting connection with leveling course other.

34. according to the described structural system of claim 12-33, the framework of one or more ring-type elements by a connection of wherein said a plurality of ring-type elements is formed.

35. according to the described structural system of claim 12-33, each of wherein said a plurality of ring-type elements is connected on other no more than one ring-type element of described a plurality of ring-type elements with arbitrary connected mode (by described linkage).

36. according to the described structural system of claim 12-33, two or more in wherein said a plurality of ring-type elements directly are in contact with one another in a connection.

37. according to the described structural system of claim 12-33, each of wherein said a plurality of ring-type elements is connected on other no more than two ring-type elements of described a plurality of ring-type elements, is connected by ways of connecting respectively with other described no more than two each of described a plurality of ring-type elements.

38., further comprise making described ring-type element become self-supporting device according to the described structural system of claim 12-33.

39. the structural system of the arbitrary claim that comprises according to claim 1-38, wherein one or more connections are adjustable, thereby one or more positions of planting described element can change in a kind of the connection.

40. the structural system of the arbitrary claim that comprises according to claim 1-38, the element in wherein connecting is fixed in connection.

41. the structural system of the arbitrary claim that comprises according to claim 1-38, the element that wherein is positioned in the connection is fixed in connection.

42. the structural system of the arbitrary claim that comprises according to claim 1-38 wherein is connected the element of locating in the connection by adjusting and fixes in connection.

43. the structural system of the arbitrary claim that comprises according to claim 1-38, wherein the coupling of Connection Element is an adjustable coupler.

44. according to the described structural system of claim 43, wherein adjustable coupler combines with drive unit.

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