TENSIONAL SPACE FRAME STRUCTURE
A tensional space frame structure for use in decorating, covering, or enclosing spaces, utilizing a plurality of tension members organized to interact with vertical compression members to define a desired shape for the structure and transfer vertical loads to the perimeter of the structure. A large number of configurations for tensional space frame structures exhibit the potential to carry significant vertical loads and are suitable for long-span structures.
This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/623,964, filed Jan. 30, 2018, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
FIELDThe present disclosure is in the technical field of general building constructions. More particularly, the present disclosure is in the technical field of three dimensional framework structures.
The present disclosure describes a tensional space frame structure that includes a plurality of top chord tension members, two or more vertical compression members, a plurality of bottom chord tension members, plus a plurality of tension members sloping from the top chord to the bottom chord that determine the overall shape and transfer vertical loads from vertical compression members to the perimeter of the tensional space frame structure.
The tensional space frame structure comprises a perimeter structure for maintaining tension in the tension members. This structure for maintaining tension in the tension members can define a perimeter ring, hexagon, truncated hexagon, square, truncated square, ellipse, or various other geometries of structural members in compression. Alternatively, this structure for maintaining tension in the tension members can comprise a collection of individual structural anchors for groups of one or more tension members.
Additional complexity and advantage can occur in some embodiments when there is a larger quantity of vertical compression members. For example, a triangular pattern of compression members can include one central compression member, six secondary compression members, and a third cohort of twelve compression members. This pattern of vertical compression members can have three vertical compression members at the edge of the overall hexagonal shape and five vertical compression members across the long dimension of an overall hexagonal shape. It is possible in some embodiments to arrange tension members within this triangular pattern in such a way that the support structure depends on the three chords passing under the center compression member for the primary structural lift. In this example the use of primary tension members across the central compression member can provide sufficient structural lift that six intermediate compression members in the third cohort can be supported from the six compression members in the third cohort that are aligned with the primary chord members along the diagonal path. It is also possible in further embodiments to arrange tension members within this this triangular pattern in such a way that the support structure depends on the second cohort of six compression members for the primary structural lifting force. In this example the use of larger tension members across the second cohort can provide sufficient structural lift that the center compression member can be supported from the six secondary compression members.
Tensional space frame structures may exhibit pattern shapes other than triangles, including squares, rectangles, diamonds, and highly variable patterns of multiple geometric shapes within the same structure, similar to the variety of shapes available for arranging solid-member space frame structures. Triangular patterns and patterns of other shapes utilizing larger quantities of vertical compression members can be of value for defining and designing tensional space frame structures with controlled lower chord shapes, for example, in some embodiments it is possible to define very light-weight, long, open span structures with a nearly flat bottom chord.
Further complexity and advantage can occur in some embodiments when there are more vertical compression members in the pattern, that is, where a top chord and bottom chord tension members may span between a greater quantity of vertical compression members. Such more complex patterns can allow for variations in pathways for primary tension members such that vertical support is arranged to optimize the capability to shape the resulting tensional space frame structure.
An alternative embodiment includes a structure for dynamically adjusting the tension on specific tension members or the position of specific tension members relative to specific compression members in order to dynamically modify the shape of the tensional space frame structure.
An alternative embodiment allows that the tensional space frame structure is positioned at an arbitrary angle relative to earth's horizon, thereby allowing that the structure serve as a sloped roof, a wall, or any other built element.
An alternative embodiment allows that an additional vertical structural member is introduced within the field of vertical compression members to provide dramatic shapes within a field of vertical compression members. The additional vertical structural member may be significantly taller that other compression members and may be further supported by other structural components or foundations.
In the drawings, like numerals indicate similar elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. The following describes preferred embodiments of the present invention; however, it should be understood based on this disclosure that the invention is not limited by the preferred embodiments herein.
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The example tensional space frame structure shown in
The example tensional space frame structure shown in
The examples of tensional space frame structures herein demonstrate overall flat structural shapes inasmuch as the vertical compression members are aligned with respect to elevation. The overall shape of the tensional space frame structures can be variable across a significant range, including shapes that require slightly concave upward lower cords. For example, the sloped tension members can be defined to lift the center post, or to lift the center seven posts with respect to the perimeter post elevation. Alternately, the entire structure can have a convex bottom, with or without a concave top, and exhibit the appearance of a hanging structure. The advantages of various embodiments of a tensional space frame structure will be apparent to an engineer with regular skill in the art regarding other features of the structure, including light weight, rigid behavior, high load capacity, wind stability, etc.
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An engineer normally skilled in the art will notice that vertical loads distributed to vertical compression members in the proposed structure of
The diagrams and descriptions herein generally provide for one or more sloped tension members connected to each vertical compression member, but it is possible to combine aspects of a tensional space frame structure and the structure of
The inclusion of fragments of rigid space frames, that is including compressive members to define one or more triangles, one or more rectangles, or one or more volumetric shapes while using sloped tension members to generally support the overall structure is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A space frame structure comprising tension members traversing both a top and a bottom of said space frame, the tensional members held apart by a set of compression members and, the tensional members organized so said tension members transfer loads from the space frame structure and from external frame covers and from external loads, including at least one of wind loads or snow loads, and from internal loads, including at least one of, ceiling finishes or indoor signs, to associated structural components of the space frame structure that further transfer said internal and external loads to other structural elements connected to the space frame structure or directly to one or more foundations, with said space frame structure plus the associated structural components and structural elements comprising:
- (a) two or more of the tension members arranged so that at least two segments of at least one tension member are sloped so as to accept vertical loads from a compression member of the set of compression members and carry both vertical and horizontal load components toward a perimeter of the space frame structure or ends of individual systems of tension member groups;
- (b) a first set of structural elements at the perimeter or ends that cause a net tension in each tension member, including a top tension member; and
- (c) a second set of structural elements at the perimeter or ends that carry vertical loads to at least some of the other structural elements or to the one or more foundations, with said second set of structural elements arranged such that horizontal tensional loads are equalized or carried to the one or more foundations.
2. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the overall shape of the space frame structure in plan is approximately a hexagon or truncated hexagon.
3. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the overall shape of the space frame structure in plan approximates a circle or oval, for example, a twelve-sided figure with connection points occurring approximately along a circle.
4. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the overall shape of the space frame structure in plan is approximately a triangle.
5. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the overall shape of the space frame structure in plan is approximately a rectangle, truncated rectangle, or diamond.
6. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the overall shape of the space frame structure in plan is an arbitrary shape assembled from triangles of equal or unequal dimensions.
7. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the overall shape of the space frame structure in plan is an arbitrary shape assembled from rectangles of equal or unequal dimensions.
8. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the structural elements used to equalize the horizontal tensional loads is a compression ring located near the perimeter of said space frame structure.
9. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the structural elements used to carry the horizontal tensional loads to the one or more foundations comprises a series of support posts and an anchor element that include one or more rigid structural elements or one or more tension members landing in an anchor.
10. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the structural elements used to carry the horizontal tensional loads to the one or more foundations comprises a series of support posts without separate anchor elements, where said support posts are defined and positioned with sufficient strength to carry the horizontal tensional loads.
11. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the structural elements used to carry the horizontal tensional loads is at least one foundation of the one or more foundations, where said at least one foundation is located approximately in a plane defined by said space frame structure.
12. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one of the structural elements used to carry the horizontal tensional loads provides for adjustment in the tensional forces and positions of anchors allowing for various shape configurations of said space frame structure.
13. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the space frame structure is orientated at an arbitrary angle with respect to the horizon.
14. The space frame structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the structural elements used to carry the horizontal tensional loads to the one or more foundations comprises a series of vertical support posts, wherein the series of vertical support posts are introduced into a field of vertical compression members of the set of compression members to create varying dramatic and potentially dynamic shapes for said space frame structure.
15. A space frame structure comprising:
- a top end and bottom end;
- a plurality of tension members including: a plurality of interconnected top chord tension members extending in a top plane at the top end of the space frame structure, the plurality of interconnected top chord tension members including: a first set of spaced-apart top chord tension member rows disposed in parallel; a second set of spaced-apart top chord tension member rows disposed in parallel; and a third set of spaced-apart top chord tension member rows disposed in parallel, wherein none of the first set, second set and third set of spaced-apart bottom chord tension member rows are parallel to each other, and wherein the first set, second set and third set of spaced-apart bottom chord tension member rows define a plurality of top chord junctions where two or more of the first set, second set and third set of spaced-apart bottom chord tension member rows meet; a plurality of interconnected bottom chord tension members extending in a bottom plane at the bottom end of the space frame structure, the bottom plane being parallel with and spaced apart from the top plane, the plurality of interconnected bottom chord tension members including: a first set of spaced-apart bottom chord tension member rows disposed in parallel; a second set of spaced-apart bottom chord tension member rows disposed in parallel; and a third set of spaced-apart bottom chord tension member rows disposed in parallel, wherein none of the first set, second set and third set of spaced-apart bottom chord tension member rows are parallel to each other, and wherein the first set, second set and third set of spaced-apart bottom chord tension member rows define a plurality of bottom chord junctions where two or more of the first set, second set and third set of spaced-apart bottom chord tension member rows meet;
- a plurality of spanning chord tension members respectively extending between the top end and the bottom end of the space frame structure from a top chord junction to a bottom chord junction in a plane that is not perpendicular to the parallel top and bottom planes; and
- a plurality of compression members extending perpendicular to and between the top and bottom planes, the compression members respectively extending from a top chord junction to a bottom chord junction.
16. The space frame structure of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of perimeter anchor points disposed about a perimeter of the space frame structure, the perimeter anchor points coupled to and receiving loads from at least the top and bottom chord tension members.
17. The space frame structure of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of perimeter compression members extending between adjacent perimeter anchor points.
18. The space frame structure of claim 17, wherein the plurality of perimeter compression members and plurality of perimeter anchor points are disposed in the top plane.
19. The space frame structure of claim 15, wherein the space frame structure defines at least three planes of symmetry.
20. The space frame structure of claim 15, wherein the space frame structure top surface and bottom surface are not exactly planar and may describe one of a convex shape, a concave shape, or a complex shape consisting of concave areas, convex areas, and planar areas in any proportion, and where two or more sets of spaced-apart tension members are each approximately parallel and two or more sets of tension member rows meet.
21. The space frame structure of claim 20, further comprising a plurality of perimeter compression members extending between adjacent perimeter anchor points.
22. The space frame structure of claim 21, wherein the plurality of perimeter compression members and plurality of perimeter anchor points are disposed roughly aligned with the top surface.
23. The space frame structure of claim 20, wherein the space frame structure defines at least two planes of symmetry.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 30, 2019
Publication Date: Aug 1, 2019
Inventor: Douglas A. Bors (Bellevue, WA)
Application Number: 16/262,378