Space frame construction system

Abstract

The invention relates to a space from construction system for three-dimensional positioning of reference points. The frame system comprises struts in the form of tubular elements and nodes in the form of spherical elements with a larger diameter than the diameter of the tubular elements, for joining struts. Each node is directly connected via struts to at least three other nodes and the struts are connected to the nodes by means of an adhesive. Each reference point is mounted upon at least one respective node.

1 . (cancelled)  
     
     
         2 . A frame system according to  claim 8 , characterized in that four adjacent nodes form a tetrahedron where the distances may be of different lengths.  
     
     
         3 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         4 . A frame system according  claim 13 , characterized in that the glue consists of an epoxy resin.  
     
     
         5 . A frame system according to  claim 8 , characterized in that the distances are manufactured from a laminate of fiber reinforced thermosetting resin.  
     
     
         6 . A frame system according to  claim 8 , characterized in that the nodes are manufactured from a plastic material.  
     
     
         7 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         8 . A space frame built of nodes in the shape of spherical elements and distances 
 characterized in that every distance is between two nodes,    that every node can freely be positioned in relation to three reference nodes, through the lengths of three distances between the node and the three reference nodes,    that the ends of the distances have such a shape that they have a sole stable position against the node, and    that the ends of the distances are fixed with adhesive methods to the spherical surfaces of the nodes.    
     
     
         9 . A space frame according to  claim 8 , characterized in that the distances are made of cylindrical pipes.  
     
     
         10 . A space frame according to  claim 8 , characterized in that the distances are hollow profiles where the hole has a shape that give a sole stable position against the sphere.  
     
     
         11 . A space frame according to  claim 8 , characterized in that the distances are equipped with end fittings where the ends have spherical faces with the same radius as the sphere of the fitting node and that the end fitting is included in the length of the distance.  
     
     
         12 . A space frame according to  claim 8 , characterized in that a structure is made of a number of tetrahedrons of different shapes emanating from a base tetrahedron.  
     
     
         13 . A space frame according to  claim 8 , characterized in that the adhesive bond is made by gluing.  
     
     
         14 . A space frame according to  claim 8 , characterized in that the adhesive bond is made by soldering.  
     
     
         15 . A space frame according to  claim 8 , characterized in that the adhesive bond is made by welding.  
     
     
         16 . A space frame according to  claim 4 , wherein the ends of each hollow profiles rest against the sphere of the connected nodes.  17 . A space frame according to  claim 5 , wherein the ends of each end fittings have a form corresponding to the sphere of the connected nodes.