Tensional space frame structure

Abstract

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.

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.