초록 ▼

At least two generally parallel compression rims are joined by tension element spokes, such as cables. A rim separating means, such as columns, holds the rims apart thus maintaining spoke tension. The resulting structural element, comprising rims, tension elements and separating means, becomes an ef

At least two generally parallel compression rims are joined by tension element spokes, such as cables. A rim separating means, such as columns, holds the rims apart thus maintaining spoke tension. The resulting structural element, comprising rims, tension elements and separating means, becomes an efficient means of transferring external forces from one rim to the other.

대표청구항 ▼

A structural system for efficiently distributing forces impinging thereupon, comprising: at least two rim members, spaced a preselected distance apart, each said rim member having an axis perpendicular to the plane of the rim, said axes being aligned so as to be generally parallel with each other, f

A structural system for efficiently distributing forces impinging thereupon, comprising: at least two rim members, spaced a preselected distance apart, each said rim member having an axis perpendicular to the plane of the rim, said axes being aligned so as to be generally parallel with each other, for transferring said impinging forces by means of compression loads in said rims, said perpendicular axes of said at least two rim members being coaxial, thereby forming a common axis of symmetry of said system, each said rim member further comprising a toroidal ring of a preselected cross section; tension member means, disposed between and fixedly attached around the periphery of each rim of directly adjacent pairs of said rim members, for selectively connecting together each said adjacent pair of rims in such a way as to maintain a preselected distance between rim members, said tension member means further comprising a plurality of spokes connectably strung in a preseleected uniform pattern between said directly adjacent rim pairs, each said spoke being fixedly attached at one end thereof to one rim of said pair and at the other end thereof to the other rim of said pair, said preselected spoke pattern being tangentail, each spoke being disposed at a preselected angular offset from a diametrical orientation such that the attaching point on the opposite rim serves also as the starting point for the next spoke, and continuing until the final spoke end attached at the starting point of the first spoke, said pattern thereby forming a central volume therethrough; separating means, applied symmetrically around the periphery of each said rim member so as to axially separate each said rim member from adjacent rim members, for producing a tension load in said tension member means, said tension load in turn producing said corresponding compression load in each said rim member thereby producing a balance of said tension and compression forces throughout said structural system; cylindrical membrane means, disposed around the outer periphery of each of said at least two rim members; a plurality of membrane reinforcing circular hoops, fixedly attached to the exterior of said membrane at uniform intervals, for providing increased radial strength; and wherein said separating means further comprises earth fill, disposed throughout the internal volume of said cylindrical membrane means, said tension member means having been first placed in tension by an externally applied force such that upon removal of said externally applied force said earth fill then maintains rim member separation hence holding said tension members in tension.