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A method and structural component for use in constructing geodesic domes using standardized polygon panels. The invention allows for the use of a reduced number of components to construct a geodesic dome. In one embodiment, a set of kite-shaped quadrilateral panels with an external convex surface ar

A method and structural component for use in constructing geodesic domes using standardized polygon panels. The invention allows for the use of a reduced number of components to construct a geodesic dome. In one embodiment, a set of kite-shaped quadrilateral panels with an external convex surface are used to substantially construct a geodesic dome. A panel includes two lip seal panel edges. The lip seam edge includes an inwardly disposed lip forming a mating surface suitable for mating with an adjacent straight seam edge of a corresponding panel so that the engagement between the two edges forms a seal. The seal may be made to impede moisture by various fastening methods, including screwing, riveting, gluing, taping or welding. Practice of the invention reduces transportation, inventory, and handling expense. Procurement, assembly, and maintenance complexity for the end user is also reduced.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A structural component panel, for use in constructing a geodesic dome structure, comprising: a kite-shaped quadrilateral body having an outer surface and an inner surface; four panel edges, wherein said panel edges comprise two primary edges and two secondary edges, such that said primary edg

1. A structural component panel, for use in constructing a geodesic dome structure, comprising: a kite-shaped quadrilateral body having an outer surface and an inner surface; four panel edges, wherein said panel edges comprise two primary edges and two secondary edges, such that said primary edges are longer than said secondary edges, wherein one primary edge and one secondary edge each form a lip seam edge suitable for mating with an adjacent panel edge of a corresponding panel, wherein said two lip seal edges do not intersect; and four panel corners defined by the intersection of said panel edges; wherein a primary axis and a secondary axis are formed such that said primary axis intersects a corner defined by an intersection of said two primary edges, wherein said quadrilateral is symmetric with respect to said primary axis; wherein said panel has structure such that an integrated assembly of a plurality of said panels having uniform shape and size substantially forms a geodesic dome structure. 2. The panel of claim 1 wherein said outer surface is convex. 3. The panel of claim 1 wherein said outer surface is a generally planar surface. 4. The panel of claim 1 wherein said outer surface comprises a compound convex curvature. 5. The panel of claim 1 wherein said inner surface is concave. 6. The panel of claim 1 wherein each said lip seam edge comprises an inwardly disposed lip forming a mating surface suitable for mating with an adjacent straight seam edge of a corresponding panel to form a seal. 7. The panel of claim 6 wherein said seal is made to impede moisture by a fastening method selected from the group consisting of screwing, riveting, gluing, taping and welding. 8. The panel of claim 1 wherein said body comprises a plurality of structural ribs protruding from said inner surface and leading substantially from a first panel edge to a second panel edge, wherein said second panel edge does not share a common panel corner with said first panel edge. 9. The panel of claim 1 comprising a secondary layer comprising a polygon-shaped body having a top surface and an bottom surface, wherein said secondary layer is adapted to sealingly mate with said panel body forming a cavity between the inner surface of said panel body and the top surface of said secondary layer. 10. A method of constructing a geodesic dome structure comprising the steps of: selecting a plurality of construction panels, wherein said panels comprise: a) a kite-shaped quadrilateral body having an outer surface and an inner surface; b) four panel edges, wherein said panel edges comprise two primary edges and two secondary edges, such that said primary edges are longer than said secondary edges, wherein one primary edge and one secondary edge each form a lip seam edge suitable for mating with an adjacent panel edge of a corresponding panel, wherein said two lip seal edges are non-intersecting; and c) four panel corners defined by the intersection of said panel edges; d) wherein a primary and a secondary axis are formed such that said primary axis intersects a corner defined by an intersection of said two primary edges, wherein said quadrilateral is symmetric with respect to said primary axis; e) wherein said selected panels are uniform in shape and size; mating a panel edge of a first panel to a panel edge of a second panel, such that a seal is formed, wherein said first panel and said second panel may be uniformly shaped and dimensioned; fastening said seal to impede moisture by a fastening method selected from the group consisting of screwing, riveting, gluing, taping and welding; mating a panel edge of a third panel edge of said second panel, such that a seal is formed and fastened, wherein said second panel and said third panel may be uniformly shaped and dimensioned; and repeating the mating and fastening steps, such that a geodesic dome structure is substantially formed.