Title of Invention: Spherical structures consisting of triangular panels |

[0001 ] [This statement has been prepared on July 14, 2019 based on No.

139650140003014466 local statement filed with the Iranian Intellectual Property Organization (IRIPO).

Technical Field

[0002] The invention is related to many sciences, including civil engineering,

architecture, mechanics, industrial design, construction management, chemical engineering, earthquake engineering, materials metallurgy, and industrial construction.

Background Art

[0003] Glass domes are spherical structures transferring the received loads to the bearing supports (abutments) through linear members, all under direct tension, located in the spherical dome. The domes are usually thinly cladded (with plastic and glass or fabric, etc.) in order to turn the domes into constrained spaces. Geodesic domes are formed based on the 5 main Platonic solids: tetrahedron (four faces), cube (six faces), octahedron (eight faces), dodecahedron (twelve faces) and icosahedron (twenty faces). The polygons only in these five solids are regular with equal sides, and the number of faces is equal to the number of vertices. In any case, regardless of the way these solids are positioned, all vertices contact the circumference of the sphere. Geodesic domes are formed through sub-divisions into one or more Platonic solids. Octahedron and icosahedron are inherently more stable because they consist of triangles and are used as main elements in most geodesic domes in the constructions. The more the divisions, the smoother and more flexible the domes. Different materials such as galvanized or plated steel, aluminum and wood can be used in the

construction of geodesic spherical structures depending on the climatic conditions and consumer preferences. The number of the parts used depends on the diameter and height of the structure. In other words, the greater the diameter and height of the structure, the greater the quantity of constituting parts accordingly. However, it should be noted that the speed of construction, lightness and the possibility of choosing the desired cladding are among the advantages of this structure. Glass, polycarbonate plates and waterproof fabrics can be used for cladding purposes depending on the type of the materials used. Another advantage of this structure is that it can be implemented independently on the ground or constructed on different structures as domes and the cladding can be carried out later. Glass, polycarbonate plates and waterproof fabrics can be used for the cladding of the structures. Considering the fact that glass is of greater weight than similar products such as flat and multi-walled polycarbonate and provides less safety against impacts, collisions and passage of the sun’s harmful rays, the application of glass based on the above considerations is not justifiable. Therefore, poly-carbonate materials, with the following advantages, are introduced as alternatives:

[0004] Flat polycarbonate plates: Flat polycarbonate plates, similar in appearance to glass, are produced in 2.05 c 3.05 m dimensions. These plates are supplied with anti-UV layers for protection against sunlight. The plates can also be ordered with anti-UV layers on both sides. These plates are produced in various thicknesses of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 mm and in all main colors (bronze, blue, milky, yellow, red, green) as well as colorless (the same color as glass). These plates could be bent over length and width.

[0005] Multi-walled polycarbonate plates: Multi-walled plates are produced in

dimensions of 10 c 6.2 m with thicknesses of 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 20 mm with anti- UV layers for protection against sunlight on one side. These plates are also produced in all main colors (bronze, blue, milky, yellow, red, green) with lightness as an advantage and the possibility of being bent only over the length.

[0006] Attachment of structure cladding: There are several techniques and materials for strengthening and attachment of the cladding to the structure. For the attachment of cladding, special glues are sometimes used, and aluminum plates produced in casting factories and galvanized steel plates made into desired forms through pressing machines are sometimes used.

[0007] The production procedures are indicated after the specification of application type, preparation of relevant drawings and number of required parts in proportion to the dimensions required by the structure. At this stage, materials to be used in the construction of the structure should be specified. These materials are galvanized or plated steel. Galvanized steel pipes are used in the different stages of the production of structural members to be used in the galvanized steel structure. First, the pipes are cut into the appropriate sizes. In the next stage after the pipes are cut to the required sizes, both ends of the pipes are placed under the pressing machine. In the third stage, the pressed parts are drilled for connecting the members to each other. The difference between this statement and other searched inventions:

[0008] Apparently, all of the above patents are identical to the claims in this

statement, but this statement differs completely in the techniques used for connecting the components, manufacturing the upper layer panels, the final cost of each sample and includes innovative stages.

Summary of Invention

[0009] Spherical structures comprised of triangular panels are new types of

structures made of female (mortised) frames which are pinned on the corners through tenons (projections) by washers and gaskets along the length of the faces. Triangular panels with simple frames and two grooves on both sides are designed for the attachment of cladding and sealing rubber on one side and connection to the adjacent frame on the other side for the formation of a hemisphere. The Tenon is designed as a simple part in the form of a solid or hollow rectangular square for longitudinal connection, alignment and sealing of the panels. In a structure with permanent use, it is possible to eliminate the tenons during assembly and create the Tenon and longitudinal connection after installing the last piece by injecting hardening flowing materials such as various adhesives and mortars such as grout from the top of the sphere. At the time of final assembly of the spherical structure, first the chassis of the structure is connected and fixed to the lower section with anchor bolts. In the second stage, the entrance corridor and the door are installed on the chassis and the panels and tenons are then put in place and connected to each other from inside and outside with gaskets and one or more bolts and nuts at corners.

Technical Problem [0010] Lack of access to the top of the dome for possible repairs, lack of sufficient security in case of using glass and rusting of the metal parts if not cared for. Because the structural parts are lightweight and not voluminous, their

transportation from the workshop to the assembly site is easy. In case the project is assembled in another place (other than the place of usage), to expedite project completion, a crane must be used for transportation purposes, taking into account the prerequisite precautions, special arrangements and conditions.

Otherwise, the small parts are prepared in the workshop and then transported to the site and used whenever needed. Installation of geodesic structures involves various techniques and stages depending on the place and conditions. One of these stages is installation on the ground.

Solution to Problem

[0011 ] Panel cladding varies depending on the type of structure usage with the

possibility of using different types of glass and common claddings such as polycarbonate and aluminum sandwich panels, even solar cell panels and so on. The tenons are normally made of different materials as a simple part in the form of a solid or hollow rectangular square for longitudinal connection, alignment and sealing of the panels. The rubber around the cladding attached during panel assembly is used for sealing and integration of the frame and cladding.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0012] These structures are of higher stability and greater strength compared to

similar structures, especially against earthquake force.

[0013] These structures are of very high durability and service life.

[0014] The manufacturing technology used in these structures is up to date and

constantly evolving.

[0015] Space structures are considered as lightweight construction structures

contributing to the growing tendency of the people involved in the construction of buildings to such systems. [0016] The prefabrication of the most of the components in these structures results in the confidence and assurance of engineers concerning their accurate and flawless construction activities.

[0017] The variety and diversity in the forms of these structures has increased their range of applications in architectural spaces, construction elements and components as well as the materials used in the formation of such structures.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig.1

[0018] [fig.1 ] 3D model

Fig.2

[0019] [fig.2 Top view

Fig.3

[0020] [fig.3] Side view

Fig.4

[0021 ] [fig.4] Panel

Fig.5

[0022] [fig.5] Chassis

Fig.6

[0023] [fig.6] Attachment of panel to the chassis

Fig.7

[0024] [fig.7] Attachment of the panels to each other along the length of the faces

Fig.8

[0025] [fig.8] Attachment of the panels on the corners

Fig.9

[0026] [fig.9] Cladding to tenons attachment frame Fig.10

[0027] [fig.10] Cladding sealing rubber

Fig.11

[0028] [fig.11 ] Tenons with solid cross section

Fig.12

[0029] [fig.12] Tenons with hollow cross section

Description of Embodiments

[0030] Spherical structures comprised of triangular panels are new types of

structures made of female (mortised) frames which are pinned on the corners through tenons (projections) by washers and gaskets along the length of the faces. The panels are usually designed in the form of isosceles triangles as simple frames of different sizes with two grooves on both sides for the attachment of cladding and connection to the adjacent frames with different external angles for the formation of a hemisphere. Panel cladding varies depending on the type of structure usage with the possibility of using different types of glass and common claddings such as polycarbonate and aluminum sandwich panels, even solar cell panels and so on. The tenons are normally made of different materials as a simple part in the form of a solid or hollow rectangular square for longitudinal connection, alignment and sealing of the panels. The rubber around the cladding attached during panel assembly is used for sealing and integration of the frame and cladding. At the time of final assembly of the spherical structure, first the chassis of the structure is connected and fixed to the lower section with anchor bolts and then the frame of the entrance door is fixed to the chassis and the ground. The panels are then put in place with tenons and connected to each other from inside and outside with gaskets and one or more bolts and nuts at corners. The material and size of the gaskets and their appearance and form in terms of convexity and concavity are designed based on the angles of the panels to each other, so that in addition to creating pinned connections at corners seal the corners of the panels as well.

Examples [0031 ] Installation stages: 1. First, determination of the installation site 2. Excavation 3. Reinforcement and concrete casting 4. Installation of the spherical structure chassis on the foundation and ensuring the leveling of the chassis 5. Installation of the entrance corridor and door on the chassis and foundation 6. Installation of the panels in their places using tenons 7. Installation of internal and external gaskets using bolts and nuts.

Industrial Applicability

[0032] Applications of this product in the construction industry are as living halls with a view of 540 Degree in roof gardens or building grounds, prefabricated houses, accommodation /service camps. The most important use of this product is as temporary habitations in times after natural disasters like earthquakes and floods.

Reference Signs List

[0033] 10- Cladding

[0034] 1 1 - Panel connection frame

[0035] 12- Tenon

[0036] 13- Sealing rubber

[0037] 14- Cladding placement groove

[0038] 15- Tenon placement groove

[0039] 16- Bolts and nuts

[0040] 17- Washer and rubber gaskets

[0041 ] 20- Frame

[0042] 30- Door

[0043] 40- Structural chassis (angle bar)

[0044] 41 - Reinforcing plates (stiffeners) at the chassis angle bar failure points

[0045] 42. Anchor bolt

Reference to Deposited Biological Material

Sequence Listing Free Text Citation List

Patent Literature

Non Patent Literature