University of Notre Dame Du Lac

Hntb Corporation

Ashley P Thrall

Theodore P Zoli, Iii

Angelene J Dascanio

Mirela D Tumbeva

Chad P Quaglia

Yao Wang

Evan J Gerbo

A modular truss joint is a web plate with at least three connectors. Each connection includes a web integrally formed as a portion of the web plate of a certain length. Each connection is positioned at a connector angle with respect to the other connectors. The connections have continuous flanges on a periphery of the modular truss joint. Each flange is oriented transversely to the web. The connectors form a modular structure by each connecting to at least one wide flange body to form a moment resisting connection such that the modular truss joint resists flexure of the modular structure.

Modular truss joint

An adjustable structural connection&#x2014;a connection which can be adjusted to alter the location and angle of member attachment&#x2014;transforms the traditional notion of connections as a static means of connecting members at specific angles to a dynamic means of assembling a variety of structurally efficient forms. The adjustable connection connects a diagonal member to a vertical or horizontal member using either curved plate mounted to both of the structural members or a temporarily rotatable link. The adjustable connection can be used in a kit-of-parts type system, using multiple versions of the adjustable connection, which can join members at a wide variety of angles using a small number of unique components.

Adjustable connection for structural members

An adjustable structural connection can be used to join steel structural elements at a range of angles and is capable of adjusting in situ to accommodate additional angles or tolerances through cold bending. Pre-bent plate or plates may be loosely fitted around steel structural elements, such that holes in the plates align with holes of the steel structural elements. Placing bolts through the aligned holes and tightening those bolts can be used to cold bend the plate or plates and conform the angle of the pre-bent plates to a different angle defined by an apex joint of two steel structural elements. Specific tightening procedures may be employed.

Adjustable bolted steel plate connection

A structural plane is presented for forming a variable depth structure constructed of adjustable modules. Each module is formed of four links connected with revolute joints. The modules are connected at adjacent lateral joints and by upper and lower chords connecting the upper and lower revolute joints of the modules. The ultimate lateral joints of the modules at each end are connected to each end of the structural plane. The adjustable module and other components can form two- and three-hinged arches made of standard rolled steel sections.

Adjustable modules for variable depth structures

A shelter has a packaged configuration and a deployed configuration. The shelter has four panels, each with four edges and two faces. The first and fourth panels have a rectangular shape, and the second and third panels have a quadrangle shape. The relationship of panel edge lengths and angles of the quadrangle shelter panels create a sturdy enclosure that is easy to erect, manipulate, and reconfigure. Furthermore, the shelter may be erected by rotating the panels into place via pivotal connections between the panels and optionally through the use of a lever arm.

Growing community of inventors

South Bend, IN, United States of America

Ashley P Thrall