A truss structure 2, e.g. a cycle frame, has nodes 4 with at least one replaceable tube 6. Each end of the replaceable tube 6 has a removable fastener 20 engaging plug insert 24/26 to secure the tube 6 to the node 4. The fastener 20 may be removed via access hole 44, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube 6. The fastener 20 may be a threaded screw or bolt, or may have barbs or hooks to wedge into the fastening hole. The fastener 20 may be hidden. The tube 6 may have crack-stopping indents 34. Internal rib 36 may prevent the tube 6 from rotating and mechanical fretting. The tube 6 may be carbon fibre impregnated with resin (CFRP composite tube), moulded, cast, or made by additive manufacturing. The tube 6 may have a circular or non-circular cross-section (e.g. elliptical, rectangular, polyclonal or other irregular cross-sections). The truss structure may be a bicycle frame, or a three-dimensional structure e.g. vehicle chassis. A tube 6 can thus be replaced, e.g. if damaged, without replacing the whole frame.
Truss structure
2017-09-27
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | F16B DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES , Vorrichtungen zum Befestigen oder Sichern von Konstruktionselementen oder Maschinenteilen, z.B. Nägel, Bolzen, Schrauben, Sprengringe, Klemmen, Klammern oder Keile / B62K Fahrräder , CYCLES |
NTRS | 1988
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