Abstract:
A universally compliant and restorative internodal connector architecture system wherein a plurality of nodal members are interconnected by a spring and strut assembly in a manner that permits manual or actuated relocation of the nodal spacial definition using standard modules.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. 08/903,023 filed on Jul. 30, 1997 now abandoned, in the name of Steven B. Bridgers and entitled “Smart Patch Connector” and claims priority under 35 USC 120 to provisional application No. 60/032,885 filed on Dec. 13, 1996 in the name of Steven B. Bridgers and entitled “Universal Buckminsterfullerene Inter/Intra Connector”. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to connector assemblies and, in particular, to an internodal connector architecture modality for multinodal planar and surfacial configurations. Moreover, the invention relates to a universal, fully rotating dynamic connector for use in modeling, construction, and other fabrications. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Many approaches have been taken for establishing multi-dimensional architecture for use as models, skeletal framework, building kits and the like. While creating versatile shapes, the resultant shapes are primarily static structures relegated to fixed configurations. Moreover, the internodal architecture was relatively rigidly defined, requiring numerous base connector designs for achieving varying shapes and contours. 
   For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,103 to Buist et al. a molecular model assembly having a plurality of articulating arms attached to a core member. Each arm is limited to articulation in a single plane, and subject to such constraints, could be connected to like adjacent components. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,333,349 to Brumlik discloses a molecular orbital model assembly wherein a plurality of preformed spoked coupling elements may be telescopically assembled with tube members for creating polyhedral shapes. Inasmuch as the coupling elements are rigid and preformed, each model requires a multiplicity of coupling elements. Once assembled a rigid, non-kinetic model is provided. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,184 to Fleischer discloses a multi-dimensional sculpture puzzle toy wherein a plurality of tubes are joined together with internal cords that serve as hinges and allow the device to form various geometric shapes. The cord is ineffective in transferring force or movement between the tubes. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,694,954 to Brumlik discloses a construction element having mating segments interconnected by a flexible strap. The arrangement allows limited relative movement between the segments but does not have the capability to transfer forces or movements between adjacent components. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,871 to Gabriel discloses a construction rod system wherein tie rods are releasably connected with joint elements. The tie rods have limited universal movement with respect to the joint elements for facilitating assembly. Once fixed in a three-dimensional array, a relatively rigid assembly is effected. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,430 to Rossman discloses a structural connector having a plurality of radially disposed arms independently rotatably connected to a common hub primarily for establishing planar support platforms. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,218 to Homer disclosed a wedge block clamping system for tubular member using a rigid multiple arm connector system. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,049,897 to Arpels discloses a three-link connector system accommodating relative angular movement between links about a common orbital point. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,566 to Dreiding discloses a construction set for stereochemical model using rigid arms releasably connected between hub members at releasable bayonet connections. The resulting structures are rigid. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,212,455 to Reed discloses an adjustable pipe railing fitting having a plural radial arm individually rotatably connected to a common hub. The resultant assembly is static and rigid. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,219 to Mason discloses a multiple prong connector hub that telescopically receives tubular connecting struts for creating rigid three-dimensional models. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,011 to Ochrymovich discloses a model having tubular struts interconnected by multiple pronged hub connector formed from a flexible sheet material. The resultant structures are rigid and fixed in configuration after assembly. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,947 to Huang discloses a modular dome structure formed of Y-joints and strut members that is rigidized by inflation after assembly through vulcanization and curing. 
   Individual assemblies using compression springs between a center body and radially extending arms have been proposed as effective as a single unit shock absorbing parachute deployable wind vane as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,080,925 to Moore. The indicator is not intended for coupling with other like structures. 
   Based on the foregoing, it is apparent that the prior art structures have limited ability for constructing structures using a common internodal architectural definition, requiring a plurality of adaptations to form variant structures. Further, the internodal structures are passive connecting systems accommodating limited relative movement and are primarily intended for static environments. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a universally compliant and restorative internodal connector architecture system wherein a plurality of nodal members are interconnected by a spring and strut assembly in a manner that permits manual or actuated relocation of the nodal spacial definition using standard modules. The system may include a nodal body member having an internal cavity and a plurality of compliant strut members. Each strut member includes a spring member having a passage therethrough operatively attached at one end to the nodal body member for universal compliant movement with respect thereto and communicating with said internal cavity. The spring members at the other end are operatively connected to an elongated hollow link member having an internal passage extending therethrough communicating with the passage in the nodal members. The link members are adapted for interconnection with a similar compliant strut member on another nodal body member with said passages and said cavity providing a continuous circuit therethrough for the deployment of operating systems therewithin. 
   The connector architecture is based on the dodecaicosohedral symmetry found in the carbon-60 molecule and many other naturally occurring structures. In such form, the connector is particularly suited for the construction of domes, spheres, tubes and other polyhedral structures. Therein the spring members function as flexible, tunable compliant connector modalities. Such compliancy permits the relative structural angles to vary enabling the structures in response to induced or directed movement to assume an equilibrium moved state through internal and/or external actuation. The connector architecture is compatible with conventional and micro-scale manufacture and assembly. 
   By incorporating the compliant elements, a plurality of accommodating and beneficial functions are attained. In conventional mechanics, torque, differential movement, relative rotation, and triaxial force transmission are provided. The elements may also be employed for electromagnetic and thermal control. Remote control systems may be used for effecting selective movement of the components. The extent and mobility of the resultant structures is a function of the resilience and attenuation of the connected members. The more resilient and finely tuned, the greater the range of movement. In geometrical array, the assembled structures based on the connector architecture may be folded and extended between stowed and deployed form. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a connector module for an internodal connector architecture system in accordance with the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a cube in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a tetrahedron is accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of internested connector assemblies in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of a connector module; 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of the connector module of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the connector module taken along line  7 — 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded front view of the connector module; 
       FIG. 9  is a front view of the components of the connector module; and 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of internodal connector architecture system. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to the drawings for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention and not for limiting same, there is shown an internodal connector architectural system  10  for operatively and flexibly interconnecting a plurality of nodal sites disposed in three dimensional or planar orientation. For purposes of preliminary description, the invention will be referenced to the tetrahedral structure of FIG.  3  and the cubical structure of FIG.  2 . However, it will become apparent that the system may be deployed in many configurations, regular or irregular, based on triangulated and non-triangulated spacial definitions. As to such definitions, the system accommodates and initiates selective, controlled and compliant response to externally or internally applied forces and movements to establish a desired reorientation. Controlled actuation and like utility subsystems may be incorporated or pendantly applied. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , an internodal connector architecture system  10  comprises base connector modules  12  in accordance with the invention to define spatially varying geometries. Each connector module  12  comprises a center node  20  having a plurality of universally compliant and restorative struts  22  connected at angularly spaced locations thereto. The struts  22  include a helically coiled spring  24  connected at an inner end to the node  20  and connected at an outer end to the inner end of an elongated link member  26 . The outer ends of the link member  26  are adapted to be connected with an adjacent strut or spring on another module for establishing in assembly with a plurality of like modules a three dimensionally configured frame assembly. 
   The node  20 , as shown additionally in  FIGS. 7 through 9 , is illustrated as spherical, however it will be apparent that various other configurations may be utilized for providing a common anchoring site for associated struts. Similarly, the spring  24  is illustrated as a helically coiled extension spring, however other universally compliant, coiled and uncoiled, triaxially translatable components may be utilized. As such, the spring  24  affords many compliant capabilities. The spring accommodates axial movement as shown by numeral  30  in FIG.  1 . The spring dampens axial movement. The spring transmits torque. The spring dampens torque. The spring accommodates universal movement of the node relative to the strut. Upon displacement, the spring develops restorative forces for self-biasing to the original condition as shown by numeral  32  in FIG.  1 . In the described embodiment, the spring  24  is a conventional helically coiled extension type operatively symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis. In assembly with the node  20 , the axes of the spring may be regularly angularly spaced and coincident. For the illustrated module, three modules are equally circumferentially spaced and lie in a common plane. Such a base configuration may be flexibly deployed as a standard module for establishing a wide variety of spacial definitions. However, a greater or lesser number of springs with varying polar orientations may be employed for discrete definitions, while retaining the benefits of the invention. 
   The springs may be connected between the nodes and the struts in any suitable manner allowing the spring to maintain the aforementioned functions. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the inner end of the spring  50  of the connector module  51  may be retained in a counterbore  53  in the node  52 . The outer end of the spring is connected with telescoping tubes  55  of a strut  54 . However, other mechanical, adhesive or otherwise connective means may also be employed for the connections. 
   The struts function as a spacing member between the respective nodes and springs. As illustrated, the struts are tubular and coaxially connected with the springs. However, the struts may provide for relative translation and articulation, actuated or accommodated, with non-coaxial alignment therebetween or with respect to the springs. As illustrated the struts are tubular having a longitudinal axis coaxial with the springs. Solid and non-cylindrical components may also be used as the connecting structure between the node sites. 
   In the illustrated cylindrical form or with interior passages defined in the components, various control, actuating and utility functions may be incorporated within the system for ancillary purposes or for effecting movement of the node sites. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 10 , a rotary or linear actuator  80  may be disposed within telescoping struts  82 ,  84  and connected at operative ends with either the separate struts or with the nodes. Accordingly, the effective strut length may be extended or contracted to change the spacial definitions of the connected nodes and as accommodated by compliant movement of the other components. Such power supplies may be internally or exteriorly located and routed within the interior passages. Such movement may also be effected by actuators disposed exteriorly. Similarly rotary actuators will effect compliant resultant movement. The internal passages may also be utilized for passive routing such as electrical, hydraulic and other utility functions. Upon disabling of the actuators and the like, the restorative biasing of the compliant springs will return the system to the original equilibrium condition. 
   The foregoing features and advantages may be illustratively incorporated into the regular tetrahedron shown in FIG.  3 . Therein, the nodal site is spherical, the springs of the helical extension type and equally angularly spaced in a common plane, and the struts of equal length and telescopically connected. It will be appreciated that such a configuration represents the greatest stressed condition for a polyhedral shape. Nonetheless, the structure is highly compliant in achieving the fully triangulated orientation. Other polyhedrons obviously impose lesser stressed conditions. Thus, it clearly demonstrates that a standard connector may be utilized in achieving a broad variety of spacial definitions. Nonetheless, dedicated nodes having orientations specific to the design structure may be used. 
   Each strut may also be manually shifted or actuated to vary the effective length to establish a revised nodal orientation and accordingly an irregular configuration. The compliancy of the structure readily accommodates such revision. Further, upon restoration of the original strut condition, the restorative biasing of the springs reestablishes the original condition. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the illustrated cubical frame can also be established by the common components. As a non-triangulated architecture, the frame, in addition to the foregoing actuations, may also be collapsed and redeployed, demonstrating further the flexibility and adaptability of the system. Therein, the upper nodal plane may be moved, through the compliancy of the struts and springs into a common plane with the lower nodal plane. Upon release of the confinement, the restorative characteristic of the system will provide self-biasing to the original condition. The cubical frame may be further compliantly collapsed to align the struts in parallel juxtaposed positions whereby the frame is compacted along a longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the outer components may be inwardly folded for further compaction and storage. Upon release of confinement, the restorative biasing will reestablish the original cubical condition. Such capabilities allow complex configurations to be compactly stowed, transported, and redeployed at alternative sites. 
   The architecture may also be deployed in substantially planar array as shown in FIG.  10 . Therein, a plurality of modules  80  are interconnected with a telescopic struts  82  and a rotary strut  84  as described above, with terminal peripheral components available for termination or connection with like or dissimilar structures. The resultant compliant conformal surface may adapt to varying abutting curvatures or be selectively actuated to achieve revised definition. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , plural geometric arrays may be inter-disposed. Thus, an outer body or hexagon  90  spatially defined by connector assemblies  92  may be compliantly connected with an inner body or hexagon  94  based on connector assemblies  96  by interconnecting compliant springs  98 . It will be appreciated that discrete, macro movement or deformation of the outer body  90  will limitedly affect the inner body  94  inasmuch as the reaction forces will be attenuated by the compliancy. 
   Having thus described a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will now be appreciated that the objects of the invention have been fully achieved, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The disclosures and description herein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limiting of the invention, which is defined solely in accordance with the following claims