FRACTAL STRUCTURE SYSTEM

Abstract

A fractal structure system provides building components with different sizes, which a building component with the next smaller size can insert into or attach to a building component with the next larger size. Each building component has a plurality of channel walls radiating outwardly, and the plurality of channel walls forms a plurality of channels. Each building component further comprises an internal center bore, and the internal center bore includes a plurality of internal center bore corners aligning to said plurality of second channel walls. Different sizes of building components have the same cross sectional profile, which a fractal structure or pattern can be implemented with the different sizes of building components.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a fractal structure system, more particularly, a structure system of building components with different sizes which are capable of connecting together in a fractal pattern. The present invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications for building any type of temporary, semi-temporary, and even permanent structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, the current European and American standard aluminum extrusions for stage building are based on the same square and slot design using the “external lips” as the main structural support for accessories and fixtures. These types of prior art designs are known to fail easily.

A known aluminum extrusion system can consist of aluminum extrusion pillars of the same cross-section profiles, but in different sizes. For example, in a “T slot” aluminum extrusion system, there are series “2020”, “3030”, “4040”, and “4545” systems. The name of the series coordinates with its dimension. For example, the external dimension of a 2020 series system is usually 20 mm×20 mm or 2 inches×2 inches. The external dimension of a 4040 series system is usually 40 mm×40 mm or 4 inches×4 inches. However, each series has its own accessories, fasteners, and connectors, all of which cannot be universally used between each series due to restrictions caused by its profile design. It causes a waste of resources and time to switch between each series.

There remains a need for an aluminum extrusion system of varied dimensions that fulfills at least one of the current needs in the market.

All referenced patents, applications and literatures are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. The disclosed embodiments may seek to satisfy one or more of the above-mentioned needs. Although the present embodiments may obviate one or more of the above-mentioned needs, it should be understood that some aspects of the embodiments might not necessarily obviate them.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a general implementation, a fractal structure system of detachable members in different sizes. A fractal structure system provides building components with different sizes, which a building component with the next smaller size can insert into or attach to a building component with the next larger size. Different sizes of building components have the same cross sectional profile, which a fractal structure or pattern can be implemented with the different sizes of building components.

The instant invention discloses a fractal structure system, comprising a first component and a second component, each with a plurality of channel walls radiating outwardly and an internal center bore, and the channel walls forms a plurality of channels. The second component is configured to insert into the internal center bore of the first component by aligning its channel walls to the first component's internal center bore corners, and the second component is configured to attach to the first component by inserting two of its adjacent channel walls into one of first component's first channels.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, each of the plurality of channel walls and has two external lips.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, each of the external lips has a notch/chamfer.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, each of the internal center bore corners is concave, and both notch/chamferes of each channel wall align to opening concave edges of one of the first component's center bore corners when the second component inserts into the first internal center bore.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, when the second component attaches to the first component by inserting two of its adjacent channel walls into one of the first component's channels, two adjacent notch/chamferes of the first component abut respectively to two channel floors of the second component.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, when the second component attaches to the first component by inserting two of its adjacent second channel walls into one of the first component's channels, two adjacent external lips of the first component abut respectively to two of the second component's adjacent channel walls.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, when the second component attaches to said first component by inserting two of its adjacent second channel walls into one of the first component's channels, two first component's external lips have a clearance tolerance with the second component's channel walls.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, when the second component attaches to the first component by inserting two of its adjacent channel walls into said one of said first channels, two of the first component's adjacent channel walls abut respectively to two of the second component's neighboring channel walls from second channel walls inserting into the first component's channel.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the first component is made of metal.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the metal is aluminum.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, each of channel walls is a T-slot wall.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the first component and the second component has an identical cross sectional profile, and the second component's cross sectional profile is proportionally smaller than the first component's cross sectional profile.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, a linear measuring ratio between the second component's profile and the first component's profile is 0.5.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, further includes a third component, the third component is configured to insert into the second component's internal center bore by aligning the third component's channel walls to the second component's internal center bore corners; and the third component is configured to attach to the second component by inserting two of its adjacent third channel walls into one of the second component's channels.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the first component has a first diameter, the second component has a second diameter, the third component has a third diameter, a ratio between the first diameter and the second diameter is same as a ratio between the second diameter and the third diameter.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, each the first component's channel walls has a first height, each of the second component's channel walls has a second height, each of the third component's channel wall has a third height, a ratio between the first height and the second height is same as a ratio between the second height and the third height.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, each of the first component's channel walls' external lips has a first length, each of the second channel walls's external lips has a second length, each of the third channel walls' external lips has a third length, a first ratio is between the first length and the second length is same as a ratio between the second length and the third length.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the first component is an extrusion.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the first component further comprises a plurality of through holes or non-through holes in each of its plurality first channels.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, at least one of the plurality of through holes or non-through holes is threaded or countersink.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, a fastener inserts into one of the plurality of through holes.

In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, at least one of the external lips is anti-slip striated.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a modular framing structure that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

The many specific implementation details in this disclosure should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination.

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be noted that the drawing figures may be in simplified form and might not be to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, front, distal, and proximal are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the embodiment in any manner.

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of different components with different sizes interconnected together showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of three components with three different sizes inserted together showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of two components with two different sizes inserted together showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of internal corners where the smaller component aligned to the larger component from the FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of three components with three different sizes interconnected together in a linear arrangement showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of three components with two different sizes interconnected together showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional of two components with two different sizes attached together showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of channel and channel walls where the components interconnect together from the FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of two components with two different sizes attached together showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of channel and channel walls where the components interconnect together from the FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is cross sectional view of channel and channel walls where the components interconnect together.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of external lips.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a different embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of another different embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the structural arrangement as shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The different aspects of the various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the embodiments, which are presented as illustrated examples of the embodiments as defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below.

The inventor provides a novel modular structuring system capable of building a fractal pattern for any conceivable structure that requires the use of some kind of underlying framing or truss.

In a general implementation, a system of the same cross-sectional profile but in varied dimensions. Such system can be an aluminum extrusions system of varied dimensions capable of being connected to each other using unique “T” slot channels. However, the current invention is not limited to aluminum. The current system can also be implemented with different suitable material. The current invention is also not limited to extrusion. The current system's component can also be implemented with different suitable shape. The current invention is also not limited to the “T” slot channels. The current system can also be implemented with different suitable connecting shape or channels, such as the “J” channels.

As shown in FIG. 1, a structural arrangement 100 of a fractal pattern is formed with three different dimensions of the same components, in particular an aluminum extrusion profile: large, medium, and small. Each component shares the same cross-sectional profile, and includes a plurality “T” slot channels formed by a plurality of “T” shaped channel walls. Each component also has a center borne with a plurality of borne corners, and each corners aligned to each channel wall. The small extrusion 130 may fit within the center bore of the medium extrusion 120. The medium extrusion 120 may fit within the center bore of the large extrusion 110. The medium extrusion 120 can have T slot channels to slidably fit within the T slot channels of the large extrusion 110, and the small extrusion 130 can have T slot channels to slidably fit within the T slot channels of the medium extrusion 120. With such connection, the current invention provides a system capable of creating a fractal pattern while interconnected.

In other embodiments, any of the center bores can have any shape, i.e., circular, squarish, etc. The shape of the center bore does not need to correspond with the general outer profile shape of the aluminum extrusion that is being received within. For example, a large extrusion may have a circular center bore so long as a medium extrusion may be received within it.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the FIG. 2 shows a structural arrangement 200 of another fractal pattern according to the current invention, which three components with three different sizes inserted together showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the invention. The medium extrusion 120 is inserted into and fit within the center borne 115 of the larger extrusion 110. The small extrusion 130 is slidably inserted into and fit within the center borne 125 of the medium extrusion 120. In another embodiment, the troughs can prevent free rotation of the extrusion that is being stored within the center bore.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two components with two different sizes inserted together showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the invention. The FIG. 3 shows a structural arrangement 300 according to the current invention, which two components with two different sizes inserted together. The medium extrusion 120 is slidably inserted into and fit within the center borne 115 of the larger extrusion 110.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of internal corners where the medium extrusion/component 120 aligned to the larger extrusion/component 110 from the FIG. 3. Here in FIG. 4, a channel wall 122 of the medium extrusion 120 with two external lips 123 is fitted within a center borne 115 and aligned to the corner 116 with some tolerance. The external lip 123 has a chamfer 1231. In a prefer embodiment, the chamfer 1231 is 45 degree as shown in FIG. 12. The corner 116 is concave, and each chamfer 1231 is corresponding to the beginning of the concave shape of the corner 116, which can prevent free rotation of the extrusion that is being stored within the center bore. The concave shape of the corner 116 can also help lower the overall weight of each profile by reducing required raw material during manufacturing.

In other embodiments, any of the center bores can have any shape, i.e., circular, squarish, etc. The shape of the center bore does not need to correspond with the general profile of the aluminum extrusion that is being received within. For example, a large extrusion may have a circular center bore so long as a medium extrusion may be received within it. In some other embodiments, the center bore allows a smaller extrusion to freely rotate within it.

As shown in FIG. 5, a structural arrangement 500 of another fractal pattern is formed with three components each with a different size interconnected together in a linear fashion. The medium extrusion 120 can have one T slot channel 121 to slidably fit within one of the T slot channels 111 of the large extrusion 110, and the small extrusion 130 can have one T slot channel 131 to slidably fit within one of the T slot channels 121 of the medium extrusion 120. Each extrusion has an identical cross-sectional profile. The center borne of the profile also has a plurality of corners aligned to one of the channel walls. As shown in the FIG. 2, the extrusion 110 has a center borne 115, which has a plurality of corners 116 corresponding to one of the channel walls 112. The corners 116 might be a concave shape. The each of the channel walls 116 has two external lips 113. The external lips might be anti-slip striated.

Further, FIG. 5 shows an embodiment where the extrusion has many through-holes on the channel floor of T slot channels. Here, in the cross-section of the large extrusion 110, each of the eight T slot channels 111 is shown with a through-hole 114. There may be a plurality of through-holes in each T slot channel. These through-holes may be threaded or non-threaded, or countersink. These through-holes may receive fasteners.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the FIG. 6 shows a structural arrangement 600 of another fractal pattern according to the current invention, which three components with two different sizes interconnected together. Similar to the fractal pattern as shown in structural arrangement 500 from the FIG. 5, the arrangement 600 also shows two T slot channels 121 of the medium extrusion 120 slidably fit within the T slot channel 111 of two large extrusion 110, such that the two large extrusions 110 are interconnected together via the medium extrusion 120.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of two components with two different sizes attached together showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, a structural arrangement 700 is formed with two components each with a different size interconnected together. The medium extrusion 120 can have one T slot channel 121 to slidably fit within one of the T slot channels 111 of the large extrusion 110.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of channel and channel walls where the components interconnect together from the FIG. 7. The tip of the external lip 113 might be anti-slip striated. FIG. 8 shows while the medium extrusion 120 inserts its channel 121A along with two channel walls 122 into one of the large extrusion 110's channels, the large extrusion 110's channel walls 112 also inserts into the neighboring channel 121B of the medium extrusion 120. Further, the external lip 113's chamfer touches the channel 121B's channel floor.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of two components with two different sizes attached together showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, a structural arrangement 900 is formed with two components each with a different size interconnected together. The medium extrusion 120 can have one T slot channel 121 to slidably fit within one of the T slot channels 111 of the large extrusion 110. The structure 900 is similar to structure 700 as shown in FIG. 7; however the structure 900 shows a different connection position or contact points from structure 700.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of channel and channel walls where the components interconnect together from the FIG. 9. FIG. 10 shows while the medium extrusion 120 inserts its channel 121A along with two channel walls 122 into one of the large extrusion 110's channels, the large extrusion 110's channel walls 112 also inserts into the neighboring channel 121B of the medium extrusion 120. The medium extrusion 120's external lips 123 touch the inner portion of the large extrusion 110's external lips 113. And the large extrusion 110's external lips 113 touch the medium extrusion 120's channel walls 122.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of two components with two different sizes attached together showing a fractal pattern according to an aspect of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11, a structural arrangement 1100 is formed with two components each with a different size interconnected together. The medium extrusion 120 can have one T slot channel 121 to slidably fit within one of the T slot channels 111 of the large extrusion 110. The structure 1100 is similar to structures 700 and 900 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9; however the structure 1100 shows a different connection position or contact points from structures 700 and 900. FIG. 11 shows while the medium extrusion 120 inserts its channel 121A along with two channel walls 122 into one of the large extrusion 110's channels 111, the large extrusion 110's channel walls 112 also inserts into the neighboring channels 121B of the medium extrusion 120. Unlike structural arrangements 700 and 900, the lips of the larger extrusion do not abut against the T slot channel floor of the smaller extrusion in the arrangement 1100. The only contact points in FIG. 11 are between the channel walls 112 of the large extrusion 110 and the tip of the neighbor external lips 123B of the medium extrusion 120. A clearance tolerance is shown between the channel 111 and channel 121A.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of external lips. The 45-degree chamfer may instead be 60/30 degrees when the external profile of the extrusion is hexagonal (e.g., FIG. 14), or 90 degrees when the external profile of the extrusion is square (e.g., FIG. 13). Other degree angles are specifically contemplated to correspond with the angle of surface to which the lip will abut against. In other embodiments, the lips need not have a corresponding angled surface.

The external lips of a T-track can have a 45-degree chamfer (see FIG. 12) on the tip of each lip to provide tolerance. For example, in FIGS. 7-10, the medium extrusion is moved closest to the large extrusion in FIGS. 7 and 8 and moved furthermost from the large extrusion in FIGS. 9 and 10. The 45-degree chamfer may instead be 60/30 degrees when the external profile of the extrusion is hexagonal (e.g., FIG. 14), or 90 degrees when the external profile of the extrusion is square (e.g., FIG. 13). Other degree angles are specifically contemplated to correspond with the angle of surface to which the lip will abut against. In other embodiments, the lips need not have a corresponding angled surface.

The same concept may be used in aluminum extrusions that are 4-sided (see FIG. 13) and 6-sided (see FIG. 14).

While all of the embodiments shown in the figures and discussed above may suggest that all dimensions (large, medium, small) of the aluminum extrusions have the same exact cross-sectional shape, there can be other embodiments where the large, medium, and small extrusions may have similar but not exact cross-sectional shapes. It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that so long the key features (e.g., interrelations between T-tracks and adjacent T-slots, interrelations between external profile and the center bore within which it is received) are implemented then all dimensions (large, medium, small) may not necessarily need to have the same exact cross-sectional shape.

The contemplated novel design can allow space-saving during transport or storage. Further, this design can allow a working relationship between aluminum extrusions of different dimensions. For example, a user may now install accessories originally meant for the smaller dimensioned extrusion on a larger dimensioned extrusions by simply mounting the smaller extrusion onto the side of a larger extrusion. In a way, the smaller extrusions can become the accessories of bigger extrusions. Moreover, smaller dimensioned extrusion may telescopically extend from the center bore of a larger dimensioned extrusion thereby becoming an extended structure to the larger dimensioned extrusion. Conversely, when the telescopically extended portion is not in use, it can telescopically retrieve back into the center bore of the larger dimensioned extrusion.

Depending on the intended uses, any of the contemplated parts in this disclosure can be made of a suitable material to withstand temperature extremes and chemical extremes, such materials include natural and synthetic polymers, various metals and metal alloys, naturally occurring materials, ceramic materials, and all reasonable combinations thereof.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiment includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed herein even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims therefore include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth but also all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Claims

1. A fractal structure system, comprising: a first component with a plurality of first channel walls radiating outwardly and a first internal center bore, wherein said plurality of first channel walls forms a plurality of first channels, and said first internal center bore includes a plurality of first internal center bore corners aligning to said plurality of first channel walls;a second component with a plurality of second channel walls radiating outwardly, wherein said plurality of second channel walls forms a plurality of second channels;wherein said second component is configured to insert into said first internal center bore by aligning said plurality of second channel walls to said plurality of said first internal center bore corners; andwherein said second component is configured to attach to said first component by inserting two adjacent second channel walls into one of said first channels.

2. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 1, wherein said each of said plurality of first channel walls and each of said plurality of second channel walls have two external lips.

3. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 2, wherein each of said external lips of said second channel walls has a notch/chamfer.

4. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 3, wherein each of said first internal center bore corners is concave, and both notch/chamferes of each second channel wall align to opening concave edges of one of said first internal center bore corners when said second component inserts into said first internal center bore.

5. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 2, wherein each of said external lips of said first channel walls and said second channel walls has a notch/chamfer.

6. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 5, wherein two adjacent chamfers of two adjacent external lips, which forms one of said first channels, abut respectively to two channel floors of two neighboring second channels from one of said second channels formed by said two adjacent second channel walls when said second component attaches to said first component by inserting said two adjacent second channel walls into said one of said first channels.

7. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 5, wherein two adjacent external lips, which forms one of said first channels, abut respectively to said two adjacent second channel walls when said second component attaches to said first component by inserting said two adjacent second channel walls into said one of said first channels.

8. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 5, wherein two adjacent external lips, which forms said one of said first channels, have a clearance tolerance with two neighboring second channels from one of said second channels formed by said two adjacent second channel walls when said second component attaches to said first component by inserting said two adjacent second channel walls into said one of said first channels.

9. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 5, wherein two adjacent first channel walls, which forms one of said first channels, abut respectively to two neighboring second channel walls from said two adjacent second channel walls when said second component attaches to said first component by inserting said two adjacent second channel walls into said one of said first channels.

10. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 9, wherein two adjacent first channel walls, which forms one of said first channels, abut respectively to two notch/chamferes of said two neighboring second channel walls when said second component attaches to said first component by inserting said two adjacent second channel walls into said one of said first channels.

11. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first component is made of metal.

12. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 11, wherein said metal is aluminum.

13. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of first channel walls and each of said plurality of second channel walls are T-slot walls.

14. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first component has a first cross sectional profile, said second component has a second cross sectional profile, and said second cross sectional profile is proportionally smaller than said first cross sectional profile.

15. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 14, a linear measuring ratio between said second profile and said first profile is 0.5.

16. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a third component with a plurality of third channel walls radiating outwardly, wherein said plurality of third channel walls forms a plurality of third channels;wherein said second component further comprises a second internal center bore, and said second internal center bore includes a plurality of second internal center bore corners aligning to said plurality of second channel walls;wherein said third component is configured to insert into said second internal center bore by aligning said plurality of third channel walls to said plurality of said second internal center bore corners; andwherein said third component is configured to attach to said second component by inserting two adjacent third channel walls into one of said second channels.

17. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 16, wherein said first component has a first diameter, said second component has a second diameter, said third component has a third diameter, a first ratio is between said first diameter and said second diameter, and said first ratio is also between said second diameter and said third diameter; or wherein each of said first channel walls has a first height, each of said second channel walls has a second height, each of said third channel wall has a third height, a second ratio is between said first height and said second height, and said second ratio is also between said second height and said third height; orwherein each of said first channel walls has a first external lip with a first length, each of said second channel walls has a second external lip with a second length, each of said third channel wall has a third external lip with a third length, a third ratio is between said first length and said second length, and said third ratio is also between said second length and said third length.

18. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first component is an extrusion.

19. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first component further comprises a plurality of through holes or non-through holes in each of said plurality first channels.

20. The fractal structure system as recited in claim 19, wherein at least one of said plurality of through holes or non-through holes is threaded or countersink.