Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Shaped or strengthened by fluid pressure – Fluid pressure is subatmospheric
Patent
1989-11-01
1990-06-12
Scherbel, David A.
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Shaped or strengthened by fluid pressure
Fluid pressure is subatmospheric
52 2P, 135 99, E04B 134, E04G 1104, E04G 1520, E04H 1526
Patent
active
049321692
ABSTRACT:
An inflatable structure comprises a double wall pneumatic envelope including top and bottom panels. The inflatable structure also includes a central mast and a series of peripheral poles. A central portion of the bottom panel is mounted to a top end of the mast, whereas the bottom end of the mast is secured to the ground. The poles are connected at their upper and lower ends respectively to peripheral portions of the envelope and to the ground. An unrestrained lens-shaped double wall envelope submitted therein with pneumatic pressure tends normally to undergo a reduction of its perimeter while its vertical thickens so as to adopt a sphere shape. Mere pneumatic pressure provided in the envelope thus causes the double wall envelope to inflate, the top panel being supported by the pneumatic pressure in an inflated position, whereas the peripheral portions of the envelope are supported, spaced apart from the ground, by the pneumatic pressure and by the poles. The peripheral poles prevent the envelope from adopting a sphere shape. Mechanical traction forces thus work along with pneumatic forces to provide a rigid and stable structure. Radially extending catenaries are provided in the top and bottom panels to provide further stability and rigidity to the structure. The catenaries at their outward ends are connected to the top ends of the poles, the inward ends of the catenaries of the lower panel being connected to the top end of the mast.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3035590 (1962-05-01), Helmers
patent: 3106772 (1963-10-01), Holcombe
patent: 3326624 (1967-06-01), Maydell
patent: 4099351 (1978-07-01), Dalo
patent: 4767032 (1987-06-01), Jutras
"Pneumatic Structures" Gernot Minke & Hans Eggers, 1976 Verlag Gerd Hatje Stuttgart, pp. 22-27.
Meerkreebs Samuel
Ripley Deborah M.
Scherbel David A.
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