WO2023041675A1

WO2023041675A1 - Methods for assembling a lattice structure

Info

Publication number: WO2023041675A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/075709
Authority: WO
Inventors: José Ramón LÓPEZ BLANCO
Original assignee: Lopez Blanco Jose Ramon
Priority date: 2021-09-15
Filing date: 2022-09-15
Publication date: 2023-03-23
Also published as: EP4151810A1

Abstract

Methods for assembling a lattice structure are provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of node elements and a plurality of elongated bars. The method includes displacing a first elongated bar, in a first direction, such that the proximal end of the first elongated bar is inserted into a hollow insertion channel of a first node element and displacing a second elongated bar, in a second direction, such that the proximal end of the second elongated bar is inserted into a hollow insertion channel of a second node element. The method further comprises: displacing the first elongated bar in a third direction, opposite to the first direction, such that the distal end of the first bar is inserted into a corresponding hollow insertion channel of a third node element. Methods for disassembling a lattice structure are also provided.

Description

Methods for assembling a lattice structure

The present application claims the benefit and priority of EP 21 382 836.1 filed on September 15, 2021.

The present disclosure relates to methods for assembling a lattice structure and I or methods for disassembling a lattice structure.

BACKGROUND

Lattice structures may generally be defined by a plurality of interconnected struts normally joined or attached to one another at appropriate connecting components, and collectively arranged to produce the intended structure. The use of these structures has been generally known and used in the construction of a variety of architectural and engineering structures. Certain recognized advantages of such structures include a substantially balanced distribution of loads and stresses throughout the formed structure, as well as the ability to take advantage of the light-weight and high strength of the materials from which such assemblies are formed.

However, the problems exhibited by these known types of lattice structures are well known. More specifically, the connecting gusset plate components or other connector parts utilized in assembling the known types of lattice structures may require e.g., the use of a large number of bolts or fasteners. This structural arrangement generally increases the manufacturing and maintenance cost.

It is further known to incorporate threaded connections to assemble the struts to the connecting components. However, the threading procedure is time consuming, and therefore, expensive considering the number of components involved in the formation of a given lattice structure.

Connecting components have also been developed which include the plurality of interconnected struts having modified ends, e.g., flattened or bent. However, such mechanical deformation is costly and may weaken the structural integrity of the entire structure.

Additionally, in order to assemble the struts forming part of the lattice structure, manual aid is generally required. Particularly, large lattice structures involve intricate assembly steps that require significant human interaction and skill. The unexperienced manipulation of the struts directly increases the risk for the operator especially if the operator may be standing directly under or near the struts to be assembled. In some cases, the lattice structures may also require highly skilled technicians to appropriately configure and join the struts.

In summary, the assembly of the lattice structures may be cumbersome and time consuming. Complex connecting components are generally used. Moreover, the known methods to assemble a lattice structure require multiple builders to assist in assembly of the structure and the struts must be manipulated to form the correct angle. Tools are required to assemble and disassemble the structure. These problems may result in increased costs, increased assembly and disassembly time, inferior structural characteristics, limited structure size, and more risk for the operators.

Examples of the present disclosure seek to at least partially reduce one or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, a method for assembling a lattice structure is provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of node elements comprising a main body including two or more hollow insertion channels. The hollow insertion channels are configured to receive an elongated bar. The hollow insertion channels extend from an outer end to an inner end. The method further comprising: providing a plurality of elongated bars. Each elongated bar of the plurality of elongated bars comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The method further comprising: displacing a first elongated bar of the plurality of elongated bars, in a first direction, such that the proximal end of the first elongated bar is inserted into a first hollow insertion channel of a first node element of the plurality of node elements, from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element to the inner end of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element, until the proximal end of the first elongated bar is situated at a deep position beyond a final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element. The method further comprises: displacing a second elongated bar of the plurality of elongated bars, in a second direction, such that the proximal end of the second elongated bar is inserted into a first hollow insertion channel of a second node element of the plurality of node elements, from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element to the inner end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element, until the proximal end of the second elongated bar is situated at a final position or beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element. The method further comprises: displacing the first elongated bar, in a third direction, opposite to the first direction, such that the distal end of the first elongated bar is inserted into a first hollow insertion channel of a third node element of the plurality of node elements, until the distal end of the first elongated bar is situated at a final position and the proximal end of the first elongated bar is situated at the final position; and wherein a distance between the proximal end of the first elongated bar at the final position and at the deep position is equal to or higher than a distance between the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element and the distal end of the first elongated bar at the final position.

According to this first aspect, the plurality of node elements and the plurality of elongated bars that are configured to the function of forming a lattice structure are provided. To this end, a node element of the plurality of node elements is provided with a main body including two or more hollow insertion channels configured to receive the elongated bar. A final position for receiving the distal end of the elongated bar may be defined, along the length of the hollow insertion channels beyond the outer end of the hollow insertion channels. The final position for receiving the distal end of the bars may also be defined at a position between the outer end of the hollow insertion channels and the deep position. As a result, the predetermined position for receiving the bars may be defined at any position along the length of the hollow insertion channels or at any position beyond the outer end of the channels, at a distance from the outer end of the channels.

With the provision of such nodes and bars, the proximal end of the first elongated bar is displaced and inserted, in a first direction, into the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element until such proximal end of the bar is situated, at the deep position, beyond the defined final position. As a result, since the proximal end of the first elongated bar is inserted into the first hollow insertion channel up to a relatively deep position (i.e. a position beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element) for receiving the proximal end of the first elongated bar, the distal end of the first elongated bar may not interfere with the installation of the third node element, as will be described later on.

A proximal end of a second elongated bar is displaced and inserted, in a second direction, into the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element, from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element to the inner end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element, such that the proximal end of the second elongated bar is situated, at a final position or beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element. As a result, since the proximal end of the second bar is inserted, into the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element, to a relatively shallow position (as compared with the deep position at which the first elongated bar is inserted), the distal end of the second elongated bar is situated at a suitable position for receiving the third node element. At this point, the first elongated bar is displaced in a third direction, opposite to the first direction, such that the distal end of the first elongated bar is inserted into the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element, until the distal end of the first elongated bar is situated at the final position of the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element and the proximal end of the first elongated bar is situated at the final position of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element. The distance between the proximal end of the first elongated bar at the final position and at the deep position is equal to or higher than the distance between the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element and the distal end of the first elongated bar at the final position.

The lattice structure can thus be assembled in a simple and fast manner. According to this first aspect, the first elongated bar may not interfere with positioning the third node element that will receive the distal end of the first elongated bar, since the distance between the proximal end of the elongated bar at the deep position and at the final position in the first node element is equal to or higher than the distance between the outer end of the third node element and the distal end of the first elongated bar at the final position in the third node element. The assembly of the lattice structure may also be performed without complex tools or heavy cranes and using a relatively low number of operations. Moreover, the same assembly procedure may be employed regardless of the cross-sectional shapes of the bar. In fact, standard bars or tubes can be used without any substantial modification at their distal and proximal ends. The standard bars or tubes may extend from a proximal end and a distal end in a direction. Therefore, the standard bars or tubes may be substantially straight. Additionally, all node parts can be fabricated repetitively by standard and inexpensive techniques, e.g., metal casting or plastic injection molding.

The lattice structure may also be easily repaired, and maintenance can be performed in an easy way. Any damaged bar or node may be easily replaced following a simple disassembly I assembly sequence.

In some examples, the method further comprises, before displacing the first elongated bar in the third direction, displacing the third node element towards the second elongated bar in the second direction such that the distal end of the second elongated bar is inserted into a second hollow insertion channel of the third node element, until the distal end of the second elongated bar is situated at a final position.

The third node element may be displaced towards the second elongated bar such that the distal end of the second elongated bar is inserted into the second hollow insertion channel of the third node element. With such an arrangement, the assembly of the third node element with respect to the second elongated bar is not interfered by the distal end of the first elongated bar since, as commented above, such first elongated bar has been inserted into the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element at the deep position (i.e. a position beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element) ) such that the distal end of the first elongated bar does not interfere with the installation of the third node to the second elongated bar. It is noted that, once the third node element has been assembled to the second elongated bar, the distal end of the first elongated bar is not inserted into the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element.

In some examples, the method further comprises, before displacing the second elongated bar in the second direction, displacing the third node element towards the second elongated bar in the second direction such that the distal end of the second elongated bar is inserted into a second hollow insertion channel of the third node element, until the distal end of the second elongated bar is situated at a final position; and securing the distal end of the second elongated bar to the third node element. Consequently, the distal end of the second elongated bar may be preinserted and pre-attached to the second hollow insertion of the third node element before the proximal end of the second elongated bar is inserted into the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element.

In some examples, the second elongated bar is displaced such that the proximal end of the second elongated bar is inserted into the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element until the proximal end of the second elongated bar is at a deep position beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element. In these examples, the third node element is in a fixed position; and the method further comprises displacing the second elongated bar in a direction opposite to the second direction, so that the distal end of the second elongated bar is at a final position from the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel of the third node element and the proximal end of the second elongated bar is moved from the deep position to the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element.

In some examples, the method comprises: securing the proximal end of the second elongated bar to the second node element and I or securing the distal end of the second elongated bar to the third node element, and securing the proximal end of the first elongated bar to the first node element and I or securing the distal end of the first elongated bar to the third node element. With such an arrangement, and upon the appropriate joining of the bar ends to the corresponding node channels (e.g., bolted or glued), the translational and the rotational movements of the bars become effectively restrained, thus the buckling resistance of the bars under compressive loads is optimized. Additionally, a strong and stiff attachment between the bars and the node elements is achieved.

According to a second aspect, a method for disassembling a lattice structure that comprises a plurality of node elements and a plurality of elongated bars is provided. The plurality of node elements comprises a main body including two or more hollow insertion channels. The hollow insertion channels are configured to receive an elongated bar. The hollow insertion channels extend from an outer end to an inner end. Each elongated bar of the plurality of elongated bars comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The lattice structure at least comprises: a first elongated bar having a proximal end inserted in a first hollow insertion channel of a first node element of the plurality of node elements in a final position and a distal end inserted in a first hollow insertion channel of a third node element of the plurality of node elements in a final position; and a second elongated bar having a proximal end inserted in a first hollow insertion channel of a second node element of the plurality of node elements in a final position and a distal end inserted in a second hollow insertion channel of the third node element of the plurality of node elements in a final position. The method comprising: displacing the first elongated bar, in a first direction, until the proximal end of the first elongated bar is displaced from the final position to a deep position situated beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element, and the distal end of the first elongated bar is extracted from the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element, wherein a distance between the proximal end of the first elongated bar at the final position and at the deep position corresponds to a distance between the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element and the distal end of the first elongated bar at the final position, so that the displacement of the proximal end of the first elongated bar from the final position to the deep position enables the removal of the distal end of the first elongated bar from the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element. The method further comprises: displacing the second elongated bar, in a second direction, until the proximal end of the second elongated bar is displaced from the final position to a deep position situated beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element, and the distal end of the second elongated bar is extracted from the second hollow insertion channel of the third node element, wherein a distance between the proximal end of the second elongated bar at the final position and at the deep position corresponds to a distance between the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel of the third node element and the distal end of the second elongated bar at the final position, so that the displacement of the proximal end of the second elongated bar from the final position to the deep position enables the removal of the distal end of the second elongated bar from the second hollow insertion channel of the third node element, and removing the third node element from the lattice structure.

According to this second aspect, the lattice structure comprising the plurality of node elements and the plurality of elongated bars may be disassembled in a simple and fast manner. Advantages derived from this aspect may be similar to those mentioned regarding the method for assembling the lattice structure of the first aspect.

In some examples, the method further comprises, displacing the first elongated bar, in a third direction, opposite to the first direction, until the proximal end of the first elongated bar is extracted from the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element; and displacing the second elongated bar, in a direction opposite to the second direction, until the proximal end of the second elongated bar is extracted from the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element. Therefore, the first elongated bar and the second elongated bar may be removed from the lattice structure.

In some examples, the method further comprises before displacing the first elongated bar in the first direction, releasing the proximal end of the first elongated bar with respect to the first node element and releasing the distal end of the first elongated bar with respect to the third node element; and before displacing the second elongated bar in the second direction, releasing the proximal end of the second elongated bar with respect to the second node element and releasing the distal end of the second elongated bar with respect to the third node element. By releasing the ends of the first elongated bar and the second elongated bar, the first elongated bar and the second elongated bar are no longer fixed to the corresponding node elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figures 1a - 1d schematically illustrate an example of a node element;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates another example of node elements;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a further example of node elements; Figure 4 schematically illustrates another example of a node element;

Figure 5a - 5c schematically illustrate a further example of a node element;

Fig 6a - 6g schematically illustrate a sequence of situations that may occur during the performance of a method for assembling a lattice structure;

Figure 7 shows an example of a lattice structure assembled using the method for assembling a lattice structure described with reference to figures 6a - 6g;

Figures 8a - 8b schematically illustrate a sequence of situations that may occur during the performance of a method for disassembling a lattice structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Figures 1a - 1d schematically illustrate an example of a node element. The node element 10 shown in the figures 1a - 1d may be part of a lattice structure as will be described later on. Examples of the lattice structure may be a lattice tower, a dome, a scaffold or a deck. For example, the node element may be used in the lattice structure described with reference to figure 7. The node element may also be part of space frames e.g., single or multilayered space frames.

Figure 1a shows the node element 10. The node element 10 may be made e.g., of metal, fiber reinforced plastic, concrete, or any other suitable material. The node element 10 may comprise a main body 11. In this example, the main body 11 is a hexagonal ring including six sides 18a - 18f and six vertexes 19a - 19f.

The main body 11 may comprise an outer side 11a and an inner side 11b. The main body 11 may further comprise six hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f extending between the outer side 11a and the inner side 11b forming a corresponding through-hole. The hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f may be situated at corresponding vertexes 19a - 19f of the main body.

Each hollow insertion channel 12a - 12f may comprise an inner end 13a - 13f and an outer end 14a - 14f. The inner end 13a - 13f of the hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f may extend beyond the inner side 11 b of the main body 11. Similarly, the outer end 14a - 14f of the hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f may extend beyond the outer side 11a of the main body 11 .

The hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f may be specifically shaped to provide the insertion of an elongated bar (not shown in figure 1a but shown in figure 1 b) of a certain kind or shape. The elongated bar in question can thus be inserted from the outer end 14a - 14f of the hollow insertion channels to the inner end 13a - 13f of the hollow insertion channels by traversing the corresponding through-hole.

Throughout the description, the elongated bar may be a rigid elongated bar. The rigid elongated bar has a shape which may not be elastically deformed. Therefore, forces applied to the rigid elongated bar may not deform the shape of the rigid bar. As a result, the rigid bar may not undergo misshapes under the action of forces. For example, a force may be the weight. When the rigid elongated bar is inserted into the hollow insertion channel, the rigid elongated bar may not be bent so that the bending causes the rigid elongated bar to be inserted into the hollow insertion channel.

As shown in figure 1b, a deep position 17 for receiving the proximal end of the elongated bar may be defined. The deep position 17 is beyond a final position 16a from the outer end 14a of the hollow insertion channel 12a of a first node element 10a. It may be understood that the deep position may be beyond a final position from the outer end 14a - 14f of any hollow insertion channel 12a - 12f of the node element 10 of a plurality of node elements. The deep position 17 may be defined at a distance (e.g., 8 centimeters) from the outer end 14a of the hollow insertion channel 12a (in a direction towards the inner end 13a). The final position 16a is between the outer end 14a of the hollow insertion channel 12a and the deep position 17. The final position 16a may correspond to the position of the proximal end 15a of the elongated bar 15, once the lattice structure has been assembled. A distance between the proximal end 15a of the elongated bar 15 at the final position 16a and at the deep position 17 may be determined. In addition, a distance between the proximal end 15a of the elongated bar 15 at the final position 16a and at the deep position 17 may be determined. This distance is equal to or higher than a distance between the outer end 14 d of the hollow insertion channel 12d of a second node element 10b and a distal end 15b of the elongated bar 15 at a final position 16b from the outer end of the hollow insertion channel 12d of a second node element 10b.

For example, the final position 16a may be defined at a distance (e.g., 4 centimeters) from the outer end 14a of the hollow insertion channel 12a (in a direction towards the inner end 13a). According to this example, if there is a distance of 8 centimeters from the outer end 14a for the proximal end 15a of the elongated bar at the deep position 17, and there is a distance of 4 centimeters from the outer end 14a for the final position, the distance between the proximal end of the first elongated bar at the final position 16a and at the deep position 17 is 4 centimeters. This distance is equal to or higher than the distance between the outer end 14 d of the hollow insertion channel 12d of and the distal end 15b positioned at the final position 16b.

It is noted that the elongated bar in such final position 16a - 16b is not shown in figure 1 b

It is noted that if the proximal end 15a of the bar is situated at the deep position 17 beyond the final position 16a (as the elongated bar is inserted from the outer end 14a to the inner end 13a of the channel), the distal end 15b of the elongated bar 15 will not interfere with the installation of a further node to the lattice structure to be formed, as will be explained later on.

However, as shown in figure 1c, if the proximal end 15a of the elongated bar is situated at the final position 16a (i.e., in a position between the outer end 14a and the deep position 17) for receiving the bar.

It is thus clear that the deep position 17, for inserting the elongated bar, is an intermediate position which delimits a temporary position (i.e., relatively deep insertion position) so that the displacement of the proximal end of the elongated bar from the deep position 17 to the final position 16a causes the insertion of the distal end 15b of the elongated bar 15 in the hollow insertion channel 12d of the second node element 10b.

Because the distance between the proximal end 15a at the final position 16a and the proximal end 15a at the deep position 17 is equal to or higher than the distance between the outer end 14d of the hollow insertion channel of the second node element 10b and the distal end 15b at the final position 16b, the elongated bar 15 may be correctly situated until the distal end 15b of the elongated bar 15 is situated at the final position 16b and the proximal end 15a of the elongated bar 15 is situated at the final position 16a. Likewise, the distance between the proximal end 15a at the final position 16a and the proximal end 15a at the deep position 17 causes the distal end 15b to not interfere with the installation of a further node element when the proximal end 15a is situated at the deep position and this distance is equal to or higher than the distance between the outer end 14d of the hollow insertion channel of the further node element and the distal end 15b at the final position 16b. It is noted that the deep position 17 for inserting the elongated bar may be defined in a substantially similar way with respect to the remaining hollow insertion channels of the node elements. In some examples, the final position and I or the deep position for inserting the elongated bars may be defined at the same distance with respect to the outer end of the corresponding hollow insertion channel, for all the hollow insertion channels of the node element (and for all the node elements forming part of the lattice structure to be formed).

As commented above, the distance between the proximal end of the elongated bar at the final position and the proximal end of the elongated bar at the deep position of the node element is equal to or higher than the distance between the outer end of the hollow insertion channel of the further node element and the distal end of the elongated bar at the final position of the hollow insertion channel of the further node element. The term “final position" refers to the final position of the proximal end of the elongated bar once the lattice structure has been assembled. It is noted that the proximal end 15a of the elongated bar, in this figure, is situated in such final position 16a. Similarly, the distal end 15b of the elongated bar, in this figure, is situated in such final position 16b. It is further noted that the distance between the proximal end of the elongated bar at the final position and the proximal end of the elongated bar at the deep position of the node element may be the same for all the hollow insertion channels of a node element and, in some other examples, for all the node elements forming part of a lattice structure. Alternatively, the distance between the proximal end of the elongated bar at the final position and the proximal end of the elongated bar at the deep position of the node element may be different for some or all the hollow insertion channels of a node element.

Again in figure 1a, the hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f may have the same diameter along the length of the hollow insertion channel. In some other examples, each hollow insertion channel may have a greater diameter at or near the outer end 14a - 14f of the hollow insertion channel than the diameter at or near the inner end 13a - 13f of the hollow insertion channel such that the diameter of the hollow insertion channel decreases along the longitudinal length of the hollow insertion channel. This way, each hollow insertion channel may be tapered, thus the insertion of a bar into the hollow insertion channel may be facilitated. The hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f may have the same or different diameters in order to properly allocate the corresponding elongated member.

The hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f may be integrally formed with the main body 11 of the node element 10. Alternatively, the hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f may be coupled to the main body 11 of the node element 10.

The hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f may be tilted at an angle with respect to one of the adjacent corresponding hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f. Particularly, the angle may be defined between a longitudinal axis of the hollow insertion channels and a longitudinal axis of one of the adjacent hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f. The angle may be any suitable angle that provides the insertion of a bar in the required position. For example, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the hollow insertion channels 12a and the longitudinal axis of the adjacent hollow insertion channel 12b may be between 55 and 70 degrees. Similar angles may be defined between the remaining channels. The angle between the longitudinal axis of the hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f may be the same for each or some of the hollow insertion channels. Alternatively, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the hollow insertion channels 12a - 12f may be different for each or some of the hollow insertion channels.

As can be seen in figure 1d, the main body 11 comprises the outer side 11a and the inner side l l b. The hollow insertion channels extend between the outer side 11a of the main body 11 and the inner side 11 b of the main body 11 forming a corresponding through-hole. Therefore, the inner side 11 b of the main body may define an opening 11c. The opening 11c may be configured to receive a retention element 11d, once the lattice structure is assembled. The retention element 11d may be made of metal, concrete, or plastic material. The material of the retention element 11 d may be the same as the material of the node element. Alternatively, the node element and the retention element 11d may be made of different materials. The retention element 11d may comprise an appropriate form such that the retention element may be inserted into the opening l lc, and it may remain inserted into such opening 11c.

The retention element 11d can be placed into the opening 11c to better withstand compressive forces either once the lattice structure is assembled or once all bars of the corresponding node are installed. Furthermore, the retention element 11d provides a suitable transmission of the compressive forces from the bars to the corresponding node elements. The retention element 11d may be secured to the node element by any suitable element e.g., using bolts, screws, adhesives, or welding.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates an example of another node element. The node element shown in figure 2 differs from the node element shown in figures 1a - 1d only in that the main body takes the form of a half hexagon and two supports are included. The structure and operation of the remaining components of the node may substantially be the same as hereinbefore described.

As commented above, the node element 20 may comprise a main body 21. The main body 21 may be a half hexagon including three sides 28a - 28c and two vertexes 29a - 29b. Similarly as before, the main body 21 may comprise an outer side 21a and an inner side 21 b. The main body 21 may further comprise two hollow insertion channels 22a - 22b extending between the outer side 21a and the inner side 21b forming a corresponding through-hole. The two hollow insertion channels 22a - 22b may be situated at the corresponding vertexes 29a - 29b.

Each hollow insertion channel 22a - 22b may comprise an inner end 23a - 23b and an outer end 24a - 24b. The inner end 23a - 23b of the hollow insertion channels 22a - 22b may extend beyond the inner side 21 b of the main body 21. Similarly, the outer end 24a - 24b of the hollow insertion channels 22a - 22b may extend beyond the outer side 21a of the main body 21 .

Additionally, the main body 21 may comprise two supports 25a - 25b configured to be (permanently or temporally) situated on a first plane or level e.g., on the floor.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of another node element. The node element 30 shown in figure 1c differs from the node element shown in figures 1a - 1d only in that the main body is a ring 31. The structure and operation of the remaining components of the node may substantially be the same as hereinbefore described.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a further example of a node element. The node element 40 shown in figure 1d differs from the node element shown in figure 1a only in that the main body is a hollow sphere 41. The main body comprises an outer side 42. As aforementioned before, the hollow insertion channels extend from an inner end (not shown) to an outer end 43a - 43f of the hollow insertion channel 44a - 44f. In this figure, the outer end 43a - 43f defines an opening 45a - 45f at the outer side 42. The structure and operation of the remaining components of the node may substantially be the same as hereinbefore described.

In some examples, a retention element may be configured to fixedly connect the elongated bar with the corresponding hollow insertion channel or the main body of the node element 40.

Figure 5a - 5c schematically illustrate a further example of a node element. Particularly, figure 5a illustrates an isometric view of a cross-section of the node element 50. Figure 5b and 5c illustrate a top view of a cross-section of the node element. Similarly as before, the node element 50 shown in this figure may be part of a lattice structure.

As shown in figure 5a, the node element 50 may comprise a main body 51. In this example, the main body 51 is a solid sphere. However, in some other examples, further suitable forms of the main body may be possible e.g., a hollow polyhedron.

The main body 51 may comprise an outer side 50a. The main body 51 may further comprise six hollow insertion channels. Each hollow insertion channel may extend between an outer end of the hollow insertion channel and an inner end of the hollow insertion channel. However, this figure only shows four hollow insertion channels 52a - 52d. It is noted that the remaining two hollow insertion channels, forming part of this node, are not shown in this figure. Moreover, the figure only shows that the hollow insertion channel 52a extends between an inner end 53a of the hollow insertion channel and an outer end 54a and that the hollow insertion channel 52b extends between an inner end 53b of the hollow insertion channel and an outer end 54b. The outer end 54a - 54b of the hollow insertion channels may extend beyond the outer side 50a of the main body 51. In any case, the remaining hollow insertion channels forming part of the node may have a similar structure.

The hollow insertion channels 52a - 52d may be specifically shaped to provide the insertion of an elongated bar 60 - 61 of a certain kind or shape. The elongated bar 60 - 61 in question can thus be inserted from the outer end 54a - 54b of the hollow insertion channels to the inner end 53a - 53b. Then, the elongated bar may be advanced until an end of the elongated bar is situated at a deep position with respect to the outer end of the hollow insertion channel, as will be explained later on.

Moreover, as shown in figure 5b, a deep position 70, for receiving the proximal end 60a of the elongated bar 60, may be defined beyond a final position 80 from the outer end 54a of the hollow insertion channel of the node element 50.

In this example, the proximal end 60a of the elongated bar 60 situated at the deep position 70 of a hollow insertion channel is shown. However, the deep position 70 and the final position 80 may be defined in the remaining hollow insertion channels in a substantially similar way (i.e., the deep position is beyond a final position from the outer end of the hollow insertion channel of the node element).

As can be seen in this figure, the deep position 70 may be defined at a distance from the outer end 54a of the hollow insertion channel (in a direction towards the inner end). The final position 80 is between the outer end 54a of the hollow insertion channel and the deep position 70. The final position 80 may correspond to the position of the proximal end 60a of the elongated bar 60 once the lattice structure has been assembled. It is noted that the proximal end 60a of the elongated bar 60 shown in this figure is not in such final position.

A distance between the proximal end 60a of the elongated bar 60 at the final position 80 and at the deep position 70 may be determined. This distance is equal to or higher than a distance between the outer end of a hollow insertion channel of a further node element and a distal end of the elongated bar 60 at a final position from the outer end of the hollow insertion channel of the further node element. The distance between the proximal end 60a of the elongated bar 60 at the final position 80 and at the deep position 70 may be according to the examples disclosed in the description of figure 1 b and figure 1c.

Particularly, as shown in this figure, the proximal end 60a of the elongated bar 60 may be situated at the deep position 70 (i.e., a relatively deep position within the hollow insertion channel) beyond the final position 80 from the outer end of the hollow insertion channel (in a direction towards the inner end). However, as shown in figure 5c, the proximal end 60a of the elongated bar 60 may also be situated between the outer end 54a of the hollow insertion channel and the deep position 70 for inserting the bar (i.e., at a final position 80 which is a relatively shallow position).

The position reached by the proximal end 60a of the elongated bar 60, during its insertion into the hollow insertion channel, may define the position of the distal end of the elongated bar 60 such that either the distal end of the elongated bar does not interfere with the installation of a further node (figure 5b) or the distal end of the elongated bar is in a position suitable for the installation of such further node (figure 5c), as again will be explained later on or may be according to the examples disclosed in the description of figure 1 b and figure 1c.

It is noted that figure 5c shows the final position 80 of the proximal end 60a of the elongated bar 60 once the lattice structure is assembled. As can be seen in the figure, the distance between the proximal end 60a of the elongated bar 60 at the final position 80 and at the deep position 70 may be determined. This distance is equal to or higher than a distance between the outer end of the hollow insertion channel 12d of a further node element and a distal end of the elongated bar 60 at a final position from the outer end of the hollow insertion channel of the further node element.

Figures 6a - 6g schematically illustrate a sequence of situations that may occur during the performance of a method for assembling a lattice structure. Same reference numbers denote the same elements as those in the previous figures. The method is described below with reference to the sequences of situations illustrated by figures 6a - 6g.

The figure 6a illustrates an example of an initial situation. In this figure, a first node element 100 is provided. The node element may be substantially similar to the node element shown with reference to figure 2. The first node element 100 may be situated at a position in a first plane or level, e.g., on the floor using the corresponding supports 125a - 125b.

In this figure, a first elongated bar 101 may be provided. The first elongated bar 101 may extend from a proximal end 101a to a distal end 101 b. The elongated bars forming part of the lattice structure may be made of any suitable material. Typical materials may include steel, aluminum, carbon or glass fiber reinforced plastics among others. In examples of lattice structures wherein a relatively high performance of such structures is required, the bars may be made e.g., of carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Graphite materials and titanium are materials which also may be used for bars in space applications wherein dimensional stability is often a requirement.

The elongated bars may comprise e.g., a substantially circular cross-section although other cross-sectional shapes are possible e.g., a substantially square cross-section having four connected sidewalls.

Following the example, the proximal end 101a of the elongated bar 101 may be brought near a first hollow insertion channel 122a of the first node element 100. This way, the elongated bar 101 is ready to be inserted into the first hollow insertion channel 122a until the proximal end 101a of the elongated bar 101 reaches a deep position 130 with respect to the first hollow insertion channel 122a.

The elongated bar 101 may have a suitable diameter in order to be inserted into a lumen of the first hollow insertion channel in the direction of the arrow (arrow A). The elongated bar 101 may further have a very low coefficient of friction, thus the insertion and the removal of the bar may be improved.

Once the elongated bar 101 is situated at a suitable position to be inserted, the bar may be introduced into the first hollow insertion channel 122a, in a first direction (in the direction of the arrow A), until the proximal end 101a of the elongated bar reaches the deep position 130 with respect to the first hollow insertion channel 122a, thus indicating that the elongated bar 101 has been properly inserted into the first hollow insertion channel 122a of the first node element 100. Particularly, a final position 140 for receiving the first elongated bar 101 may be defined as hereinbefore described. The proximal end 101a of the elongated bar 101 may be inserted into the first hollow insertion channel 122a until the proximal end 101a of the elongated bar 101 is situated at the deep position 130 beyond the final position 140 for receiving the elongated bar 101.

Particularly, the deep position 130 for inserting the first elongated bar 101 may be situated at a distance from the outer end. As commented above, the distance between the proximal end 101a of the elongated bar 101 at the final position 140 and the proximal end 101a of the elongated bar 101 at the deep position 130 of the first node element 100 is equal to or higher than a distance between an outer end of a hollow insertion channel of a further node element and the distal end 101 b of the elongated bar 101 at a final position of the hollow insertion channel of the further node element. The term “final position" refers to the final position of the proximal end 101a of the elongated bar 101 once the lattice structure has been assembled.

In figure 6b, the proximal end 101a of the elongated bar 101 has already been introduced into the first hollow insertion channel 122a, in the first direction (in the direction of the arrow A), from the outer side 121a of the main body to the inner side 121b of the main body, until the deep position 130 of the proximal end 101a of the elongated bar 101 with respect to the first hollow insertion channel 122a is reached. Particularly, as commented above, the proximal end 101a of the elongated bar 101 has been introduced into the first hollow insertion channel 122a until the proximal end 101a of the elongated bar 101 extends beyond the final position 140.

The distance between the proximal end 101a at the final position 140 and the proximal end 101a at the deep position 130 causes the distal end 101b to not interfere with the installation of a further node element when the proximal end 101a is situated at the deep position 130 and this distance is equal to or higher than the distance between the outer end of the hollow insertion channel of the further node element and the distal end 101b at the final position of the hollow insertion channel of the further node element.

With such an arrangement, the distal end 101b of the elongated bar 101 will not interfere with the installation of a third node element, in the lattice structure to be assembled, as will be explained later on.

In figure 6c, a second node element 200 may be provided. The second node element 200 may be similar to the node element described with reference to figure 2. The above-commented third node element 300 may also be provided. This node element 300 may be similar to the node element described with reference to figures 1a - 1d.

The second node element 200 may be situated at a position in a first plane or level, e.g., on the floor using the corresponding supports.

A second elongated bar 150 may be provided. The second elongated bar may extend from a proximal end (not visible) to a distal end (not visible). At this point, the third node element may still not be part of the lattice structure i.e. , the third node may be situated further away from the lattice structure to be formed. Similarly as before, the proximal end (not visible) of the second elongated bar may be brought near the outer end 224b of the first hollow insertion channel 222b of the second node element 200. Once the second elongated bar 150 is situated at a position which is suitable for the bar to be inserted into the hollow insertion channel, the proximal end of the second elongated bar may be introduced into the first hollow insertion channel 222b, in a second direction (see the arrow B).

Particularly, a deep position for receiving the second elongated bar 150 may be defined as hereinbefore described, specifically beyond the inner end 223b of the channel. The proximal end of the second elongated bar may be inserted into the first hollow insertion channel 222b at a final position situated between the outer end of the channel and the deep position for inserting the second elongated bars (i.e. it may be inserted to a relatively shallow position into the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element as compared with the first elongated bar situated at the deep position of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element).

The figure shows that the proximal end (not visible) of the second elongated bar 150 has already been introduced into the first hollow insertion channel 222b, in a second direction (arrow B), from the outer side of the main body (and thus from the outer end of the hollow insertion channel), until a final position at or near the inner end of the channel is reached i.e. a position situated between the outer end of the channel and the deep position for inserting the second elongated bar 150. It is noted that this final position of the proximal end of the second elongated bar corresponds to the above-commented final position of the proximal end of the first elongated bar which may further define the distance between the proximal end at the final position and the proximal end at the deep position. At this point, the proximal end of the second elongated bar 150 may be secured to the second node element 200 using suitable coupling means e.g., bolting, riveting, welding techniques and so forth.

Following the example, once the proximal end of the second elongated bar 150 has been properly inserted and coupled to the second node element 200, a second hollow insertion channel 312e of the third node element 300 may be brought near the distal end (not visible) of the second elongated bar 150, at a position suitable for the insertion of the distal end of the second elongated bar 150 into the second hollow insertion channel 312e. The second hollow insertion channel 312e may be aligned with respect to the distal end of the second elongated bar 150. At this point, the third node element 300 may be displaced in the direction of the arrow (arrow C) such that the distal end of the second elongated bar 150 may be inserted into the second hollow insertion channel 312e. Similarly as before, the distal end of the second elongated bar 150 may be secured to the third node element. As can be seen in the figure, the first elongated bar 101 does not interfere with the installation of the third node element 300 with respect to the second elongated bar 150. Particularly, the distal end of the first elongated bar 101 is not inserted into a first hollow insertion channel of the third node element 300 and thus does not interfere with the installation of the third node element 300. This is due to the fact that the first elongated bar 101 has been displaced, in the first direction, such that the proximal end of the first elongated bar 101 is brought to a deep position situated beyond the final position, for receiving the bar, of the hollow insertion channel, as hereinbefore described. Particularly, the proximal end of the first elongated bar has been inserted to a relatively deep position into the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element (as compared with the second bar) such that the other end of the first elongated bar does not interfere with the installation of the third node element.

In some examples, before displacing the first elongated bar 101 in the direction of the arrow (arrow D), the third node element 300 may be displaced towards the second elongated bar in the direction of the arrow (arrow C) such that the distal end of the second elongated bar 150 may be inserted into the second hollow insertion channel 312e of the third node element 300, until the distal end of the second elongated bar is situated at a final position.

In some examples, before displacing the second elongated bar 150 in the direction of the arrow (arrow B), the third node element 300 may be displaced towards the second elongated bar 150 in the direction of the arrow (arrow C) such that the distal end of the second elongated bar 150 is inserted into the second hollow insertion channel 312e of the third node element 300, until the distal end of the second elongated bar 150 may be situated at a final position. The distal end of the second elongated bar may be secured to the third node element 300. Therefore, the third node element 300 may be pre-attached and pre-installed to the distal end of the second elongated bar 150.

In some examples, the second elongated bar 150 may be displaced such that the proximal end of the second elongated bar may be inserted into the first hollow insertion channel 222b of the second node element 200 until the proximal end is at the deep position beyond the final position from the outer end 224b of the first hollow insertion channel 222b of the second node element 200. In these examples, the third node element 300 is in a fixed position. The second elongated bar 150 may be displaced in a direction opposite to the direction of the arrow (arrow B), so that the distal end of the second elongated bar 150 is at the final position of the second hollow insertion channel 312e of the third node element 300 and the proximal end is moved from the deep position to the final position of the first hollow insertion channel 222b of the second node element 200.

In this respect, by inserting the first elongated bar 101 at the deep position beyond the final position, for inserting the elongated bar 101 , a portion of the elongated bar 101 is situated beyond such final position. Thus, the remaining portion of the elongated bar 101 between the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element and the distal end of the first elongated bar 101 comprises a length that allows the installation of the third node element 300.

The distance between the proximal end of the first elongated bar 101 at the final position and at the deep position may be equal to or higher than the distance between the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element 300 and the distal end 101 b of the first elongated bar 101 at the final position, so that when the proximal end 101a of the first elongated bar 101 is situated at the deep position, the distal end 101 b of the first elongated bar 101 does not interfere with the installation of the third node element 300.

In figure 6d, the third node element 300 has already been installed at the final position, in the lattice structure, as hereinbefore described.

Additionally, the figure shows that the first elongated bar 101 has been displaced in a third direction (see arrow D), opposite to the first direction (see arrow A in figure 6b) such that the distal end (not visible) of the first elongated bar 101 has been introduced into the through-hole formed by the first hollow insertion channel 312f of the third node element 300, from the outer side 314f of the first hollow insertion channel 312f (and thus from the outer side of the third node element 300) to the inner side 313f of the first hollow insertion channel 312f (and thus to the inner side of the third node element) until the final position of the distal end (not visible) of the first elongated bar 101 with respect to the first hollow insertion channel 312f has been reached. The proximal end of the first elongated bar 101 may also be situated in the defined final position for receiving the bar. This final position may be situated along the length of the corresponding hollow insertion channel. In some examples, this final position may also be situated a bit beyond the inner end of the corresponding hollow insertion channel or a bit before the outer end of the corresponding hollow insertion channel.

It is noted that the proximal end 101a of the first elongated bar 101 , after the displacement of the first elongated bar 101 , may be situated at or near the inner end of the corresponding hollow insertion channel of the first node element 100. It is further noted that the distal end 101b of the first elongated bar 101 may be inserted into the first hollow insertion channel 312f of the third node element 300 without traversing the corresponding through-hole and it may be inserted into the first hollow insertion channel 312f, at a position, at or near the inner end of the first hollow insertion channel 312f of the third node element 300. In any case, it is noted that this position of the distal end 101 b of the first elongated bar 101 corresponds to the above-commented final position of the proximal end 101a of the first elongated bar 101 which may further define the distance between the proximal end at the final position and at the deep position of the first hollow insertion channel 122a of the first node element 100, and the distance of the distal end at the final position and the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel 312f of the third node element.

At this stage, the ends of the first elongated bar 101 may be secured to the corresponding node using e.g., bolts, studs and I or any suitable welding technique.

In some examples, the final position of the distal end 101 b of the first elongated bar 101 and/or of the proximal end of the second elongated bar 150 and/or of the distal end of the second elongated bar 150 may be beyond the inner end of the corresponding hollow insertion channel.

In some examples, the final position of the distal end 101 b of the first elongated bar 101 and/or of the proximal end of the second elongated bar 150 and/or of the distal end of the second elongated bar 150 may be between the outer end and the inner end of the corresponding hollow insertion channel.

In some examples, the first node element 100 and the second node element 200 may be in a fixed position before respectively receiving the proximal end of the first elongated bar 101 and the proximal end of the second elongated bar 150.

In figure 6e, a third elongated bar 160 may be provided. The third elongated bar 160 may extend from a proximal end 160a to a distal end 160b.

The figure shows that the proximal end 160a of the third elongated bar 160 has already been introduced into the third hollow insertion channel 312d of the third node element 300, in a fourth direction (arrow D), from the outer end 314d of the third hollow insertion channel 312d to the inner end 313d of the third hollow insertion channel 312d, by traversing the corresponding through-hole, until a deep position of the proximal end 160a of the third elongated bar 160 with respect to the third hollow insertion channel 312d is reached. The proximal end 160a of the third elongated bar 160 situated at the deep position is beyond a final position from the outer end 314d of the third hollow insertion channel 312d of the third node element 300. Particularly, the deep position for receiving the third elongated bar 160 may be defined, as hereinbefore described. For inserting the third elongated bar 160 into the third hollow insertion channel 312 d, the distance between the proximal end 160a of the third elongated bar 160 at the final position and the proximal end 160a of the third elongated bar 160 at the deep position of the third node element 300 may be equal to or higher than a distance between an outer end of a hollow insertion channel of a further node element and the distal end 160b of the third elongated bar 160 at a final position of the hollow insertion channel of the further node element.

The proximal end 160a of the third elongated bar 160 has been introduced into the third hollow insertion channel 312d until the proximal end 160a of the third elongated bar 160 is situated at the deep position beyond the final position for receiving the third elongated bar 160 i.e., the third elongated bar 160 has been introduced to a relatively deep position into the third hollow insertion channel 312d. The distal end 160b of the third elongated bar 160 thus will not interfere with the installation of a fifth node element in the lattice structure to be formed, as will be explained later on.

In figure 6f, a fourth elongated bar 170 may be provided. The fourth elongated bar 170 may extend from a proximal end 170a to a distal end 170b. Additionally, a fifth elongated bar 180 may also be provided. The fifth elongated bar 180 may extend from a proximal end (not visible) to a distal end 180b.

The figure shows that the proximal end 170a of the fourth elongated bar 170 has already been introduced into a second hollow insertion channel 312c of the second node element 200, in a fifth direction (arrow E), from the outer side 314c of the second hollow insertion channel 312c to the inner side 313c of the second hollow insertion channel 312c, until the deep position of the proximal end 170a of the fourth elongated bar 170 with respect to the second hollow insertion channel 312c has been reached. Particularly, the deep position for receiving the fourth elongated bar 170 may be defined as hereinbefore described.

For inserting the fourth elongated bar 170 into the second hollow insertion channel 312 c, the distance between the proximal end 170a of the fourth elongated bar 170 at the final position and the proximal end 170a of the fourth elongated bar 170 at the deep position of the second node element 200 may be equal to or higher than a distance between an outer end of a hollow insertion channel of a further node element and the distal end 170b of the fourth elongated bar 170 at a final position of the hollow insertion channel of the further node element. The fourth elongated bar 170 thus will also not interfere with the installation of the fifth node element, as will be explained later on.

Additionally, a fourth node element 400 may be provided. The fourth node element 400 may be the same or similar to the second node element 200 described with reference to figure 2. The fourth node element 400 may be situated at a position in a first plane or level, e.g., on the floor using the corresponding supports. Again, a deep position for receiving the fifth elongated bar 180 may be defined, specifically beyond the inner end of the first hollow insertion channel of the fourth node element 400. The deep position may be beyond a final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the fourth node element 400. It is noted that the proximal end of the fifth elongated bar 180, in this figure, is situated in such final position although the proximal end is not visible.

In some examples, the fourth node element 400 may be in a fixed position before receiving the proximal end of the fifth elongated bar 180.

As shown in the figure, the fifth elongated bar 180 has been displaced in a sixth direction (arrow F) such that the proximal end 180a of the fifth elongated bar 180 is inserted into the first hollow insertion channel of the fourth node element 400, from the outer side of the first hollow insertion channel, and the proximal end of the fifth elongated bar 180 is situated at the final position. The final position may be between the outer side of the first hollow insertion channel and the deep position for inserting the fifth elongated bar 180. The fifth elongated bar 180 may thus be brought to a relatively shallow position as compared with the elongated bars 160, 170. The proximal end 180a of the fifth elongated bar 180 may be secured to the fourth node element as hereinbefore described. As a result, the distal end 180b of the fifth elongated bar 180 is situated at a suitable position for the reception of the fifth node element, as will be described later on.

Therefore, the method for assembling a lattice structure may comprise: displacing the fifth elongated bar 180 in a sixth direction, such that the proximal end of the fifth elongated bar 180 may be inserted into the first hollow insertion channel of a fourth node element 400, from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the fourth node element 400 to the inner end of the first hollow insertion channel of the fourth node element 400, until the proximal end of the fifth elongated bar 180 is situated at a final position,

In figure 6g, the fifth node element 500 may be provided. The fifth node element may be the same or similar to the third node element 300 or the node elements described with reference to figures 1a - d.

A first hollow insertion channel 512a of the fifth node element 500 may be brought near the distal end (not visible) of the fifth elongated bar 180, at a position suitable for the insertion of the distal end of the fifth elongated bar 180 into the first hollow insertion channel 512a of the fifth node element 500. The first hollow insertion channel 512a may be aligned with respect to the distal end of the fifth elongated bar 180. At this point, the fifth node element 500 may be displaced, in an appropriate direction, such that the distal end of the fifth elongated bar 180 may be inserted into the first hollow insertion channel 512a of the fifth node element 500.

Similarly as before, the distal end of the fifth elongated bar 180 may be secured to the fifth node element 500 or to the first hollow insertion channel 512a. In alternative examples, the fifth node element 500 may be pre-attached (and thus pre-installed) to the distal end of the fifth elongated bar 180.

Therefore, the fifth node element 500 may be displaced towards the fifth elongated bar 180 in a sixth direction such that the distal end of the fifth elongated bar 180 may be inserted into the first hollow insertion channel 512a of the fifth node element 500, until the distal end of the fifth elongated bar 180 is situated at the final position.

The figure shows that the third elongated bar 160 has been displaced in a direction (see arrow G), opposite to the fourth direction (see arrow D in figure 2e), such that the distal end (not visible) of the third elongated bar 160 has been introduced into the second hollow insertion channel 512b of the fifth node element 500, from the outer side of the second hollow insertion channel 512b (and thus from the outer side of the node) to the inner side of the second hollow insertion channel 512b(and thus to the inner side of the node) until a final position of the distal end (not visible) of the third elongated bar 160 with respect to the second hollow insertion channel 512b is reached and, all this, while the proximal end (not visible) of the third elongated bar 160 may remain inserted into the third hollow insertion channel 312d of the third node element 300, at a final position at or near the inner end of the third hollow insertion channel 312d. It is noted that the distal end 160b of the third elongated bar 160 may be inserted into the second hollow insertion channel 512b of the fifth node element 500 without traversing the corresponding through-hole. It is further noted that the distal end 160b of the third elongated bar 160 may be situated at or near the inner end of the second hollow insertion channel 512b of the fifth node element 500.

Therefore, the method of assembling a lattice structure may comprise: displacing the third elongated bar 160 in the fourth direction, such that the proximal end of the third elongated bar 160 is inserted into the third hollow insertion channel 312d of the third node element 300, from the outer end of the third hollow insertion channel 312d of the third node element 300 to the inner end of the third hollow insertion channel 312d of the third node element 300, until the proximal end of the third elongated bar 160 is situated at the deep position beyond the final position from the outer end of the third hollow insertion channel of the third node element. In addition the third elongated bar 160 may be displaced in a seventh direction (arrow G), opposite to the fourth direction, such that the distal end of the third elongated bar 160 may be inserted into the second hollow insertion channel 512b of the fifth node element 500, until the distal end of the third elongated bar 160 may be situated at the final position and the proximal end of the third elongated bar 160 may be situated at the final position.

A distance between the proximal end of the third elongated bar 160 at the final position and at the deep position corresponds to a distance between the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel 512b of the fifth node element 500 and the distal end of the third elongated bar 160 at the final position of the second hollow insertion channel 512b of the fifth node element 500.

Similarly, the fourth elongated bar 170 has been displaced in a direction (see arrow H), opposite to the fifth direction (see arrow E in figure 2f), such that the distal end (not visible) of the fourth elongated bar 170 has been introduced into the third hollow insertion channel 512c of the fifth node element 500, from the outer side of the third hollow insertion channel 512c (and thus from the outer side of the node) to the inner side of the third hollow insertion channel 512c (and thus to the inner side of the node) until a final position of the distal end (not visible) of the fourth elongated bar 170 with respect to the third hollow insertion channel is reached (e.g., at a final position at or near the inner end of the third hollow insertion channel of the fifth node element) and, all this, while the proximal end (not visible) of the fourth elongated bar 170 may remain inserted into the second hollow insertion channel 312c of the second node element 200 (e.g., at a final position at or near the inner end of the second hollow insertion channel 312c of the second node element 200). It is noted that the distal end of the fourth elongated bar 170 may be inserted into the third hollow insertion channel 512c of the fifth node element 500 without traversing the corresponding through-hole.

Therefore, the method for assembling a lattice structure may further comprise displacing the fourth elongated bar 170 in a fifth direction, such that the proximal end of the fourth elongated bar 170 may be inserted into the second hollow insertion channel 312c of the second node element 200, from the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel 312c of the second node element 200 to the inner end of the second hollow insertion channel 312c of the second node element 200, until the proximal end of the fourth elongated bar 170 is situated at the deep position beyond the final position from the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel 312c of the second node element 200.

In addition, the fourth elongated bar 170 may be displaced, in an eighth direction, opposite to the fifth direction, such that the distal end of the fourth elongated bar 170 is inserted into the third hollow insertion channel 512c of the fifth node element 500, until the distal end of the fourth elongated bar 170 may be situated at the final position and the proximal end of the fourth elongated bar 170 may be situated at the final position.

A distance between the proximal end of the fourth elongated bar 170 at the final position and at the deep position corresponds to a distance between the outer end of the third hollow insertion channel 512c of the fifth node element 500 and the distal end of the fourth elongated bar 170 at the final position of the third hollow insertion channel 512c of the fifth node element 500.

It is noted that, once the elongated bars 160, 170 have been displaced in their corresponding direction, the proximal end of the elongated bars is situated in the above-commented final position.

At this stage, the elongated bars 160, 170, 180 may be secured between their corresponding node elements using e.g., bolts, studs and I or any suitable welding technique.

Evidently, the remaining parts of the lattice structure to be formed may be assembled in a substantially similar way. As a result, a lattice structure, as shown in figure 7, may be obtained.

It is noted that a method for assembling a lattice structure, as hereinbefore described may be performed using any of the node elements described with reference to figures 1 - 5 and any combination thereof.

Figures 8a - 8b schematically illustrate a sequence of situations that may occur during the performance of a method for disassembling a lattice structure which has been previously assembled using the method described with reference to figures 6a - 6g. Same reference numbers denote the same elements as those in the previous figures. The method is described below with reference to the sequences of situations illustrated by figures 8a - 8b.

The figure 8a illustrates an example of an initial situation of disassembling the lattice structure. The distal end 150b and the proximal end 150a of the second elongated bar 150, which has been previously assembled and secured to the lattice structure as hereinbefore described, may be released with respect to the corresponding node elements 200 and 300.

Before disassembling the lattice structure, the lattice structure as hereinbefore described may at least comprise the first elongated bar 101 having the proximal end 101a inserted in the first hollow insertion channel 122a of the first node element 100 in the final position of the first hollow insertion channel 122a of the first node element 100 and the distal end 101b inserted in the first hollow insertion channel 312f of the third node element 300 in the final position of the first hollow insertion channel 312f of the third node element 300.

In addition, before disassembling, the lattice structure may further comprise the second elongated bar 150 having the proximal end 150a inserted in the first hollow insertion channel 222b of the second node element 200 in the final position of the first hollow insertion channel 222b of the second node element 200 and the distal end 150b inserted in the second hollow insertion channel 312e of the third node element 300 in the final position of the second hollow insertion channel 312e of the third node element 300.

As represented in Figure 8a, for disassembling the second elongated bar 150 may be displaced in the second direction (see arrow B) until the proximal end 150a of the second elongated bar 150 reaches the deep position with respect to the first hollow insertion channel 222b of the second node element 200, beyond the final position for receiving a bar, defined as hereinbefore described.

Therefore, the second elongated bar 150 may be displaced in a second direction, until the proximal end of the second elongated bar 150 may be displaced from the final position to the deep position situated beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel 222b of the second node element 200, and the distal end of the second elongated bar 150 may be extracted from the second hollow insertion channel 312e of the third node element 300.

A distance between the proximal end 150a of the second elongated bar 150 at the final position and the proximal end 150a of the second elongated bar 150 at the deep position may be equal to or higher than a distance between the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel 312e of the third node element 300 and the distal end 150b of the second elongated bar 150 at the final position, so that the displacement of the proximal end 150a of the second elongated bar 150 from the final position to the deep position causes the removal of the distal end 150b of the second elongated bar 150 from the second hollow insertion channel 312e of the third node element 300.

As a result, the distal end 150b of the second elongated bar 150 may be extracted from the second hollow insertion channel 312e of the third node element 300. Similarly, the distal end 101 b and the proximal end 101a of the first elongated bar 101 , which has been previously assembled and secured to the lattice structure as hereinbefore described, may be released (unsecured) with respect to the corresponding node elementslOO, 300.

The first elongated bar 101 may be displaced in the first direction (see arrow A) until the proximal end 101a of the bar is situated beyond the predetermined position for receiving the bar, defined as hereinbefore described. As a result, the distal end 101b of the elongated bar 101 may be extracted from the corresponding hollow insertion channel of the third node element 300.

Therefore, the first elongated bar 101 may be displaced, in a first direction, until the proximal end 101a of the first elongated bar 101 may be displaced from the final position to the deep position situated beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel 122a of the first node element 100, and the distal end 101b of the first elongated bar 101 may be extracted from the first hollow insertion channel 312f of the third node element 300.

A distance between the proximal end of the first elongated bar at the final position and at the deep position may be equal to or higher than a distance between the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element and the distal end of the first elongated bar at the final position, so that the displacement of the proximal end of the first elongated bar from the final position to the deep position enables the removal of the distal end of the first elongated bar from the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element.

At this stage, the third node element 300 may easily be removed from the lattice structure.

In figure 8b, the third node element 300 has already been removed from the lattice structure, as hereinbefore described. The first elongated bar 101 may be displaced in the third direction (see arrow D) opposite to the first direction (see arrow A in figure 6a) until the proximal end 101a of the first elongated bar 101 is extracted from the first hollow insertion channel 122a of the first node element 100.

Similarly, the second elongated bar 150 may be displaced in a direction (see arrow I) opposite to the second direction (see arrow B in figure 6c) until the proximal end 150a of the second elongated bar 150 is extracted from the first hollow insertion channel 222b of the second node element 200.

As a result, the elongated bars 101 , 150 can be easily removed from the lattice structure. Evidently, further nodes and bars forming part of the lattice structure may be disassembled in a similar way.

In some examples, before displacing the first elongated bar 101 in the first direction (see arrow A in figure 6a), the proximal end 101a of the first elongated bar 101 may be released with respect to the first node element 100 and the distal end 101b of the first elongated bar 101 may be released with respect to the third node element 300. For example, retention elements e.g., bolts, screws, adhesives may be removed from the node element so that the elongated bar may be released with respect to the node element.

In some examples, before displacing the second elongated bar 150 in the second direction (see arrow B in figure 6c), the proximal end 150a of the second elongated bar 150 may be released with respect to the second node element 200 and the distal end 150b of the second elongated bar 150 may be released with respect to the third node element 300. For example, retention elements e.g., bolts, screws, adhesives may be removed from the node element so that the elongated bar may be released with respect to the node element.

In some examples, the lattice structure as hereinbefore described may further comprise the third elongated bar 160 having the proximal end 160a inserted in the third hollow insertion channel 312d of the third node element 300 in the final position of the third hollow insertion channel 312d of the third node element 300 and the distal end 160b inserted in the second hollow insertion channel 512b of the fifth node element 500 in the final position of the second hollow insertion channel 512b of the fifth node element 500.

In addition, the lattice structure may further comprise the fourth elongated bar 170 having the proximal end 170a inserted in the second hollow insertion channel 312c of the second node element 200 in the final position of the second hollow insertion channel 312c of the second node element 200 and the distal end 170b in the third hollow insertion channel 512c of the fifth node element 500 in the final position.

Furthermore, the lattice structure may further comprise the fifth elongated bar 180 having the proximal end 180a inserted in the first hollow insertion channel of the fifth node element in the final position of the first hollow insertion channel of the fifth node element 500 and the distal end in the first hollow insertion channel 512a of the fifth node element 500 in the final position of the first hollow insertion channel 512a of the fifth node element 500.

The fourth elongated bar 170 may be displaced in the fifth direction (arrow E of figure 6f), until the proximal end 170a of the fourth elongated bar 170 may be displaced from the final position of the second hollow insertion channel 312c of the second node element 200 to the deep position situated beyond the final position from the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel 312c of the second node element 200.

A distance between the proximal end 170a of the fourth elongated bar 170 at the final position and the proximal end 170a of the fourth elongated bar 170 at the deep position may be equal to or higher than to a distance between the outer end of the third hollow insertion channel 512c of the fifth node element 500 and the distal end 170b of the fourth elongated bar at the final position, so that the displacement of the proximal end 170a of the fourth elongated bar 170 from the final position to the deep position causes the removal of the distal end 170b of the fourth elongated bar from the third hollow insertion channel 512c of the fifth node element 500.

The third elongated bar 160 may be displaced in the fourth direction (arrow D of figure 6e), until the proximal end 160a of the third elongated bar 160 may be displaced from the final position of the third hollow insertion channel 312d of the third node element 300 to the deep position situated beyond the final position from the outer end of the third hollow insertion channel 312d of the third node element 300.

A distance between the proximal end 160a of the third elongated bar 160 at the final position and the proximal end 160a of the third elongated bar 160 at the deep position may be equal to or higher to a distance between the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel 512b of the fifth node element 500 and the distal end 160b of the third elongated bar 160 at the final position, so that the displacement of the proximal end 160a of the third elongated bar 160 from the final position to the deep position causes the removal of the distal end 160b of the third elongated bar 160 from the second hollow insertion channel 512b of the fifth node element 500.

The fifth elongated bar 180 may be displaced in the sixth direction (arrow F of figure 6f), until the proximal end 180a of the fifth elongated bar 180 may be displaced from the final position of the first hollow insertion channel of the fourth node element 400 to the deep position situated beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the fourth node element 400.

A distance between the proximal end 180a of the fifth elongated bar 180 at the final position and the proximal end 180a of the fifth elongated bar 180 at the deep position may be equal to or higher a distance between the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel 512a of the fifth node element 500 and the distal end 180b of the fifth elongated bar 180 at the final position, so that the displacement of the proximal end 180a of the fifth elongated bar 180 from the final position to the deep position causes the removal of the distal end 180b of the fifth elongated bar 180 from the first hollow insertion channel 512a of the fifth node element 500.

At this stage, the fifth node element 500 may easily be removed from the lattice structure.

The lattice structure may thus be easily repaired, and maintenance can be performed in an easy way. Any damaged bar or node may be easily replaced following a simple disassembly sequence.

It is noted that the methods for assembly and disassembly a lattice structure, as hereinbefore described, may be used in one or more of the following lattice structures:

• Grid structures for the aerospace industry, e.g., payload adaptors, rocket inter-stages, satellite central cylinders, etc,

• Lattice towers for electricity transmission, wind power turbines or telecommunications,

• Lattice bridges, trusses, grids, girders, domes (e.g., geodesic domes), barrel vaults, and hyperbolic paraboloids,

• Space frames, grids, decks, and scaffolds,

• Airplane, helicopter, or airship fuselages,

Although only a number of examples have been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses, and/or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are also covered. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by particular examples, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. If reference signs related to drawings are placed in parentheses in a claim, they are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim, and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

32 CLAIMS

1. A method for assembling a lattice structure comprising: providing a plurality of node elements comprising: o a main body including two or more hollow insertion channels, wherein the hollow insertion channels are configured to receive an elongated bar, wherein the hollow insertion channels extend from an outer end to an inner end,

- providing a plurality of elongated bars, wherein each elongated bar of the plurality of elongated bars comprises a proximal end and a distal end, displacing a first elongated bar of the plurality of elongated bars, in a first direction, such that the proximal end of the first elongated bar is inserted into a first hollow insertion channel of a first node element of the plurality of node elements, from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element to the inner end of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element, until the proximal end of the first elongated bar is situated at a deep position beyond a final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element, displacing a second elongated bar of the plurality of elongated bars, in a second direction, such that the proximal end of the second elongated bar is inserted into a first hollow insertion channel of a second node element of the plurality of node elements, from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element to the inner end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element, until the proximal end of the second elongated bar is situated at a final position or beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element, displacing the first elongated bar, in a third direction, opposite to the first direction, such that the distal end of the first elongated bar is inserted into a first hollow insertion channel of a third node element of the plurality of node elements, until the distal end of the first elongated bar is situated at a final position and the proximal end of the first elongated bar is situated at the final position; and wherein a distance between the proximal end of the first elongated bar at the final position and at the deep position is equal to or higher than a distance between the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element and the distal end of the first elongated bar at the final position.

2. The method according to claim 1 further comprising: before displacing the first elongated bar in the third direction, displacing the third node element towards the second elongated bar in the second direction such that the distal end of the second elongated bar is inserted into a second hollow insertion channel of the third node element, until the distal end of the second elongated bar is situated at a final position. 33

3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: before displacing the second elongated bar in the second direction, displacing the third node element towards the second elongated bar in the second direction such that the distal end of the second elongated bar is inserted into a second hollow insertion channel of the third node element, until the distal end of the second elongated bar is situated at a final position; and securing the distal end of the second elongated bar to the third node element.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the second elongated bar is displaced such that the proximal end of the second elongated bar is inserted into the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element until the proximal end is at a deep position beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element; and wherein the third node element is in a fixed position; the method further comprising displacing the second elongated bar in a direction opposite to the second direction, so that the distal end of the second elongated bar is at a final position and the proximal end is moved from the deep position to the final position.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 — 4, wherein the final position of the distal end of the first elongated bar and/or of the proximal end of the second elongated bar and/or of the distal end of the second elongated bar is beyond the inner end of the corresponding hollow insertion channel.

6. The method according to any of claims 1 - 5, wherein the final position of the distal end of the first elongated bar and/or of the proximal end of the second elongated bar and/or of the distal end of the second elongated bar is between the outer end and the inner end of the corresponding hollow insertion channel.

7. A method according to any of claims 1 - 6, further comprising: securing the proximal end of the second elongated bar to the second node element and I or securing the distal end of the second elongated bar to the third node element, and securing the proximal end of the first elongated bar to the first node element and I or securing the distal end of the first elongated bar to the third node element.

8. A method according to any of claims 1 - 7, wherein the main body comprises an outer side and an inner side, wherein the hollow insertion channels extend between the outer side of the main body and the inner side of the main body forming a corresponding through-hole, wherein the inner side of the main body defines an opening, and the method further comprises inserting a retention element into the opening of the main body of the plurality of node elements.

9. A method according to any of claims 1 — 7, wherein the main body comprises an outer side, wherein the outer end of the hollow insertion channel defines an opening at the outer side; and the method further comprises inserting a retention element configured to fixedly connect the elongated bar with the corresponding hollow insertion channel or the main body.

10. A method according to any of claims 1 - 9, wherein the first node element and the second node element are in a fixed position before respectively receiving the proximal end of the first elongated bar and the proximal end of the second elongated bar.

11. A method according to any of claims 1 - 10, further comprising: displacing a third elongated bar of the plurality of elongated bars, in a fourth direction, such that the proximal end of the third elongated bar is inserted into a third hollow insertion channel of the third node element, from the outer end of the third hollow insertion channel of the third node element to the inner end of the third hollow insertion channel of the third node element, until the proximal end of the third elongated bar is situated at a deep position beyond a final position from the outer end of the third hollow insertion channel of the third node element, displacing a fourth elongated bar of the plurality of elongated bars, in a fifth direction, such that the proximal end of the fourth elongated bar is inserted into a second hollow insertion channel of the second node element, from the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel of the second node element to the inner end of the second hollow insertion channel of the second node element, until the proximal end of the fourth elongated bar is situated at a deep position beyond a final position from the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel of the second node element, displacing a fifth elongated bar of the plurality of elongated bars, in a sixth direction, such that the proximal end of the fifth elongated bar is inserted into a first hollow insertion channel of a fourth node element of the plurality of node elements, from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the fourth node element to the inner end of the first hollow insertion channel of the fourth node element, until the proximal end of the fifth elongated bar is situated at a final position, displacing a fifth node element of the plurality of node elements towards the fifth elongated bar in the sixth direction such that the distal end of the fifth elongated bar is inserted into a first hollow insertion channel of the fifth node element, until the distal end of the fifth elongated bar is situated at a final position, displacing the third elongated bar, in a seventh direction, opposite to the fourth direction, such that the distal end of the third elongated bar is inserted into a second hollow insertion channel of the fifth node element, until the distal end of the third elongated bar is situated at a final position and the proximal end of the third elongated bar is situated at the final position; and displacing the fourth elongated bar, in an eighth direction, opposite to the fifth direction, such that the distal end of the fourth elongated bar is inserted into a third hollow insertion channel of the fifth node element, until the distal end of the fourth elongated bar is situated at a final position and the proximal end of the fourth elongated bar is situated at the final position; and wherein a distance between the proximal end of the third elongated bar at the final position and at the deep position corresponds to a distance between the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel of the fifth node element and the distal end of the third elongated bar at the final position; and wherein a distance between the proximal end of the fourth elongated bar at the final position and at the deep position corresponds to a distance between the outer end of the third hollow insertion channel of the fifth node element and the distal end of the fourth elongated bar at the final position.

12. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the fourth node element is in a fixed position before receiving the proximal end of the fifth elongated bar.

13. A method for disassembling a lattice structure comprising a plurality of node elements and a plurality of elongated bars, wherein the plurality of node elements comprises a main body including two or more hollow insertion channels, wherein the hollow insertion channels are configured to receive an elongated bar, wherein the hollow insertion channels extend from an outer end to an inner end, wherein each elongated bar of the plurality of elongated bars comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the lattice structure at least comprises: a first elongated bar having a proximal end inserted in a first hollow insertion channel of a first node element of the plurality of node elements in a final position and a distal end inserted in a first hollow insertion channel of a third node element of the plurality of node elements in a final position; a second elongated bar having a proximal end inserted in a first hollow insertion channel of a second node element of the plurality of node elements in a final position and a distal end inserted in a second hollow insertion channel of the third node element of the plurality of node elements in a final position, the method comprising: displacing the first elongated bar, in a first direction, until the proximal end of the first elongated bar is displaced from the final position to a deep position situated beyond the final 36 position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element, and the distal end of the first elongated bar is extracted from the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element, wherein a distance between the proximal end of the first elongated bar at the final position and at the deep position corresponds to a distance between the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element and the distal end of the first elongated bar at the final position, so that the displacement of the proximal end of the first elongated bar from the final position to the deep position enables the removal of the distal end of the first elongated bar from the first hollow insertion channel of the third node element, displacing the second elongated bar, in a second direction, until the proximal end of the second elongated bar is displaced from the final position to a deep position situated beyond the final position from the outer end of the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element, and the distal end of the second elongated bar is extracted from the second hollow insertion channel of the third node element, wherein a distance between the proximal end of the second elongated bar at the final position and at the deep position corresponds to a distance between the outer end of the second hollow insertion channel of the third node element and the distal end of the second elongated bar at the final position, so that the displacement of the proximal end of the second elongated bar from the final position to the deep position enables the removal of the distal end of the second elongated bar from the second hollow insertion channel of the third node element; and removing the third node element from the lattice structure. A method according to claim 13, further comprising: displacing the first elongated bar, in a third direction, opposite to the first direction, until the proximal end of the first elongated bar is extracted from the first hollow insertion channel of the first node element, displacing the second elongated bar, in a direction opposite to the second direction, until the proximal end of the second elongated bar is extracted from the first hollow insertion channel of the second node element. A method according to any of claims 13 - 14, further comprising: before displacing the first elongated bar in the first direction, releasing the proximal end of the first elongated bar with respect to the first node element and releasing the distal end of the first elongated bar with respect to the third node element; and before displacing the second elongated bar in the second direction, releasing the proximal end of the second elongated bar with respect to the second node element and releasing the distal end of the second elongated bar with respect to the third node element.