Systems and methods for providing a truss structure

Inventor: Michael Freestone (Moss Beach, CA)

Assignee: Eagle Technology, LLC

E04B1/1906 E04B2001/1927 E04B2001/1942 E04B2001/1957

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Quick Facts

Patent No.: US 12692693
App. No.: 18/956,806
Granted: Jul 28, 2026
Kind: B2

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Abstract

Systems and methods for providing a truss structure. The methods comprise: increasing a distance between a first end fitting coupled to a first node and a second end fitting coupled to a second node by actuating a flexure member to cause cup member of first end fitting to move in a first direction toward the first node; inserting a tube between the first and second end fittings; receiving a first end of the tube in an insert space of the second end fitting; decreasing the distance between the first end fitting and the second end fitting by actuating the flexure member to cause at least the cup member of the first end fitting to move in an opposing second direction away from the first node; and receiving a second end of the tube in an insert space of the first end fitting to provide a portion of the truss structure.

Claims (37)

1 . A truss structure, comprising:

first and second nodes;

a tube extending between the first and second nodes;

a first end fitting coupling the first node to a first end of the tube; and

a second end fitting coupling the second node to an opposing second end of the tube;

wherein the first end fitting comprises a cup member and a flexure member configured to be actuated to cause the cup member to move relative to the first node for changing a distance between the first end fitting cup member and the second end fitting; and

wherein the first end fitting comprises an insert space sized and shaped to receive the first end of the tube, and the second end fitting comprises an insert space sized and shaped to receive the second end of the tube.

2 . The truss structure according to claim 1 , wherein the distance is increased when the cup member is caused to move in a direction towards the first node, and decreased when the cup member is caused to move in a direction away from the first node.

3 . The truss structure according to claim 1 , wherein the flexure member comprises a threaded rod or telescoping elements.

4 . The truss structure according to claim 1 , wherein the first end fitting is configured to allow an amount by which the flexure member extends into the cup member to vary during an actuation of the flexure member.

5 . A truss structure, comprising:

first and second nodes;

a tube extending between the first and second nodes;

a first end fitting coupling the first node to a first end of the tube; and

a second end fitting coupling the second node to an opposing second end of the tube;

wherein the first end fitting comprises a cup member and a flexure member configured to be actuated to cause the cup member to move relative to the first node for changing a distance between a first end fitting and the second end fitting; and

wherein a bondline gap is provided between the tube and a sidewall of an insert space of the first or second end fitting that is sized to allow for angular misalignment of the tube and the first or second end fitting.

6 . A truss structure, comprising:

first and second nodes;

a tube extending between the first and second nodes;

a first end fitting coupling the first node to a first end of the tube;

a second end fitting coupling the second node to an opposing second end of the tube; and

a first porous sealing member configured to provide a first seal being at an inner surface of the tube and the first or second end fitting;

7 . The truss structure according to claim 6 , wherein the first porous sealing member is configured to apply an outward radial force on the tube to facilitate retention of the first or second end of the tube in the insert space of the first or second end fitting.

8 . The truss structure according to claim 6 , wherein the first porous sealing member is further configured to allow movement of the tube relative to the second or second end fitting while maintaining the first seal.

9 . The truss structure according to claim 6 , wherein the first porous sealing member is further configured to allow air to vent out of the insert space of the first or second end fitting while simultaneously preventing a bonding agent from flowing out of the insert space of the first or second end fitting, during an injection bonding process.

10 . The truss structure according to claim 6 , wherein the first porous sealing member is further configured to create a dissipative ground path between the tube and the second end fitting.

11 . The truss structure according to claim 6 , further comprising a second porous sealing member configured to create a second seal between an outer surface of the tube and an exposed surface of the first or second end fitting.

12 . The truss structure according to claim 11 , wherein the second porous sealing member is configured to allow air to vent out of the insert space of the first or second end fitting while simultaneously preventing a bonding agent from flowing out of the insert space of the first or second end fitting, during an injection bonding process.

13 . A truss structure, comprising:

first and second nodes;

a tube extending between the first and second nodes;

a first end fitting coupling the first node to a first end of the tube; and

a second end fitting coupling the second node to an opposing second end of the tube;

wherein the first end fitting comprises a cup member and a flexure member configured to be actuated to cause the cup member to move relative to the first node for changing a distance between a first end fitting and the second end fitting; and

wherein a coefficient of thermal expansion of the truss structure is tuned to have a near-zero value by using different materials for at least two of the first end fitting, the first node, and the tube and/or by using different materials for the flexure member and a cup member of the first end fitting.