Panelized structure improvement
View Patent ↗A panelized complex polyhedron structure can be constructed quickly and inexpensively from a plurality panels. According to one embodiment, the structure includes a plurality of panels, wherein a first panel comprises an integrated connecting feature formed unitarily with the first panel and including a faceted feature connected to a plain end of a second panel. According to another embodiment, the first panel includes integrated connecting features including a plurality of planar faceted features, wherein one of the faceted features is connected to a plain end of the second panel. The plurality of planar faceted features are oriented at angles selected to enable a plurality of panel connections necessary to construct the structure. In one embodiment, the panel comprising the integrated connecting features is formed unitarily.
1. A panel for use in constructing a multi-panel complex polyhedron structure, comprising:
a panel comprising:
two planar face surfaces parallel to each other; and
edge surfaces surrounding the planar face surfaces; and
a connector attached to one of the planar face surfaces away from a one of the edge surfaces closest to the connector, such that a portion of the planar face surface exists between the connector and the edge surface closest to the connector, the connector including a planar faceted feature configured to abut and connect to a planar face surface of a second panel, the planar faceted feature and the portion of the planar face surface intersecting to form a dihedral angle and a V-shaped pocket
wherein the connector comprises a plurality of planar faceted features; and
wherein the connector comprises three faceted features, comprising:
a first of the faceted features oriented at an angle of 108 degrees from the planar face surface of the panel;
a second of the faceted features oriented at an angle of 126 degrees from the planar face surface of the panel; and
a third of the faceted features oriented at an angle of 144 degrees from the planar face surface of the panel.
2. A panel for use in constructing a multi-panel complex polyhedron structure, comprising:
a panel comprising:
two planar face surfaces parallel to each other; and
edge surfaces surrounding the planar face surfaces; and
a connector attached to one of the planar face surfaces away from a one of the edge surfaces closest to the connector, such that a portion of the planar face surface exists between the connector and the edge surface closest to the connector, the connector including a planar faceted feature configured to abut and connect to a planar face surface of a second panel, the planar faceted feature and the portion of the planar face surface intersecting to form a dihedral angle and a V-shaped pocket
wherein the connector comprises a plurality of planar faceted features; and
wherein the connector comprises two faceted features, comprising:
a first of the faceted features oriented at an angle of 108 degrees from the planar face surface of the panel; and
a second of the faceted features oriented at an angle of 144 degrees from the planar face surface of the panel.
3. A panel for use in constructing a multi-panel complex polyhedron structure, comprising:
a panel comprising:
two planar face surfaces parallel to each other; and
edge surfaces surrounding the planar face surfaces; and
a connector attached to one of the planar face surfaces away from a one of the edge surfaces closest to the connector, such that a portion of the planar face surface exists between the connector and the edge surface closest to the connector, the connector including a planar faceted feature configured to abut and connect to a planar face surface of a second panel, the planar faceted feature and the portion of the planar face surface intersecting to form a dihedral angle and a V-shaped pocket
wherein the connector comprises a plurality of planar faceted features; and
wherein the connector comprises two faceted features, comprising:
a first of the faceted features oriented at an angle of 126 degrees from the planar face surface of the panel; and
a second of the faceted features oriented at an angle of 144 degrees from the planar face surface of the panel.