One embodiment described herein provides a photovoltaic roof module. The roof module can include at least a first photovoltaic roof tile, a second photovoltaic roof tile positioned adjacent to the first photovoltaic roof tile, and a spacer coupled to and positioned between the first and second photovoltaic roof tiles. The spacer is configured to facilitate a semi-rigid joint between the first and second photovoltaic roof tiles.

A first arch and second arch are produced in respective first and second structural portions. Each arch has a tie rod interconnecting the foot points of the arch, where a foot point of the arch is displaceably mounted. Each tie rod is tensioned so that horizontal forces caused by the weight of the arches at the foot points of the corresponding arch, are taken up by the tie rods. A first end point of the tie rod of the first arch is connected in a force-fitting manner to the first abutment, and a second end point of the tie rod of a last arch is connected in a force-fitting manner to the second abutment. The remaining adjoining end points of the tie rods are connected to one another in a force-fitting manner, and corresponding foot points of the arches are connected in a force-fitting manner to the abutments and pillar.

An adjustable structural connectiona connection which can be adjusted to alter the location and angle of member attachmenttransforms the traditional notion of connections as a static means of connecting members at specific angles to a dynamic means of assembling a variety of structurally efficient forms. The adjustable connection connects a diagonal member to a vertical or horizontal member using either curved plate mounted to both of the structural members or a temporarily rotatable link. The adjustable connection can be used in a kit-of-parts type system, using multiple versions of the adjustable connection, which can join members at a wide variety of angles using a small number of unique components.

An adjustable structural connectiona connection which can be adjusted to alter the location and angle of member attachmenttransforms the traditional notion of connections as a static means of connecting members at specific angles to a dynamic means of assembling a variety of structurally efficient forms. The adjustable connection connects a diagonal member to a vertical or horizontal member using either curved plate mounted to both of the structural members or a temporarily rotatable link. The adjustable connection can be used in a kit-of-parts type system, using multiple versions of the adjustable connection, which can join members at a wide variety of angles using a small number of unique components.

To provide a foldable structure to which stiffness is imparted so that non-uniform extension and contraction is inhibited even when each surface is formed of a flexible material, a manufacturing method and a manufacturing device of the foldable structure, and a non-transitory computer-readable computer medium storing a program. A foldable structure including at least two tubular structures in which the two tubular structures include a shared surface array which is continuous shared surfaces shared by each other, and a twisting characteristic in the shared surface array of one tubular structure is in a direction opposite to that of the twisting characteristic in the shared surface array of the other tubular structure.

The present invention relates to a free pillar having a shaft, a load-branching node provided at the upper end of the shaft and at least two cantilever arms which are each connected at one end to the load-branching node and at the other end support the superstructure, and is characterized in that the load-bearing node includes a dome surface and a number of cantilever arm connections which corresponds to the number of cantilever arms, and in that the cantilever arm connections are arranged in such a manner that the center axes of the cantilever arm connections and of the shaft meet at a common point of intersection.

The present invention relates to a free pillar having a shaft, a load-branching node provided at the upper end of the shaft and at least two cantilever arms which are each connected at one end to the load-branching node and at the other end support the superstructure, and is characterized in that the load-bearing node includes a dome surface and a number of cantilever arm connections which corresponds to the number of cantilever arms, and in that the cantilever arm connections are arranged in such a manner that the center axes of the cantilever arm connections and of the shaft meet at a common point of intersection.

A rigid hanger connecting structure and a bridge structure. The connecting structure includes a rigid hanger and further includes a first connecting portion connected to a top end of the rigid hanger and a second connecting portion connected to a bottom end of the rigid hanger, and the hanger is connected to the first connecting portion and/or the second connecting portion by using a spherical bearing pair. A rotatable connection between the hanger and a bridge structure is implemented to avoid cracking of concrete inside a short hanger, prolonging the service life of a bridge; the connecting ends of the hanger are located within a line of sight range convenient for maintenance, to eliminate a blind zone, improving bridge safety; the hanger can be prefabricated in a factory, shortening construction period and improving efficiency.

A rigid hanger connecting structure and a bridge structure. The connecting structure includes a rigid hanger and further includes a first connecting portion connected to a top end of the rigid hanger and a second connecting portion connected to a bottom end of the rigid hanger, and the hanger is connected to the first connecting portion and/or the second connecting portion by using a spherical bearing pair. A rotatable connection between the hanger and a bridge structure is implemented to avoid cracking of concrete inside a short hanger, prolonging the service life of a bridge; the connecting ends of the hanger are located within a line of sight range convenient for maintenance, to eliminate a blind zone, improving bridge safety; the hanger can be prefabricated in a factory, shortening construction period and improving efficiency.

A flexible cable connecting structure and a bridge structure. The connecting structure includes a flexible cable; the first portion connected to a top end and a second portion connected to a bottom end by using a spherical bearing pair. By using a hinge assembly and a spherical hinge assembly, a rotatable connection between the cable and a bridge structure is implemented to avoid force uniformity of steel wires inside the cable due to inclination, thus helps prolong the service life of the cable. The connecting ends of the cable are located in a lower part of an arch rib and an upper part of a bridge floor, respectively located within a line of sight range, making it convenient for maintenance. The cable can be prefabricated in a factory, which ensures construction quality and reduces time of site construction.