Design of a 3-D truss structure, including a plurality of coupling nodes and a plurality of struts, is optimized by performing a quantitative optimization of an objective function corresponding to a figure of merit of the design. The quantitative optimization includes: generating a finite element analysis model, the analysis model a 3-D lattice mesh of strut-like finite elements; computing, with the finite element analysis model, a value for the objective function; and optimizing the objective function by executing at least two cycles of an optimization loop. The optimization loop includes a) computing a respective parameter of each strut-like finite element; b) deleting, from the finite element analysis model, selected finite elements for which a resulting mechanical property is less than a threshold; (c) computing an updated value for the objective function; and repeating the optimization loop until the objective function is within a desired tolerance of the specified value.

Design of a 3-D truss structure, including a plurality of coupling nodes and a plurality of struts, is optimized by performing a quantitative optimization of an objective function corresponding to a figure of merit of the design. The quantitative optimization includes: generating a finite element analysis model, the analysis model a 3-D lattice mesh of strut-like finite elements; computing, with the finite element analysis model, a value for the objective function; and optimizing the objective function by executing at least two cycles of an optimization loop. The optimization loop includes a) computing a respective parameter of each strut-like finite element; b) deleting, from the finite element analysis model, selected finite elements for which a resulting mechanical property is less than a threshold; (c) computing an updated value for the objective function; and repeating the optimization loop until the objective function is within a desired tolerance of the specified value.

A system for manufacturing a drive shaft assembly comprises a welding apparatus configured to weld a tube to an end fitting to form the drive shaft assembly having an annular weld. A transport apparatus is configured to transport the drive shaft assembly away from the welding apparatus. A knurling apparatus receives the drive shaft assembly from the transport apparatus. The knurling apparatus is configured to knurl the weld of the drive shaft assembly. The knurling apparatus includes a pair of knurling plates having textured surfaces in facing relationship. One of the knurling plates is configured to move relative to the other of the knurling plates to roll the drive shaft assembly between the textured surfaces, thereby knurling the weld to improve an appearance and texture of the outer surface of the drive shaft assembly.

A system for manufacturing a drive shaft assembly comprises a welding apparatus configured to weld a tube to an end fitting to form the drive shaft assembly having an annular weld. A transport apparatus is configured to transport the drive shaft assembly away from the welding apparatus. A knurling apparatus receives the drive shaft assembly from the transport apparatus. The knurling apparatus is configured to knurl the weld of the drive shaft assembly. The knurling apparatus includes a pair of knurling plates having textured surfaces in facing relationship. One of the knurling plates is configured to move relative to the other of the knurling plates to roll the drive shaft assembly between the textured surfaces, thereby knurling the weld to improve an appearance and texture of the outer surface of the drive shaft assembly.

Disclosed is a coupling assembly for joining together a pair of light fixture segments at a joint interface therebetween to form a light fixture assembly, comprising a body rotatably mountable on a first of the light fixture segments about a central axis, the body configured to operably engage a drive tool with a drive axis thereof aligned with the central axis to rotate the body between a release position and a coupling position, the body having a designated receiving location to receive a complementary coupling element on a second of the light fixture segments, and configured to provide an arcuate pathway extending from designated receiving location, wherein the designated receiving location and pathway are configured to permit the complementary coupling element to travel along the pathway as the body rotates on the central axis, and thereby to laterally transfer the complementary coupling element radially toward the central axis to draw the first and second light fixture segment toward forming the joint interface when the body reaches the coupling position corresponding to the complementary coupling element reaching a corresponding position along the pathway.

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing hollow profiles, having the following method steps: providing an initial hollow profile which in an insertion wall and optionally in at least one intermediate wall displays an insertion opening, providing a support element which displays a bolt element, an engagement element, and support walls which are disposed between the bolt element and longitudinal flanks, passing through the support element through the insertion opening until the support walls are positioned in the initial hollow profile, engaging a tool on the engagement element, rotating the support element by means of the tool until regions of the longitudinal flanks touch inner walls of the initial hollow profile, connecting the regions of the longitudinal flanks to the initial hollow profile via the inner walls.

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing hollow profiles, having the following method steps: providing an initial hollow profile which in an insertion wall and optionally in at least one intermediate wall displays an insertion opening, providing a support element which displays a bolt element, an engagement element, and support walls which are disposed between the bolt element and longitudinal flanks, passing through the support element through the insertion opening until the support walls are positioned in the initial hollow profile, engaging a tool on the engagement element, rotating the support element by means of the tool until regions of the longitudinal flanks touch inner walls of the initial hollow profile, connecting the regions of the longitudinal flanks to the initial hollow profile via the inner walls.

Disclosed herein are folded sheets of material for use as a structural member and assembly thereof. According to an aspect, a sheet of material defines one or more tabs, slots, and a plurality of fold lines. The fold lines are spaced such that folding the sheet along the fold lines places the slots in substantial alignment for receiving the at least one tab such that a structural member having a web formed in an interior thereof is formed.

Disclosed herein are folded sheets of material for use as a structural member and assembly thereof. According to an aspect, a sheet of material defines one or more tabs, slots, and a plurality of fold lines. The fold lines are spaced such that folding the sheet along the fold lines places the slots in substantial alignment for receiving the at least one tab such that a structural member having a web formed in an interior thereof is formed.

A device for securing two or more posts together is disclosed. The device comprises a first end that can be passed through the post apertures, that is also configurable to prevent the first end from being withdrawn through the apertures, and a second end adapted to prevent the second end from passing through the apertures. The device may be reusable or non-reusable. A handle for use in moving a bundle of two or more posts is also disclosed. The bundle may have been formed with the device, or in another manner. The device and handle may be separate components or integrally formed. Systems and methods employing the device and/or handle are also disclosed.