Node, Support Frame, System and Method

Abstract

A node for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a support frame such as a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A method for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A system for supporting solar reflectors includes a first support frame upon which the solar reflectors are disposed. A method for forming a support frame for solar reflectors. A system for constructing a support frame from parts, including chords, for solar reflectors. A method for constructing a support frame for solar reflectors. A support frame for solar reflectors.

1 . A support frame for solar reflectors comprising:
 struts;   a first segmented chord;   a second segmented chord separate and distinct from the first segmented chord; and   a plurality of nodes, at least one of the nodes removably attaching at least one of the struts and the first segmented chord and the second segmented chord together.   
     
     
         2 . The support frame of  claim 1  wherein the one node has an elongate portion having a first end configured to removably attach to the first segmented chord, a second end configured to removably attach to the second segmented chord and a middle portion disposed between the first end and second end having a fin extending outward from the middle portion configured to removably attach to the strut. 
     
     
         3 . The support frame of  claim 2  wherein the one strut has a strut end piece and a primary strut portion separate and distinct from the strut end piece, the strut end piece removably attached to the primary strut portion and the fin with fasteners. 
     
     
         4 . The support frame of  claim 3  wherein the elongate portion is a sleeve, at least a portion of which is hollow, and which has a sleeve opening extending along the sleeve's central axis, the first segmented chord and the second segmented chord disposed in the sleeve opening. 
     
     
         5 . The support frame of  claim 4  wherein the first segmented chord has a first segmented chord end piece and a first primary segmented chord portion separate and distinct from the first segmented chord end piece, the first segmented chord end piece removably attached to the first primary segmented chord portion and the first and of the elongate portion with fasteners; and
 wherein the second segmented chord has a second segmented chord end piece and a second primary segmented chord portion separate and distinct from the second segmented chord end piece, the second segmented chord end piece removably attached to the second primary segmented chord portion and the second end of the elongate portion with fasteners. 
 
     
     
         6 . The support frame of  claim 5  wherein the sleeve's outer surface is curved. 
     
     
         7 . The support frame of  claim 3  wherein the elongate portion is solid. 
     
     
         8 . The support frame of  claim 7  wherein the first segmented chord has a first segmented chord end piece and a first primary segmented chord portion separate and distinct from the first segmented chord end piece, the first segmented chord end piece removably attached to the first primary segmented chord portion and the first and of the elongate portion with fasteners; and wherein the second segmented chord has a second segmented chord end piece and a second primary segmented chord portion separate and distinct from the second segmented chord end piece, the second segmented chord end piece removably attached to the second primary segmented chord portion and the second end of the elongate portion with fasteners. 
     
     
         9 . The frame as described in  claim 3  including a coupler disposed in the one node that extends out from the one node, the first segmented chord removably attached to the front side of the coupler and second segmented chord removably attached to the second side of the coupler with fasteners. 
     
     
         10 . The frame as described in  claim 8  wherein the first side and the second side of the coupler are separate and distinct from each other. 
     
     
         11 . A method for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors comprising the steps of:
 removably attaching the first support element to a first end of an elongate portion;   removably attaching the second support element to a second end of the elongate portion; and   removably attaching the third support element to a fin extending outward from the middle portion disposed between the first end and second end.   
     
     
         12 . A node for connecting together at least a first support element and a second support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors comprising:
 an elongate portion having a first end configured to removably attach to the first support element, a second end and a middle portion disposed between the first end and second end having a fin extending outward from the middle portion configured to removably attach to the second support element.   
     
     
         13 . The node as described in  claim 12  including a third support element and wherein the second end is configured to removably attach to the third support element. 
     
     
         14 . The node as described in  claim 13  wherein the second end opposes and is in spaced relationship with the first end. 
     
     
         15 . The node as described in  claim 14  wherein the elongate portion is an extrusion. 
     
     
         16 . The node as described in  claim 15  wherein the elongate portion is a one-piece extrusion. 
     
     
         17 . The node as described in  claim 16  wherein the elongate portion is a one-piece extrusion of aluminum. 
     
     
         18 . A system for supporting solar reflectors comprising:
 a first support frame upon which the solar reflectors are disposed;   a rolling rib to which the frame is attached;   a drive mechanism engaged with the rib to move the rib to move the frame;   a first pylon attached to a first side of the frame;   a second pylon attached to a second side of the frame; and   a second support frame having a first side attached to the second pylon with the second pylon disposed between the first and second frames.