Triodetic connectors were invented in 1955 by the Canadian Arthur E. Fentiman (1918–93), and patented in 1958.[1][2] The system was developed further by A. E. Fentiman's brother, Harold Gordon ("Bud") Fentiman (1921–86) and was in commercial use by 1960.[2][4] Triodetic Structures Ltd was established in 1962 to market the system; the Fentiman family sold the company in 1977.[2]
Description
The connector consists of a hub, usually of aluminium, with up to twelve slots into which tubes (the axial members) can be inserted. The assemblage is stabilized by a central bolt with a washer (through the middle of the hub). It is generally used with aluminium tubes, but stainless steel was introduced in 1966.[1][2][3] The tubes do not require bolting or welding together,[2][5] and the frame can be put together by non-specialists using basic equipment.[2]
^ abcG. S. Ramaswamy, Mick Eekhout, G. R. Suresh. Introduction to space frames. In: Analysis, Design and Construction of Steel Space Frames, pp. 11–13 (Thomas Telford; 2002) doi:10.1680/adacossf.30145.0001
^ abM. Y. H. Bangash, T. Bangash. Tension Structures. In: Elements of Spatial Structures – Analysis and Design, pp. 389–484 (Thomas Telford Publishing; 2003) doi:10.1680/eoss.31494.0012
^Z. S. Makowski (1993). Space structures – a review of the developments within the last decade. In: Space Structures 4: Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Space Structures, pp. 1–8 ( G. A. R. Parke, C. M. Howard, eds) ISBN9780727749413doi:10.1680/ss4v1.19683.0001
^New Products at the Building Exhibition. The British Aluminium Company, Ltd. Official Architecture and Planning 26 (11): 1163 (1963) JSTOR44150714
^Charly Ligety (2021). A Fresh Look at Emergency and Rapid Shelter Solutions. Cityscape 23 (2): 459–72 JSTOR27039974
^John Mitchell (4 May 2002). Vancouver blooms; Tropicial [sic] plants and birds flourish at Bloedel Floral Conservatory. Toronto Star, p. K18
