Abstract

Structural components for forming a space frame, particularly a geodesic dome structure, as well as a method of assembling the structural components is described in this invention. The structural components feature a connector having a slotted tubular member which extends into a transition area which, in turn, extends into a planar spade section. A structural conduit is positioned so as to abut the spade section and includes an inwardly extending wedge shaped protrusion that extends into a V-shaped recess formed in the transition area to lock the structural conduit with respect to the connector. Thus, when the structural conduit is placed in a state of tension, the wedge shaped protrusion acts to increase the outside diameter of the slotted tubular member so as to increase the compression of the slotted tubular member with respect to the inside surface of the structural conduit. The connectors, together with the attached structural conduits, are arranged in a star-like fashion in groups having numbers such as five or six such that the structural conduits can be arranged to form a space frame such as a geodesic dome. Each spade section includes an enlarged aperture through which securement member extends and the spade sections are placed in a layered arrangement.