Assembly of Foldable Tensegrity Modules

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for assembling a set of foldable / unfoldable tensegrity modules, each comprising a plurality of bars (10), a plurality of nodes (40) allowing the articulation of the bars (10), the method being characterised in that it comprises: juxtaposing the modules such that two adjacent modules comprise nodes positioned one over the other in a vertical plane; linking said nodes of the two adjacent modules by means of a tension cable and support beam link; positioning cover elements extending between successive modules.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to the field of tensegrity structures.[0002]It proposes in particular a mechanical assembly forming a support (platform for example) of the type with a foldable tensegrity structure.[0003]In particular, it finds advantageous application in the development of temporary structures for access to sites such as tourism sites or swimming areas.PRIOR ART[0004]Despite awareness by public authorities intending to improve the suitability of tourism sites for persons with reduce mobility, it is noted that in certain regions, the seacoast remains difficult of access for this type of user. In fact, many tourism sites do not propose any structure allowing fully autonomous access for swimming.[0005]Currently, access to the ocean for a person with reduced mobility can be accomplished by the use of a specific floating wheelchair which requires outside aid.[0006]For autonomous access, there exist fixed structures (www.unfauteuilalamer.com), but they i...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Despite awareness by public authorities intending to improve the suitability of tourism sites for persons with reduce mobility, it is noted that in certain regions, the seacoast remains difficult of access for this type of user.

In fact, many tourism sites do not propose any structure allowing fully autonomous access for swimming.

In certain regions subjected to obligations regarding the defense of the environment, non-temporary installations are not viable solutions.

Temporary structures such as floating pontoons that can be disassembled exist (www.belrive.fr / ), but these remain poorly suited to seacoasts for reasons of stability, because they require considerable anchorage.

Moreover, the load capacity is relatively small with regard to the volume occupied in the disassembled state, limiting their versatility.

The assembly of a structure implements separate components requiring a large number of operations; such solutions are therefore constraining in installation time and in labor.

However, such installations, based on the assembly of identical elementary cells, do not offer flexibility in terms of assembly, thus the cells cannot have different dimensions.

Moreover, the placement of installations requires a large number of cell assemblies.

However, this publication does not describe the notion of modularity, of assembly of tensegrity structures to form temporary platforms in poorly accessible zones in particular.

Even so, it is complicated to handle and to place when it is desired to create platforms with large dimensions.

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