Surface adaptive tension-compression base structure and apparatus using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tensegrity structures are rigid and poorly adapted for use on irregular surfaces, making them unsuitable for outdoor or uneven terrain, as they lack the flexibility to maintain stability and orientation.
Innovation Solution
A tension-compression base structure with at least three independent compression elements and a tension element, featuring a constraint to hold the compression elements in a desired configuration, with adjustable tension members and telescoping mechanisms to maintain pre-stressed static equilibrium, allowing adaptability to irregular surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a tensegrity structure uses rigid pre-stressed compression and tension elements, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability to irregular surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the compression elements telescopic rather than rigid, allowing them to extend and retract. This enables the structure to dynamically adjust its configuration to adapt to irregular surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through the pre-stressed tensegrity system. The telescopic mechanism allows the legs to independently adjust their length, providing adaptability without compromising the overall structural strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a tensegrity structure maintains a fixed pre-stressed equilibrium configuration, then structural stability is improved, but ease of adjustment to various surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by incorporating telescopic mechanisms in the compression elements, allowing the structure to transition between different stable configurations. The structure can maintain pre-stressed equilibrium at each configuration while easily adjusting to different surface conditions, combining stability with operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through the telescopic compression elements that can automatically adjust to surface irregularities. The structure self-adapts to various terrains without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, maintaining stability while adjusting to the supporting surface independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A tension-compression base structure includes tension elements (such as flexible cables or ropes) and compression elements (such as rigid legs) with a slidably adjustable path for the tension elements around or within the compression elements, thereby enabling a degree of adaptability to support surfaces that may not be ideally flat, such as on outdoor terrain. Such a tension-compression base may be used to support a platform that may be desirably held in a preferred orientation irrespective of terrain irregularities. Height adjustment of the platform can be achieved via a telescoping mechanism, a gas spring, or the like, at the one or both ends of the compression members of the structure. A spring or other compliant member inline with the “loop” tension member can be included. The spring also can remove the requirement for fine adjustments of tension elements during normal service. The spring can benefit various tension-compression base structures.