Tensegrity Structure Equilibrium Calculation Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the equilibrium state of tensegrity structures are complex and require specialized software, making it difficult to quickly and accurately calculate prestress values and member sizes for positioning and tension introduction.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves determining the critical bending moment, calculating the tension and pressure of various members, and calculating the unstressed lengths and forces of these members to determine the equilibrium state of a tensegrity structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If equilibrium matrix decomposition and self-stress mode solving methods are used to determine prestress, then the theoretical completeness is improved, but the calculation complexity and software requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheoretical completenessVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tensegrity structure into discrete compression members and tension members, establishing equilibrium equations for each node and member separately. This segmentation allows the complex global equilibrium problem to be broken down into manageable local equilibrium equations that can be solved systematically without requiring specialized software.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a self-contained calculation method that determines feasible prestress directly from the structure's geometric and mechanical parameters. The method uses the structure's own equilibrium matrix and member properties to solve for prestress values, eliminating the need for external specialized software while maintaining theoretical rigor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If quadratic singular value method and geometric symmetry are used to solve feasible prestress, then the solution accuracy is improved, but the calculation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprestress calculation accuracyVSAvoidcalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the prestress calculation problem from solving complex equilibrium matrix equations into a direct parameter calculation problem. By expressing prestress values as functions of member lengths, cross-sectional areas, and material properties, the method achieves accurate results through straightforward parameter substitution rather than iterative numerical solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential geometric and mechanical parameters from the tensegrity structure (member lengths, cross-sectional areas, elastic moduli) and uses these extracted parameters to directly calculate prestress values. This extraction approach eliminates the need for complex iterative solving while maintaining accuracy by focusing on the critical parameters that determine prestress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If stress-free state determination and vector projection methods are used, then the analysis thoroughness is improved, but the ease of operation and implementation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis thoroughnessVSAvoidimplementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of member lengths and cross-sectional areas before determining prestress values. By pre-establishing the geometric configuration and mechanical properties of all members, the method creates a ready framework that simplifies the subsequent prestress calculation, making the entire process more operationally straightforward while maintaining thorough analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical analysis systems (equilibrium matrix decomposition, tensor norm methods) with a simplified direct calculation approach. By substituting the mechanical solution framework with direct parameter-based calculations, the method maintains analytical thoroughness while dramatically improving ease of operation and implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If specialized software is required for tensegrity structure analysis, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity and accessibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis precisionVSAvoiddesign efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, specialized commercial software with a simple, self-contained calculation method that can be implemented using basic computational tools. This substitution uses readily available resources (standard spreadsheet software or simple programming) to achieve the same analytical precision, dramatically improving productivity and accessibility without requiring proprietary software licenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS12209999B2Method for determining equilibrium state of tensegrity structure
Publication Date: 2025.01.28 NEW UNITED GROUP
  • US12209999B2 patent drawing
  • US12209999B2 patent drawing
  • US12209999B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining the equilibrium state of a tensegrity structure includes: determining the critical bending moment that the tensegrity structure bears; calculating the tension of longitudinal tie rods; calculating the pressure of longitudinal compression members; calculating the tensile lengths and the unstressed lengths of the longitudinal tie rods; calculating the compressed lengths and the unstressed lengths of the longitudinal compression members; calculating the forces and the radial deformations of annular compression members; and calculating the positioning lengths and the manufacturing lengths of the longitudinal tie rods and the longitudinal compression members.