Tension Compression Structural Unit Self-Tensioning Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures that utilize tensile-integrity principles, such as tensegrity structures, often require additional tensioning elements like wires or cables to maintain integrity and are not suitable for load-bearing applications, limiting their ability to create large, spanning structures.
Innovation Solution
A tension compression structural unit comprising flexible and elastic elongate members that interlap to apply tension forces against each other, eliminating the need for additional tensioning elements and enabling the creation of stable, load-bearing structures by forming attractor polygons, which can be regular or irregular, allowing for the assembly of various polyhedral and domic structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional tensioning elements (wires or cables) are used to maintain structural integrity, then the structure can maintain tension, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate tensioning elements (wires or cables) from the structure by integrating the tensioning function directly into the elongate members themselves. The elongate members are made flexible and elastic so they can tension against each other without requiring external tensioning components, thus eliminating unnecessary parts while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of structural support and tensioning into a single integrated system. The elongate members serve dual purposes: providing structural framework and generating tension forces through their flexibility and elasticity, merging what were previously separate functional components into one unified system
2Strength
If traditional tensegrity structures with separate tensioning elements are used, then tension can be maintained, but the structure cannot effectively bear loads for large spanning applications
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate members are designed to be self-tensioning through their inherent flexibility and elasticity. When configured in the interlapped array, they automatically generate and maintain tension forces against each other without requiring external adjustment or additional tensioning mechanisms, enabling the structure to self-regulate and bear loads effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the structural members by using flexible and elastic materials with specific mechanical properties. This allows the members to dynamically adjust their tension forces and configurations in response to applied loads, enabling effective load-bearing behavior that traditional rigid tensegrity structures cannot achieve
3Ease of manufacture
If elongate members are made flexible and elastic to tension against each other, then additional tensioning elements are eliminated, but the manufacturing precision required to achieve proper interlapped configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic, flexible members rather than rigid components, allowing the structure to accommodate variations in manufacturing tolerances and assembly conditions. The flexibility and elasticity of the elongate members enable them to self-adjust and achieve proper tensioning configurations even with moderate manufacturing precision, reducing the stringency of assembly requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the creation of stable, self-supporting structures of various sizes, from small to large, without additional tensioning elements, capable of human habitation and other uses, by maintaining tension integrity through interlapped elongate members, allowing for complex and adaptable configurations.
Implementation Method 1
each of the elongate members exerts an elastic force tensioned against a neighboring and interlapped elongate member
Data Source
AI summary
A tension compression structural unit and method of assembling structures that comprises endwise interlapping configuration of at least three elongate members into a tension compression structural unit whereby tensegrity is maintained by tensioning a first end of each elongate member against respective first ends of each other elongate member, in interlapped array, and then anchoring each second end of each elongate member—either onto a ground surface or by interlapped configuration with additional elongate members. A stable, domic structure is thus erectable without the need of additional tensioning elements such as wires or cables, for example.