Spiral Tensegrity

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This is the second part from my deep dive into tensegrity models. I still have a few more coming. Learned a lot, all in all I've created 5 models. I'll post them all here when I can.

 

I find things like this fascinating. At first glance it defies gravity, you can't push a rope right? How are the strings holding this up? But, when you look at it closely the whole model becomes understandable. Tensional Integrity or Tensegrity is how this whole model is held together beyond initial belief.

 

The push pins work well if you're not a knot tie-er, like me. The pins are tapered and create a locking angle against the string (or 10 lb test fishing line like I used). I'm amazed at how well this worked at first assembly. The fishing line worked well, there is a little bit of elasticity to it and makes the assembly more forgiving. I would like to try spider-wire fishing line, it is braided and there is absolutely zero stretch, I think this would take a lot of the shakes out of this. But really the choice of string is yours, it could be dental floss.

 

Every part of this model is 3D printed except for the string, there aren't any screws. Although, in each of the tapered push pins there is a hole you could insert a screw into just in-case you get a pin stuck and need to adjust the length.

 

There are two files to the assembly. For this model, finished quantities are below:

Pin - Qty 4 - First Color Choice

Pin - Qty 4 - Second Color Choice

Spiral - Qty 1 - First Color Choice

Spiral - Qty 1 - Second Color Choice

 

There are (2) .3mf files included for print profiles. One print profile has a closed end and one print profile has an open end, it started with just the open ended spiral, but it was requested that a closed end be added so it could be used as a table top. You will need to print two of one or the other, or one of each to have a full tensegrity assembly.

 

Check out the video on YouTube showing how everything goes together:

And, be sure to Subscribe to the YouTube channel if you like things like this, it keeps me motivated :-)

 

It's pretty neat. Download & Print it!

 

Thanks for checking it out! Be sure to check out my other models.