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[Hide] (282.8KB, 1024x1024) Tensegrity Thread
Tenssegrity is the purposeful application of tension in a system of non-contact components to provide integrity. These components effectively float on compression provided by tension elements. Tensegrity structures are often formed via rigid rods with a cable defining the spatial relations of the system. Picrel 1 is NASA’s Super Ball Bot, which uses the common 6 bar structure. By altering the lengths of the rods, the “ball” can roll. Please see (https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/super-ball-bot/)
Our bodies use tensegrity to provide us with incredible strength, durability, and adaptability. Consider how when you bump into something or fall, you can feel the pressure dissipate throughout large parts of your body. This is due to your muscles, fascia, ligaments, etc… transferring the force throughout your body, protecting the impacted part. You can walk with little effort thanks in part to tensegrity. Your legs joints are all floating, providing low friction movement while distributing the force of impact throughout your entire leg when you step. Please see (http://intensiondesigns.ca/geometry-of-anatomy/)
Tensegrity can also be made with elastic elements. These structures are what I believe are best suited for our endeavors. They provide looser tolerance requirements and give her body some squeezability. By incorporating naturally stretchable elements, she can better withstand having an Anon using her. (I speak from experience, though I still broke that torso before taking pictures.) Though there are drawbacks. These designs are deceptively difficult to design correctly. Our requirements for external aesthetics provide unique design requirements that complicate the design phase. I still believe using this concept is objectively correct for us to pursue.
A good example to build off of (Debatable whether or not it’s true tensegrity): https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4182634