Animated Spiral Tensegrity Mast

A three fold tensegrity spiral mast composed of wooden struts and an elastic tension net is actuated by using three vertical control lines.(six control lines give a greater degree of control however). Given the proper ratio of elastic tension to non-elastic control lines, such a mast demonstrates multiple degrees of freedom and a wide range of motion. Applications include robotic appendages that work like the Canada Arm on the International Space Station, prosthetic devices and exoskeletal support systems. Additionally such a mast illustrates the force vectors active in living forms such as an octopus, an elephant trunk, or a cat's tail for example. Such a mast also schematizes how fascial support in the spine can assist in lateral and rotational movement but also provides stability by stiffening the mast when required by tightening the control lines.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Tensegrity
• Biotensegrity
• Robotics
• Prosthetics
• Exoskeletons

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FTG!!!!!!!!!!!!!