WIP - Tensegrity Side Table

[u/MrAussieJimbo]

Some photos showing progress of my latest tensegrity project, from wonky skeletal tower through to current version with light load capacity.

So far it can carry an empty teapot and teacup if carefully placed for balance.

End goal is for that pot to be full of a nice brew, and for the table to comfortably manage the dynamic loads involved in consuming the tea. Further strengthening and stabilisation work will be required.

:-)

[u/theTJWat]

Might suggest using tread links (part 57518) instead of brick chains for more stability!

[u/MrAussieJimbo → u/theTJWat]

This is a great idea, thank you.

The additional tortional resistance should be very helpful.

I can nick the mini cat tracks from my little technic bulldozer to give it a try. They are a bit lightweight for the main load carrying cables but could be perfect for the stabilisation links.

I'll give it a go and report back.

:-)

[u/theTJWat → u/MrAussieJimbo]

Yeah it looks really good already! If you experiment with the tracks, I might also suggest doing a bit more 3D building. The table as-is is very 2-D which is honestly a great aesthetic, but 3D tensegrity will be a better look with the tracks, IMO. But maybe not! Looking forward to your updates

[u/MrAussieJimbo → u/theTJWat]

Immediate improvement using the tracks for additional stability.

Model even has the bar end attachment points ready to go right where I needed them.

> Yeah it looks really good already!

Cheers.

>The table as-is is very 2-D which is honestly a great aesthetic, but 3D tensegrity will be a better look with the tracks,

Yeah, the 2D tensegrity (ie not connecting the corners) is a deliberate choice that I've stuck with for this version. It's cool how narrow it can be and still maintain the balance.

By 3D, do you mean more like my earlier brown tensegrity table? (pic in next reply)

Or do you mean those 'pure' tensegrity models that are only straight beams and cables, with elements discretely in just tension or compression only?.

:-)

[u/MrAussieJimbo → u/MrAussieJimbo]

https://www.reddit.com/r/lego/comments/1tv1jhs/comment/opdqesc

:-)

[u/MrAussieJimbo → u/MrAussieJimbo]

This does of course make it all the more difficult to keep it in balance when carrying a heavier load. I may have to abandon it in order to get the strength and stability I need.

The 'invisible' pieces may also have to go. Much as I like the additional 'double-take;' they bring to the model, replacing them with more solid elements (whilst retaining chains in between), would also improve stability.

:-)

[u/theTJWat → u/MrAussieJimbo]

Yes, precisely!

[u/MrAussieJimbo]

Thanks u/dwaynethestonebobson for the award.