Patent ID: 8833000
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: E04B

Abstract:
1. A tensegrity structure comprising: a pre-stressed membrane with an inner surface and an outer surface; a plurality of elongate compression members; a plurality of tensegrity units disposed in a sequential relationship with each of the plurality of tensegrity units disposed adjacent to at least one other of the plurality of tensegrity units wherein each tensegrity unit is formed by the pre-stressed membrane in combination with at least three of the plurality of elongate compression members wherein the at least three elongate compression members of each tensegrity unit are obliquely disposed in compression within the pre-stressed membrane to establish an open inner volume within the pre-stressed membrane, wherein each compression member has a first end that applies force to the pre-stressed membrane at a first location and a second end that applies force to the pre-stressed membrane at a second location spaced from the first location, wherein the ends of the at least three compression members of each tensegrity unit are not in contact with one another, wherein the at least three compression members of adjacent tensegrity units are not in contact within one another, wherein the tensegrity structure has a longitudinal axis, wherein the at least three compression members of each tensegrity unit are crossed between the ends of the at least three compression members in a spiral in relation to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the ends of the at least three compression members of adjacent tensegrity units and within each tensegrity unit are staggered around the longitudinal axis whereby the ends of the at least three compression members of adjacent tensegrity units and within each tensegrity unit do not align longitudinally when the tensegrity structure is viewed in plan along the longitudinal axis; and wherein the pre-stressed membrane has anticlastic form with a double curvature over the entirety of the inner and outer surfaces of the pre-stressed membrane except at the locations where the ends of the compression members apply force to the pre-stressed membrane.