Patent ID: 8356448
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: B25J,E04B

Abstract:
1. A movable tensegrity structure having a tubular and cylindrical shape, the tensegrity structure comprising: a plurality of rigid members; and a plurality of tension members each connecting an end of one of the plurality of rigid members and an end of another of the plurality of rigid members, the plurality of rigid members and the plurality of tension members constituting the tubular and cylindrical shape of the tensegrity structure, wherein the tensegrity structure does not include a rigid member extending through the tubular and cylindrical shape in an internal space formed by the tubular and cylindrical shape, wherein a whole or a part of the plurality of tension members are made up of a contraction-controllable member, and wherein the tensegrity structure is bendable by contraction of the contraction-controllable member while maintaining the cylindrical shape.