This is the fourth part from my deep dive into tensegrity models. I still have one more coming. Learned a lot, all in all I've created 5 models. I'll post the last one here when I can.

I find things like this fascinating. At first glance it defies gravity, you can't push a rope right? How are the strings holding this up? But, when you look at it closely the whole model becomes understandable. Tensional Integrity or Tensegrity is how this whole model is held together beyond initial belief. The more of these I build, the more intriguing the models are. These models are just the surface of what can be done with Tensegrity!

The push pins work well if you're not a knot tie-er, like me. The pins are tapered and create a locking angle against the string (or 10 lb test fishing line like I used). I'm amazed at how well this worked at first assembly. The fishing line worked well, there is a little bit of elasticity to it and makes the assembly more forgiving. I would like to try spider-wire fishing line, it is braided and there is absolutely zero stretch, I think this would take a lot of the shakes out of this. But really the choice of string is yours, it could be dental floss.

Every part of this model is 3D printed except for the string, there aren't any screws. Although, in each of the tapered push pins there is a hole you could insert a screw into just in-case you get a pin stuck and need to adjust the length.

There are three files required for the assembly. I've included the original base I had designed (for the good knot tie-ers). I couldn't get my fingers to function for the original design so I redesigned to use an extra tapered push pin. This worked excellent! Having the two strings for the center doubles the capacity of this model from the others I've created, making this a functional table for supporting various items. So it kind of worked out for the better...

For this model, finished quantities are below:

Pin - Qty 4 - First Color Choice

Pin - Qty 4 - Second Color Choice

Base (Original) - Qty 1 - First Color Choice

Base (Version 2) - Qty 1 - First Color Choice

*Note: Base (Version 2) Requires an Extra Pin, First Color Choice.

Top - Qty 1 - Second Color Choice

Check out the video on YouTube showing how everything goes together:

It's pretty neat. Download & Print it!

Thanks for checking it out! Be sure to check out my other models.

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Category: Engineering