Printed Tensegrity Toy

thingiverse

This is an experiment in using flexures to create a tensegrity structure out of printed parts. The zig-zag patterns in the tensile components act like springs, putting load on the compression components and allowing the whole structure to flex freely. To make your own, print out the following components: * 10x spring_03_short.STL * 5x stick_03_long.STL * 5x stick_03a.STL Assemble using 10x McMaster Part #96817A908 thread forming screws (you'll need a T10 torx wrench). The assembly gets unwieldy once things are about 90% together and the flexures begin to get pulled into tension. I recommend assembling everything laid flat, connecting all tensile elements to compression ones back-to-back as in the photo taken on the plywood backdrop, before connecting the first to the last member and forming a loop.  Leaving screws backed out just a half turn and allowing some play on the connection will help the structure stay springy and prevent tangling as you assemble everything. I've also made a little post about this design on my site here https://har.ms/blog/printed-tensegrity-toy.