Tensegrity Toy

thingiverse

I came across something similar on a video, so I decided to design and build one of my own. It seemed like a good exercise to continue learning how to use solidworks, which is still a new skill for me. After seeing others, I didn't like that they had a ring at the base, making it rather obtrusive. I wanted something with a regular triangle at the base and a 60-degree theme continuing upwards from the side. It's interesting to think about why this design works. I thought, "Okay, so I understand now: the string in the middle is under tension, holding the weight of the upper model, while the three side strings act like guide ropes for a circus big top tent pole." If it sways either way, one of the other three strings pulls it back to the center. However, this explanation is a bit simplistic because it's actually completely stable in any direction. In fact, gravity doesn't even matter - it's still stable. This object is lovely to play with and marvel at how the upper piece is held solely by strings in tension. The strings could just as easily be chain, wool, or bits of tape; they don't need elasticity. Enjoy!