Assembly of Foldable Tensegrity Modules

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for assembling a set of foldable/unfoldable tensegrity modules, each comprising a plurality of bars (10), a plurality of nodes (40) allowing the articulation of the bars (10), the method being characterised in that it comprises: juxtaposing the modules such that two adjacent modules comprise nodes positioned one over the other in a vertical plane; linking said nodes of the two adjacent modules by means of a tension cable and support beam link; positioning cover elements extending between successive modules.

1 . A mechanical assembly with a tensegrity structure,
 comprising,   at least two modules with a foldable/un-foldable tensegrity structure each comprising a plurality of bars and a plurality of nodes to which the bars are articulated;   nodes of the same module being, when said module is deployed, distributed over two parallel planes and connected two by two by a connecting element in tension perpendicular to said planes, each module including at least one assembly edge node situated in one of the two planes and without an opposite member in said module in the other plane, this node being adapted to be positioned in line with an assembly edge node of another adjacent module and to be connected to it by a connection element in tension or in compression perpendicular to the planes of the nodes of these two modules,   and wherein nodes of the upper plane of the modules including coupling elements adapted for attachment,   to several nodes of the assembly edge positioned along the same assembly edge and belonging alternately to one and the other of the two adjacent modules,   to cover elements, or support elements designed to support said cover elements.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , including at least one support beam for receiving a cover element, said beam being designed to be attached to several successive nodes belonging alternately to one and the other of the two adjacent modules, said nodes including protruding coupling elements for the attachment of said support beam. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , including a set of stilts designed to be placed under the nodes of the upper plane of the modules. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , including a tension connector comprising a turnbuckle connecting two cables attached by means of attachment rings to nodes positioned in line one above the other. 
     
     
         5 . A support structure comprising the mechanical assembly of  claim 1  of which several modules are deployed and disposed so as to be adjacent, each of these modules including at least one assembly edge node which is positioned in line with an assembly edge node of another adjacent module and which is connected to it by a connection element in tension perpendicular to the planes of the nodes of these two modules, said structure also including cover elements extending between successive modules. 
     
     
         6 . The support structure according to  claim 5 , comprising one or more support beams slipped onto protruding coupling elements which are carried by the nodes of the modules. 
     
     
         7 . The support structure according to  claim 6 , comprising junction bars of floor slats attached to support beams. 
     
     
         8 . The support structure according to  claim 7 , comprising a plurality of floor slats disposed between two parallel rows of successive nodes and wherein said floor slats are engaged on each lateral end between a junction bar and a support beam attached to each of said rows of successive nodes. 
     
     
         9 . The support structure according to  claim 5 , comprising spandrel beams attached along at least one side of one or more module(s), on the coupling elements of the nodes. 
     
     
         10 . The support structure according to  claim 5 , wherein the cover elements are plates coupled to the nodes of the modules. 
     
     
         11 . The support structure according to  claim 10 , comprising a set of stilts designed to be placed under the nodes of the upper plane of the modules. 
     
     
         12 . The support structure according to  claim 11 , comprising edge stilts which extend vertically in line with nodes distinct from the corner nodes of the module. 
     
     
         13 . The support structure according to  claim 11 , comprising corner stilts of which at least a portion extends between a corner node of the upper plane and a node of the lower plane vertically opposite to a node immediately adjacent to said corner node in said upper plane. 
     
     
         14 . The support structure according to  claim 5 , comprising guardrails and/or ramps or access stairs attached to nodes. 
     
     
         15 . A method of assembling a support structure according to  claim 5 , including the following steps:
 juxtaposition of foldable/un-foldable tensegrity modules each comprising a plurality of bars, a plurality of nodes allowing the articulation of the bars, so that two adjacent modules include end nodes positioned one above the other in a vertical plane;   placement of a connection element in tension or in compression between said end nodes of two adjacent modules;   placement on the modules of cover elements or support elements designed to support said cover elements.