Self-constructing structures

Abstract

Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for self-constructing structures. In particular, a mold for forming a structure includes an inflatable inner balloon, a non-inflatable outer shell coupled to the inner balloon about a base circumference, the outer shell having an apex and an opening disposed at the apex, and a pump in fluid communication with the opening of the outer shell; wherein, when the inner balloon is inflated, a gap is formed between the inner balloon and the outer shell for containing a building material, and the outer shell comprises a dome shape.

1 . A mold for forming a structure comprising:
 an inflatable inner balloon comprising a dome shape;   a non-inflatable outer shell coupled to the inner balloon about a base circumference, the outer shell having an apex and an opening disposed at the apex; and   wherein, when the inner balloon is inflated, a gap is formed between the inner balloon and the outer shell for containing a building material, and the outer shell comprises a dome shape.   
     
     
         2 . The mold of  claim 1 , further comprising a building material disposed between the inner balloon and outer shell. 
     
     
         3 . The mold of  claim 2 , wherein the building material is selected from the group consisting of water, mud, clay, concrete, a water-sediment mixture, and a water-sand mixture. 
     
     
         4 . The mold of  claim 2 , wherein the building material comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of: lime, cement, and a biologically-based material. 
     
     
         5 . The mold of  claim 4 , wherein biologically-based material comprises seeds, vines, grass, plants, moss, or fungus. 
     
     
         6 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The mold of  claim 1 , further comprising a pump in fluid communication with the opening. 
     
     
         13 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The mold of  claim 1 , further comprising a net having a dome shape and disposed around the inner balloon. 
     
     
         19 . The mold of  claim 18 , wherein the net is secured to ground via anchors. 
     
     
         20 . The mold of  claim 1 , wherein the outer shell comprises a net having a dome shape. 
     
     
         21 . The mold of  claim 20 , wherein the net is secured to ground via anchors. 
     
     
         22 . The mold of  claim 1 , further comprising a liner conforming to the gap between the inner balloon and outer shell, the liner having an apex and an opening at the apex, the opening of the liner being aligned with the opening of the outer shell. 
     
     
         23 . The mold of  claim 22 , wherein the liner comprises a flexible material. 
     
     
         24 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method of forming a structure, the method comprising:
 providing a mold comprising an inflatable inner balloon comprising a dome shape and a non-inflatable outer shell coupled to the inner balloon about a base circumference, the outer shell having an apex and an opening disposed at the apex;   inflating the inner balloon to form a gap between the inner balloon and the outer shell;   adding building material into the opening of the outer shell thereby filling the gap with the building material;   removing the outer shell after adding the building material;   deflating the inner balloon after removing the outer shell; and   removing the inner balloon after deflating the inner balloon.   
     
     
         28 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein adding building material comprises pouring or scooping building material into the opening. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising disposing a tube within the opening and pumping the building material into the tube. 
     
     
         35 - 42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising a net having a dome shape and disposed around the inner balloon. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the net is secured to ground via anchors. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the outer shell comprises a net having a dome shape. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein the net is secured to ground via anchors. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising positioning a liner within the gap between the inner balloon and outer shell, the liner having an apex and an opening at the apex, the opening of the liner being aligned with the opening of the outer shell. 
     
     
         48 - 51 . (canceled)