Dynamic Space frame.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Nodlet Truss.

Professor Nooshin and his associates at Warwick University UK confirmed my discovery of this truss system in 1991.
A short report was published in the International Journal of Space Structures. Volume 6 No 1 1991


One particularly use is to provide a structure in space, for example for use as a satellite dish or space platform, the structure being strong, yet relatively light in weight.
Large space structures can be constructed using this node and link module truss as a subunit. The folding mechanism of the truss is basically two pivotally interconnected diametrically opposed tripods. By applying a pulling force between the two central nodes of the truss mechanism it causes the truss to expand. Similarly by applying a pushing force to the truss mechanism it causes it to fold.
Place a few of these up in geostationary orbit. Folded inside the cargo bay of the shuttle, floated out and opened out slowly with its huge surface area of solar skin cells. After a few years of intensive space engineering we might have an answer to our global warming problem. It is the canopy in the sky keeping us cool. The gathered solar energy can be converted into microwave and beamed down to earth.
If a collection of these trusses were all joined together and floated, semi-submerged offshore, the ever changing, variable curvature of the oceans surface would be induced into this mechanism. causing the multitude of sliding nodes to move in and out. This could provide us with a combined means for a wave energy system, a shore defense system and an artificial reef as a marine shelter for smaller fish.
Some of the many applications for this folding mechanism include robotics, biomimetics, wave energy, mechanical skin, suspension geometry, double skinned hulls, nano technology, temporary shelters and tuneable antenna dishes.

View Nodlet video.

View Nodlet images






"We never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete."

-BuckminsterFuller