Tensegrity Table Exploration
Exploring Physics and Woodworking
Project Description
I completed this project for my Senior Free Inquiry Project at Wheeler. The intention of this project was to allow me to explore my interests in engineering, physics and design while learning new skills in woodworking. I worked alongside Eliot Wemple to inspire each other while we both built our own separate tables. This project focused more on the process of learning about creating tensegrity furniture without an emphasis on a polished finished project. During this project, I learned how to work with wood and how to use various power tools such as a jigsaw. The next steps of this project would be to completely redesign the wiring to include a tensioning mechanism to add tension to the supporting wires. This project was intended to explore tensegrity and have fun doing it.
Prototypes
While constructing this first prototype I immediately realized that on a larger scale the implementing and tensioning of wires would be the biggest challenge.
This larger model proved that ⅛” corrugated cardboard was not sustainable at a larger scale. I also learned I needed to change the jointing to make the design sturdier.
This is the first model that weight and was decently tensioned, due to the duct tape and binder clips.
This model is a true quarter scale of my larger “final” design. I also learned that fishing line is incredibly difficult to work with in this setting.
Process
This sketch shows the geometry of the table’s two forming triangles. I used this to make 3D models and build the arches of my table in Rhino.
I used the laser cutter to precisely trace the shape I wanted and then used the jigsaw and drill press to cut out the pieces.
To insert the supporting wire, I drilled a hole through the two arches and set a piece of looped wire through it. I then tapped a dowel through that loop to hold the wire firm.
To finish the design, I looped wire through the corners of the oval and swaged the loops without creating a significant amount of tension.