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Additively Manufactured Tensegrity Assisted Inflatable Structures (AMTAIS)
Johnston, William
Johnston, William
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2022-04-15
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Johnston, William. 2022.
Additively Manufactured Tensegrity Assisted Inflatable Structures (AMTAIS) -- In Proceedings: 21st Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University, p. 27
Abstract
Inflation with customization: this research introduces a novel manufacturing
process to produce inflatables with tailorable properties. Additive
manufacturing—especially Fused Deposition Modeling—allows for rapid fabrication
of almost any geometry imaginable. This research answers the question: can
customizable inflatable structures be consistently fabricated using a novel additive
manufacturing technique? Here, we introduce additively manufactured tensegrity assisted
inflatable structures (AMTAIS). Fabricated using a patent pending design and
manufacturing process, each structure maintains its complex shape after inflation. Using
flexible material, airtight walls are printed to any user-specified geometry. Then, the Gcode—
or the set of printing instructions—is modified to incorporate fibrous tethers
within the internal cavity. These tethers prohibit the structural walls from expanding,
allowing the structure to hold its shape post-inflation. A valve is inserted into the
AMTAIS to allow inflation using any standard bike pump. This technique permits the
production of a myriad of inflatable shapes with improved load-bearing properties. The
inflated structures can hold pressure for weeks, and can be folded for storage when not in
use. As a lightweight alternative to current solid structures, these enhanced inflatables
could offer strong commercial value, from aerospace applications to the fashion industry.
These structures have already proven to be effective bespoke handbags that protect the
user’s devices from accidental falls. By redefining the future of tensegrity assisted
inflatables, this research provides further innovation within the realm of 3D printing.
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Presented to the 21st Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 15, 2022.
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Wichita State University
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URCAF
v.21
v.21