Octet structures using tension and compression

Abstract

Octahedral structures using compression and tension members are joined along a common edge to form adjacent tetrahedrals, to produce a rigid or flexible "octet" structural system. Pairs of tension members interconnecting corners of the octahedra may be lengthened and shortened to provide controlled hinging of the adjacent octahedra about the common edge. The octahedra may be collapsed into a linear bundle of struts and tension members or cables by lengthening the tension cables and pivoting the struts into alignment at their junction. Octahedral/tetrahedral structures may extend for many modules in three directions to form an extended structure, with openings provided where desired by omtting one or more octahedra. Special plates for coupling between the ends of the compression members, and the tension members include slots for receiving the tension members and a central opening for securing the compression member to the plate and for locking the tension members to the plates, with the plates forming parallel planes above and below the octahedral structures.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.