biotensegrity modeling 1.1 © 2005 intension designs ltd. Tensegrity Torso model 5-TPF-5.2 Biotensegrity Modeling of the Torso Evolution selects for structural adap- tations which are maximally efficient: tensegrity structures, which combine flexibility, resilience and strength, with minimal energy and material requirements, are optimum solutions to these demands. The method was to build from geometry (nature of structure) towards gross vertebrate anatomy (structure of nature). While the principle of tensegrity is gradually being accepted as a better description of biomechanical stabil- ity and dynamic movement in the human body, how this works is not well understood. A schematic model of the torso, including the pelvis, that shows how a tensegrity structure ac- commodates and adapts to stress in a similar way, is needed. An expanded octahedron tensegrity has six struts arranged in three parallel pairs, oriented at 90° to each other, and suspended in a continuous tension net such that no strut touch- es another. This tensegrity forms the basic building block for a number of other forms such as spiral tensegrity vertebral masts and the structure of the pelvis. It is useful for modeling the torso because it is oriented along the familiar x,y, and z axes, and the body has equivalent axes (front/back, top/bottom, left/right). Also it has a central cavity which oscillates, which is analogous to the human torso as it breathes and moves. Elongating the basic model by length- ening and modifying the front and back struts (spine and sternum), and adding a second pair of struts on either side to suggest the ribs, be- gins to approximate a human torso. Replacing the bottom horizontal strut with a pelvis structure that contin- ues and iterates the same tensegrity form, completes it. This model illustrates a human range of motion including flexion, exten- sion, lateral bending, rotation and walking. It illustrates the minimum tensegrity necessary to create anatomy analogous to the human form. The concept of biotensegrity offers a better framework than traditional biomechanics to explain how living structures are adapted to withstand dynamic stresses and yet remain structurally flexible and durable. Better description means better prescription, which means more suc- cessful treatment methods to benefit patients and clients.

quick ref torso1.1 · is analogous to the human torso as it breathes and moves. Elongating the basic model by length-ening and modifying the front and back struts (spine and sternum),

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Page 1: quick ref torso1.1 · is analogous to the human torso as it breathes and moves. Elongating the basic model by length-ening and modifying the front and back struts (spine and sternum),

biotensegrity modeling

Tensegrity Torsomodel 5-TPF-5.2

Biotensegrity Modelingof the Torso

Evolution selects for structural adap-tations which are maximally effi cient: tensegrity structures, which combine fl exibility, resilience and strength, with minimal energy and material requirements, are optimum solutions to these demands. The method was to build from geometry (nature of structure) towards gross vertebrate anatomy (structure of nature).

While the principle of tensegrity is gradually being accepted as a better description of biomechanical stabil-ity and dynamic movement in the human body, how this works is not well understood. A schematic model of the torso, including the pelvis, that shows how a tensegrity structure ac-commodates and adapts to stress in a similar way, is needed.

An expanded octahedron tenseg-rity has six struts arranged in three parallel pairs, oriented at 90° to each other, and suspended in a continuous tension net such that no strut touch-es another. This tensegrity forms the basic building block for a number of other forms such as spiral tensegrity vertebral masts and the structure of the pelvis. It is useful for modeling the torso because it is oriented along the familiar x,y, and z axes, and the body has equivalent axes (front/back, top/bottom, left/right). Also it has a central cavity which oscillates, which is analogous to the human torso as it breathes and moves.

Elongating the basic model by length-ening and modifying the front and back struts (spine and sternum), and adding a second pair of struts on either side to suggest the ribs, be-gins to approximate a human torso. Replacing the bottom horizontal strut with a pelvis structure that contin-ues and iterates the same tensegrity form, completes it.

This model illustrates a human range of motion including fl exion, exten-sion, lateral bending, rotation and

walking. It illustrates the minimum tensegrity necessary to create anato-my analogous to the human form.

The concept of biotensegrity offers a better framework than traditional biomechanics to explain how living structures are adapted to withstand dynamic stresses and yet remain structurally fl exible and durable. Better description means better prescription, which means more suc-cessful treatment methods to benefi t patients and clients.