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Folding
Structures |
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Chuck Hoberman, Hoberman Associates
B.F.A.- Sculpture, The Cooper Union
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Columbia, University
Faculty Adjunct, School of Architecture, Columbia
I have developed the work presented here over the last seven years.
Unique hybrids of both structure and mechanism, folding structures
are "shapes that grow themselves" –fluidly transforming
from tight and compact bundles to strong yet graceful structural
elements. The possible forms and functions of these folding structures
are virtually unlimited. Uses for them currently are being explored
in the areas of toys, tents, packaging, architecture, and outer
space.
Continuous Surface system
U.S. Patent 4,981,732
International Patents Pending
This system is suited for smaller shelters and tents. Numerous shapes
can be generated from a single sheet of material. Manufacture is
inexpenslve, and structure may be made waterproof. Allowance is
made for the finite thickness of the sheet.
Radial Expansion Truss
U.S.Patent No. 4,942,7000
International Patents Pending
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This is a highly
flexible system, whose structures exhibit smooth, stable expansion
and contraction. One can design a collapsible truss of virtually
any shape. Whatever the specified shape, it does not change
as the truss is expanded and contracted. For example, a hemispherical
dome will remain self-supporting at all times during deployment.
As the structure expands, each point on its surface radiates
out from the center. These straight-line trajectories easily
may be used to expand and contract the structure with a winch
ro similar device. |
Iris-Type Retractable Roof
(Radial Expansion Truss with Covering)
Like an iris, the roof opens over a space in a symmetric
fashion, with its center retracting toward its perimeter. As it
retracts, the roof material also compacts, so that the circumference
of the roof always remains essentailly unchanged. This stable grounded
perimeter is a key structural characteristic of the system. The
roof may also be set in any intermediate position to provide a space
that can adapt to many different uses.
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