Saturday, January 19, 2008

Practical Measures

We've evolved our modules to a couple of variations. The smaller cylindrical variation allows more directional flexibility. Both modules' diameters are based on our available joint modelling material (38mm ping-pong balls). The narrower module, left is based on the diameter necessary to fit six cylinders onto a ping-pong ball, allowing regular branching in all three axes, or any obtuse angle from the joint.
We'll use acrylic tubing for manufacturing these, although in our imaginations they could be formed of sheet stock in situ. I expect our initial model to resemble a habitrail.
The broader module, shown flattened on the right, shares the 38mm diameter of the joint. These will allow us to create relatively gap-free "finish" surfaces. We've sized them so, lengthwise, they will be compatible.
Above is a layout sample for manufacture. It would be relatively easy to customize these modules for specific angles by moving the relative positions of the joint nests (ie holes).

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