STRUCTURE
This deployable system combines two types of connections that allows for a locally responsive deployment. The scissor joint, the first connection type, has one degree of movement. The opposing top and bottom joints are connected by one strut which forces a simultaneous movement between every top and bottom connection in the system. A structure built with purely scissor joints is limited to even, global deployment.
The half scissor joint, the second connection type, has one degree of movement but the top and bottom joints do not need to deploy at the same rate. A structure built with purely half scissor joints only deploys at the point of stimulus. The overall system has no structure to allow for the top and bottom layers to respond to each other. This type of structure would in fact collapse without any exterior frame or support. Through combining these two types of connections, the resultant deployable system has a clear structure connecting the top and lower levels which is able to deploy at a specific, local point without causing any general, global deployment.
SURFACE
The surface for this structure is an adaptation of a Ron Resch’s triangular deployable surface. This particular surface was the starting point because of the similar deployment pattern to the 2-D hexagonal deployable structure. The hexagonal geometry was chosen for the underlying structure because of its symmetrical, circular deployment in the lateral direction.
The Ron Resch surface was redesigned to connect to the underlying structure with these hexagonal joints. A hexagon was placed in the center of the larger triangular pattern within the Ron Resch pattern. The new hexagon was then cut into one large equilateral triangle in the center surrounded by three isosceles triangles. These series of triangles creates a point for connection to the base structure while allowing flexibility to the surface for deployment.
RESEARCH
Deployable structure is understood through its surface packing and its part to part connections. These two readings of deployable structures are applied to two main points of connections with in an acini that effect surface conditions. 1. cell to stromal extracellular matrix (ECM) connection 2. cell to cell adhesion.
During the morphogentic process in breast cell duct formation, the stromal extracellular matrix (ECM) responds and reacts to various stimuli from the external and internal environments, continuously transforming the surface depending on site specific conditions. The internal cells are connected to the ECM and respond to these changes creating a continuous feedback loop. This response system is explored through abstracting the packing behavior and cell - cell relationships of two different cases 1. tenascin- C untreated breast cells 2. tenascin- C treated breast cells.
From this information, extracted from existing microscope images, several iterations of responsive systems are tested. The connection of parts to create various components and the organization and distribution of joints are tested through physical models to design how forces are transmitted and effect the surface.
Project Credits:
LabStudio. UPenn Dept of ARCH999, Independent Study 08, 09 (Sabin & Jones).
Misako Murata
