Reconfigurable Modular Trusses, Yale University

During my time in Professor Aaron Dollar’s GRAB Lab at Yale University,I worked on a project aimed to develop a reconfigurable 3D-truss system, which can allow for the creation of arbitrary geometry space-frame trusses. In particular, our truss system can be folded from a continuous chain of material, whereby individual prefabricated chain links are cross-connected to form a rigid 3D structure. The primary application being considered for this technology is space construction, where lightweight, efficient structures that can be reused for multiple purposes are extremely useful. My work was directed at the mechanical design of the chain, exploring different designs for the “nodes” that form the connections, with the goal of developing the strongest connection possible.