arXiv:2509.05855cs.GRcs.RO2025-09被引 1

3D打印蜘蛛网结构,精准控制张力梯度,实现可编程柔性支撑。

Programming tension in 3D printed networks inspired by spiderwebs

  • 通过数值优化将网络转为无张力形态,再生成可打印路径。
  • 实验验证张力误差低于1.0%,最小杆长5.8mm,最大应力7.3MPa。
  • 适用于医疗夹板、可变形支架等需精准张力的智能结构。

张力结构网络(如张拉整体结构、建筑织物或医疗支架)中的每个元件都需特定张力以维持目标形状、稳定性和柔顺性。这类结构在制造、3D打印或组装时面临挑战:制造过程中的展平会导致张力梯度出现乘法误差。本研究提出一种直接3D打印此类网络的算法,模拟蜘蛛网编织过程。该算法首先用力密度法定义目标网络及张力梯度;其次通过数值优化顶点位置至目标杆长,并将直线元件转为弧线以消除残余误差;最后分解为可打印工具路径。可选步骤包括:展平曲面2D或3D网络以适配3D打印,以及自动消除展平引入的交叉问题。该方法在由粘弹性细丝构成的2D单元中实验验证,平均元件应变误差小于1.0%。其有效范围涵盖最小杆长5.8 mm、最大应力7.3 MPa。成功实现了平面蜘蛛网、曲面网格和张拉整体系统的原型制造。该可编程张力梯度算法可用于制造紧凑集成的缆索网络,拓展医疗支具与可施力结构的新应用。

原文摘要 · Abstract (English)

Each element in tensioned structural networks -- such as tensegrity, architectural fabrics, or medical braces/meshes -- requires a specific tension level to achieve and maintain the desired shape, stability, and compliance. These structures are challenging to manufacture, 3D print, or assemble because flattening the network during fabrication introduces multiplicative inaccuracies in the network's final tension gradients. This study overcomes this challenge by offering a fabrication algorithm for direct 3D printing of such networks with programmed tension gradients, an approach analogous to the spinning of spiderwebs. The algorithm: (i) defines the desired network and prescribes its tension gradients using the force density method; (ii) converts the network into an unstretched counterpart by numerically optimizing vertex locations toward target element lengths and converting straight elements into arcs to resolve any remaining error; and (iii) decomposes the network into printable toolpaths; Optional additional steps are: (iv) flattening curved 2D networks or 3D networks to ensure 3D printing compatibility; and (v) automatically resolving any unwanted crossings introduced by the flattening process. The proposed method is experimentally validated using 2D unit cells of viscoelastic filaments, where accurate tension gradients are achieved with an average element strain error of less than 1.0\%. The method remains effective for networks with element minimum length and maximum stress of 5.8 mm and 7.3 MPa, respectively. The method is used to demonstrate the fabrication of three complex cases: a flat spiderweb, a curved mesh, and a tensegrity system. The programmable tension gradient algorithm can be utilized to produce compact, integrated cable networks, enabling novel applications such as moment-exerting structures in medical braces and splints.

3D打印张力结构医疗支架蜘蛛网仿生

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