Re:Self-erecting pneumatic structures (2000) [pdf]
by Lio on Saturday October 31, 2020 @09:18AM
(#24951216)
It’s a smaller scale (and a different structure) but I recently bought a Vango Project Hydrogen tent which uses a single “air beam” as its main structure instead of poles. Actually there is still 1 small pole involved but it’s not part of the main structure.
That’s done to save weight whilst being more resistant to being deformed by the wind.
I wonder if that could be taken further with these small cushions to provide insulation as well as structure as you suggest?
Re:Self-erecting pneumatic structures (2000) [pdf]
by jelliclesfarm on Saturday October 31, 2020 @06:20PM
(#24955677)
I have this idea for self erecting moveable structures made of ETFE.
This seems like the sort of thing which could be adapted for amateur/DIY use.
It seems like you just need some hardware, which could be manufactured cheaply and easily, air-tight fabric, and a way of joining those.
I get the industrial / military / etc. uses, but I find the concept of anyone being able to build a temporary, usable structure in a custom configuration for a few hundred bucks a lot more interesting.
Still air is also a pretty good insulator, so if this were enclosed, it'd be a pretty good shelter even in colder climates.