Cristhian Castro Arenas | Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina (original) (raw)

articles by Cristhian Castro Arenas

Interdisciplina y Desarrollo Sustentable Sustentabilidad en Arquitectura y Urbanismo. Conceptualización y aplicación de criterios de sustentabilidad en el hábitat edificado., 2019

Este trabajo presenta una línea de investigación enfocada en la exploración de las posibilidades ... more Este trabajo presenta una línea de investigación enfocada en la exploración de las posibilidades responsivas de las estructuras de tensegridad, aplicadas como “pieles” para la adecuación climática de espacios arquitectónicos. Esta investigación está concebida dentro del marco de la tesis doctoral del autor, cuyo objetivo principal es el desarrollo de estrategias para el diseño de tensegridades desde un abordaje Biomimético. Dichas estrategias permitirán la concepción tensegridades biodiseñadas en diferentes ámbitos y escalas.

Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the e... more Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the early 60’s, into the biologic field. With the singular properties of these structures, these principles have gained renewed attention in the scientific and technologic fields, both as models for theorizing the behavior of biological structures at different
scales, and as useful tools in a wide variety of applications, ranging from the matrix biomaterials to extreme bionics.
Therefore, understanding the dynamic behavior of these structures becomes a fertile field, enabler of future applications in the field of Bioengineering. Platonic Solids represent recurrent morphologies in nature, with well-studied symmetries. This work is part of a broad research dedicated to the study of Biotensegrity. Among the Platonic Solids, the Tetrahedron, Octahedron and Icosahedron were translated
into tensegrities (Platonic Tensegrities), using the Rot-Umbela Manipulation and Symmetry methods. In this work, we present the results obtained after instrumentation and processing of the aqcired signals from homologues and nonhomologues nodes of these Platonic Tensegrities, when subjected to vibrations in the vertical axis, between 1.0 Hz and 60.0 Hz. These results indicate a close correspondence between Tetrahedral and Octahedral Tensegrities, which present resonant frequencies in the ranges of (8.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (15.0± 0.1) Hz to (21.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (40.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (45.0 ± 0.1) Hz. The Icosahedral Tensegrity presents more resonant frequencies compared to the previous two Tensegrities: (9.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (13.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (14.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (26.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (27.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (30.0 ± 0.1) Hz, to (35.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (41.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (42.0 ± 0.1) Hz. These differences are discussed from the perspective of symmetry groups associated to each of the
Platonic Solids.

The purpose of this work is to study the frequency response of 3D tensegrity structures. These ar... more The purpose of this work is to study the frequency response of 3D tensegrity structures. These are structures that have been used, since the 80’s, to model biological systems of different scales. This fact led to the origin of the field of biotensegrity, which includes biomechanics as a natural field of application. In this work: a) A simple method for the analysis of frequency response of different nodes in 3D tensegrity structures was set up and tuned. This method is based on a video-analysis algorithm, which was applied to the structures, as they were vibrated along their axis of symmetry, at frequencies from 1 Hz to 60 Hz. b) Frequency-response analyses were performed, for the simplest 3D structure, the Simplex module, as well as for two towers, formed by stacking two and three Simplex modules, respectively. Resonant frequencies were detected for the Simplex module at (19.2±0.1) Hz and (50.2±0.1) Hz (the latter being an average of frequencies between homologous nodes). For the towers with two and three modules, each selected node presented a characteristic frequency response, modulated by their spatial placement in each model. Resonances for the two-stage tower were found at: (12±0.1) Hz; (16.2±0.1) Hz; (29.4±0.1) Hz and (37.2±0.1) Hz. For the tower with three Simplex modules, the main resonant frequencies were found at (12.0±0.1) Hz and (21.0±0.1) Hz. Results show that the proposed method is adequate for the study (2D) of any 3D tensegrity structure, with the potential of being generalized to the study of oscillations in three dimensions. A growing complexity and variability in the frequency response of the nodes was observed, as modules were added to the structures. These findings were compared to those found in the available literature.

Papers by Cristhian Castro Arenas

2019 Global Medical Engineering Physics Exchanges/ Pan American Health Care Exchanges (GMEPE/PAHCE), 2019

Falls represent a growing concern for research and clinical specialists, given their critical imp... more Falls represent a growing concern for research and clinical specialists, given their critical impact on the expanding older population. Several clinical tests have been developed in order to assess multiple factors that result in an increased risk of falls. However, subjectivity of qualitative evaluations and a large variability of protocols are indicative of a need for consolidating these means of evaluation. Technological advances in motion analysis have the opportunity of providing supplementary, repeatable information to clinical tests, and have also brought forward devices for the prevention and actuation in the event of falling. This work presents applications of new technologies to risk of falls assessments, exemplified through experiments by the research group that integrate sensors (accelerometers, force plates) for the quantification of gait and balance, with the purpose of displaying the potential for developing novel, comprehensive protocols from a multidisciplinary perspective in the near future.

Blucher Design Proceedings, 2016

Journal of physics, Apr 1, 2016

IFMBE proceedings, 2017

Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the e... more Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the early 60’s, into the biologic field. With the singular properties of these structures, these principles have gained renewed attention in the scientific and technologic fields, both as models for theorizing the behavior of biological structures at different scales, and as useful tools in a wide variety of applications, rangingfromthe matrix biomaterials to extreme bionics. Therefore, understanding the dynamic behavior of these structures becomes a fertile field, enabler of future applications in the field of Bioengineering.Platonic Solids represent recurrent morphologies in nature, with well-studied symmetries. This work is part of a broad research dedicated to the study of Biotensegrity. Among the Platonic Solids, the Tetrahedron, Octahedron and Icosahedron were translated into tensegrities (Platonic Tensegrities), using the Rot-Umbela Manipulation and Symmetry methods. In this work, we present the results obtained after instrumentation and processing of the aqcired signals fromhomologues and non-homologues nodes of these Platonic Tensegrities, when subjectedtovibrations in the vertical axis, between 1.0 Hzand 60.0 Hz. These results indicate a close correspondence between Tetrahedral and Octahedral Tensegrities, which present resonant frequencies in the ranges of (8.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (15.0± 0.1) Hz to (21.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (40.0 ± 0.1) Hz to(45.0± 0.1) Hz.The Icosahedral Tensegrity presents more resonant frequencies compared to the previous two Tensegrities:(9.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (13.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (14.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (26.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (27.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (30.0 ± 0.1) Hz, to (35.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (41.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (42.0 ± 0.1) Hz. These differences are discussed from the perspective of symmetry groups associated to each of the Platonic Solids.

These functions allow estimating Initial Contact events from AnteriorPosterior acceleration signa... more These functions allow estimating Initial Contact events from AnteriorPosterior acceleration signals, based on a Dynamic Time Warping function that fits a triangle wave to the acceleration register. After the initial fit, step correction and optimization strategies are implemented based on methods validated in the literature.

Medical Engineering & Physics, 2020

Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking. The analysis of gait signals from the low... more Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking. The analysis of gait signals from the lower trunk, acquired through accelerometers, begins with the proper identification of gait cycles. The goal of this work is to supplement gait-event based segmentation methods, tested for unimpaired and impaired populations, so that their need to calibrate or rely on pre-defined thresholds is overcome, and to implement strategies that reduce step-detection errors. A new system for the automatic extraction and analysis of gait cycles from acceleration signals of the lower trunk, combining knowledge from previous strategies with a dynamic time warping function, is presented. Performance was tested on gait signals from public databases. Sensitivities in step detection above 99.95% were achieved, with a positive predictive value of 100.00%. Step-correction strategies reduced the number of incorrect detections from 57 to 3 of 7056 steps. Bland-Altman plots and equivalence tests performed on cycle times by the proposed method and selected references showed good agreement, with mean differences below 0.003 s, and percent errors of 2%. This method may give place to a research tool for the automatic analysis of signals from subjects in a variety of cases.

IFMBE Proceedings, 2017

Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the e... more Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the early 60’s, into the biologic field. With the singular properties of these structures, these principles have gained renewed attention in the scientific and technologic fields, both as models for theorizing the behavior of biological structures at different scales, and as useful tools in a wide variety of applications, rangingfromthe matrix biomaterials to extreme bionics. Therefore, understanding the dynamic behavior of these structures becomes a fertile field, enabler of future applications in the field of Bioengineering.Platonic Solids represent recurrent morphologies in nature, with well-studied symmetries. This work is part of a broad research dedicated to the study of Biotensegrity. Among the Platonic Solids, the Tetrahedron, Octahedron and Icosahedron were translated into tensegrities (Platonic Tensegrities), using the Rot-Umbela Manipulation and Symmetry methods. In this work, we present the results obtained after instrumentation and processing of the aqcired signals fromhomologues and non-homologues nodes of these Platonic Tensegrities, when subjectedtovibrations in the vertical axis, between 1.0 Hzand 60.0 Hz. These results indicate a close correspondence between Tetrahedral and Octahedral Tensegrities, which present resonant frequencies in the ranges of (8.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (15.0± 0.1) Hz to (21.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (40.0 ± 0.1) Hz to(45.0± 0.1) Hz.The Icosahedral Tensegrity presents more resonant frequencies compared to the previous two Tensegrities:(9.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (13.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (14.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (26.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (27.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (30.0 ± 0.1) Hz, to (35.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (41.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (42.0 ± 0.1) Hz. These differences are discussed from the perspective of symmetry groups associated to each of the Platonic Solids.

Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2016

The purpose of this work is to study the frequency response of 3D tensegrity structures. These ar... more The purpose of this work is to study the frequency response of 3D tensegrity structures. These are structures that have been used, since the 80’s, to model biological systems of different scales. This fact led to the origin of the field of biotensegrity, which includes biomechanics as a natural field of application. In this work: a) A simple method for the analysis of frequency response of different nodes in 3D tensegrity structures was set up and tuned. This method is based on a video-analysis algorithm, which was applied to the structures, as they were vibrated along their axis of symmetry, at frequencies from 1 Hz to 60 Hz. b) Frequency-response analyses were performed, for the simplest 3D structure, the Simplex module, as well as for two towers, formed by stacking two and three Simplex modules, respectively. Resonant frequencies were detected for the Simplex module at (19.2±0.1) Hz and (50.2±0.1) Hz (the latter being an average of frequencies between homologous nodes). For the t...

Blucher Design Proceedings, 2016

Repeatable, quantitative evaluations of human balance rely on thorough characterizations of the d... more Repeatable, quantitative evaluations of human balance rely on thorough characterizations of the devices and sensors used in measurements. Given the growing concern on this field, the research group has developed dedicated devices for the assessment of gait and balance, including a force plate. In this work, a calibration procedure for thisforce plate is devised and implemented, based on a calibration device which combines versatility, ease of use, and low-cost, and on reference weights. The procedure is detailed, and its results are shown, indicating a positive response for the device, and proving a superior fit compared to the theoretical estimation of its behavior. Based on this improved knowledge on the designed force plate, a dedicated signal-analysis tool is shown, incorporating calibration results and curves. Finally, examples of use of this tool are detailed, with standing balance registers from a control subject, indicating the resulting capabilities of the whole system as a...

El campo de investigacion de la biomecanica humana, ligada al equilibro humano, y en particular, ... more El campo de investigacion de la biomecanica humana, ligada al equilibro humano, y en particular, al riesgo de caida en adultos mayores en su vida cotidiana se presenta como un nicho cuasi virgen en el campo de la produccion objetual. Ello se debe al escaso numero de productos comerciales destinados directamente a esta problematica, A ello se suman los productos reservados a la evaluacion clinica propiamente dicha en centros medicos. Esta ultima area de desarrollo, al igual que la anterior, requiere incorporar a los futuros productos, no solo los diferentes recursos tecnologicos disponibles, sino tambien, el procesamiento adecuado de informacion cientifica previamente generada, analizada, clasificada y elaborada segun la funcion contemplada en el dispositivo de uso. Este trabajo comienza por interrogarse sobre los productos comerciales existentes y sus caracteristicas salientes dedicados al riesgo de caida de adultos mayores, desde la mirada de la integracion tecnologica al diseno in...

Blucher Design Proceedings, 2020

This paper presents the bioinformed design of tensegrities based in the application of configurat... more This paper presents the bioinformed design of tensegrities based in the application of configurative logics of biotensegrities. Its purpose is to accomplish dynamic tensegrities, potentially applicable in the design of innovative technological devices. This article presents the analysis and design of three types of models: a) the Universal Tensegrity Joints introduced by Fuller, b) the Abstract Dynamic Units, and c) Bioinformed Dynamic Units. The methodology is based on simulating movements with parametric modeling in Rhinoceros software, with the usage of Grasshopper and Kangaroo plugins. Thus, a first classification of UDAs and the first phase of UDB models for leg and shoulder were obtained.

The optimization of resources in nature has stimulated the creation of strategies to facilitate t... more The optimization of resources in nature has stimulated the creation of strategies to facilitate the interchange of energy, matter and information. Observation of these natural phenomena allowed Fuller to develop the concept of Tensegrity Systems in the 50's, generating a growing integration of multidisciplinary views on this subject. In this paper Tensegrity is postulated, given its peculiar synergistic qualities, as a paradigmatic and emergent concept in the projectual disciplines, both as a type of system displaying reciprocal interactions between a given number of nodes, and as a structural system with potential applications in multiple, evolving, scientific-technological fields.

Conference Presentations by Cristhian Castro Arenas

Sexto Congreso Latinoamericano RedDiSUR. “Diseño y Género en Latinoamérica”At: Oberá, Misiones, Argentina., 2019

La tensegridad es un principio de relación estructural basado en el equilibrio de fuerzas opuesta... more La tensegridad es un principio de relación estructural basado en el equilibrio de fuerzas opuestas (tracción y compresión), dispuestas en una retícula triangulada tridimensional. Esta red está compuesta por elementos dedicados, lo cual propicia el uso óptimo de materiales y la emergencia de comportamientos estructurales innovadores.

En los últimos treinta años, su estudio en relación con morfologías y comportamientos mecánicos asociados a sistemas biológicos, ha integrado diversas áreas de la ciencia, la tecnología y el diseño. Si bien es conocido su amplio potencial en arquitectura, mobiliario, robótica y nuevos materiales, entre otras áreas, es escasa la presencia de estas estructuras en el diseño latinoamericano.

El 90% de la literatura, y otros recursos como software, librerías y foros, se encuentran en inglés. Ello dificulta a estudiantes, investigadores o profesionales latinoamericanos de las disciplinas proyectuales el acceso a estas fuentes. A ello se suma el hecho que, gran parte del conocimiento de estas estructuras requiere un conocimiento físico-matemático que escapa a la formación de los diseñadores. Estos dos factores, entre otros, han otorgado a la tensegridad el sesgo de ser inabordable.

Con el objetivo de visibilizar, estimular y difundir la investigación y desarrollo de la tensegridad bioinformada en el diseño, se han impartido los conocimientos específicos de este principio estructural en diferentes eventos, cursos, charlas y talleres. Gracias a la experiencia adquirida, se propone en este trabajo la creación de una comunidad latinoamericana llamada “TenseBioLAT”, con el objetivo de enriquecer la investigación y el desarrollo de proyectos susceptibles a la aplicación de este sistema, además de estimular la creatividad e innovación en nuestra región con la formación de redes interdisciplinarias provenientes de diferentes instituciones latinoamericanas. Se presentan los objetivos y alcances del proyecto.

Interdisciplina y Desarrollo Sustentable Sustentabilidad en Arquitectura y Urbanismo. Conceptualización y aplicación de criterios de sustentabilidad en el hábitat edificado., 2019

Este trabajo presenta una línea de investigación enfocada en la exploración de las posibilidades ... more Este trabajo presenta una línea de investigación enfocada en la exploración de las posibilidades responsivas de las estructuras de tensegridad, aplicadas como “pieles” para la adecuación climática de espacios arquitectónicos. Esta investigación está concebida dentro del marco de la tesis doctoral del autor, cuyo objetivo principal es el desarrollo de estrategias para el diseño de tensegridades desde un abordaje Biomimético. Dichas estrategias permitirán la concepción tensegridades biodiseñadas en diferentes ámbitos y escalas.

Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the e... more Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the early 60’s, into the biologic field. With the singular properties of these structures, these principles have gained renewed attention in the scientific and technologic fields, both as models for theorizing the behavior of biological structures at different
scales, and as useful tools in a wide variety of applications, ranging from the matrix biomaterials to extreme bionics.
Therefore, understanding the dynamic behavior of these structures becomes a fertile field, enabler of future applications in the field of Bioengineering. Platonic Solids represent recurrent morphologies in nature, with well-studied symmetries. This work is part of a broad research dedicated to the study of Biotensegrity. Among the Platonic Solids, the Tetrahedron, Octahedron and Icosahedron were translated
into tensegrities (Platonic Tensegrities), using the Rot-Umbela Manipulation and Symmetry methods. In this work, we present the results obtained after instrumentation and processing of the aqcired signals from homologues and nonhomologues nodes of these Platonic Tensegrities, when subjected to vibrations in the vertical axis, between 1.0 Hz and 60.0 Hz. These results indicate a close correspondence between Tetrahedral and Octahedral Tensegrities, which present resonant frequencies in the ranges of (8.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (15.0± 0.1) Hz to (21.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (40.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (45.0 ± 0.1) Hz. The Icosahedral Tensegrity presents more resonant frequencies compared to the previous two Tensegrities: (9.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (13.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (14.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (26.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (27.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (30.0 ± 0.1) Hz, to (35.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (41.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (42.0 ± 0.1) Hz. These differences are discussed from the perspective of symmetry groups associated to each of the
Platonic Solids.

The purpose of this work is to study the frequency response of 3D tensegrity structures. These ar... more The purpose of this work is to study the frequency response of 3D tensegrity structures. These are structures that have been used, since the 80’s, to model biological systems of different scales. This fact led to the origin of the field of biotensegrity, which includes biomechanics as a natural field of application. In this work: a) A simple method for the analysis of frequency response of different nodes in 3D tensegrity structures was set up and tuned. This method is based on a video-analysis algorithm, which was applied to the structures, as they were vibrated along their axis of symmetry, at frequencies from 1 Hz to 60 Hz. b) Frequency-response analyses were performed, for the simplest 3D structure, the Simplex module, as well as for two towers, formed by stacking two and three Simplex modules, respectively. Resonant frequencies were detected for the Simplex module at (19.2±0.1) Hz and (50.2±0.1) Hz (the latter being an average of frequencies between homologous nodes). For the towers with two and three modules, each selected node presented a characteristic frequency response, modulated by their spatial placement in each model. Resonances for the two-stage tower were found at: (12±0.1) Hz; (16.2±0.1) Hz; (29.4±0.1) Hz and (37.2±0.1) Hz. For the tower with three Simplex modules, the main resonant frequencies were found at (12.0±0.1) Hz and (21.0±0.1) Hz. Results show that the proposed method is adequate for the study (2D) of any 3D tensegrity structure, with the potential of being generalized to the study of oscillations in three dimensions. A growing complexity and variability in the frequency response of the nodes was observed, as modules were added to the structures. These findings were compared to those found in the available literature.

2019 Global Medical Engineering Physics Exchanges/ Pan American Health Care Exchanges (GMEPE/PAHCE), 2019

Falls represent a growing concern for research and clinical specialists, given their critical imp... more Falls represent a growing concern for research and clinical specialists, given their critical impact on the expanding older population. Several clinical tests have been developed in order to assess multiple factors that result in an increased risk of falls. However, subjectivity of qualitative evaluations and a large variability of protocols are indicative of a need for consolidating these means of evaluation. Technological advances in motion analysis have the opportunity of providing supplementary, repeatable information to clinical tests, and have also brought forward devices for the prevention and actuation in the event of falling. This work presents applications of new technologies to risk of falls assessments, exemplified through experiments by the research group that integrate sensors (accelerometers, force plates) for the quantification of gait and balance, with the purpose of displaying the potential for developing novel, comprehensive protocols from a multidisciplinary perspective in the near future.

Blucher Design Proceedings, 2016

Journal of physics, Apr 1, 2016

IFMBE proceedings, 2017

Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the e... more Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the early 60’s, into the biologic field. With the singular properties of these structures, these principles have gained renewed attention in the scientific and technologic fields, both as models for theorizing the behavior of biological structures at different scales, and as useful tools in a wide variety of applications, rangingfromthe matrix biomaterials to extreme bionics. Therefore, understanding the dynamic behavior of these structures becomes a fertile field, enabler of future applications in the field of Bioengineering.Platonic Solids represent recurrent morphologies in nature, with well-studied symmetries. This work is part of a broad research dedicated to the study of Biotensegrity. Among the Platonic Solids, the Tetrahedron, Octahedron and Icosahedron were translated into tensegrities (Platonic Tensegrities), using the Rot-Umbela Manipulation and Symmetry methods. In this work, we present the results obtained after instrumentation and processing of the aqcired signals fromhomologues and non-homologues nodes of these Platonic Tensegrities, when subjectedtovibrations in the vertical axis, between 1.0 Hzand 60.0 Hz. These results indicate a close correspondence between Tetrahedral and Octahedral Tensegrities, which present resonant frequencies in the ranges of (8.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (15.0± 0.1) Hz to (21.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (40.0 ± 0.1) Hz to(45.0± 0.1) Hz.The Icosahedral Tensegrity presents more resonant frequencies compared to the previous two Tensegrities:(9.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (13.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (14.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (26.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (27.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (30.0 ± 0.1) Hz, to (35.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (41.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (42.0 ± 0.1) Hz. These differences are discussed from the perspective of symmetry groups associated to each of the Platonic Solids.

These functions allow estimating Initial Contact events from AnteriorPosterior acceleration signa... more These functions allow estimating Initial Contact events from AnteriorPosterior acceleration signals, based on a Dynamic Time Warping function that fits a triangle wave to the acceleration register. After the initial fit, step correction and optimization strategies are implemented based on methods validated in the literature.

Medical Engineering & Physics, 2020

Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking. The analysis of gait signals from the low... more Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking. The analysis of gait signals from the lower trunk, acquired through accelerometers, begins with the proper identification of gait cycles. The goal of this work is to supplement gait-event based segmentation methods, tested for unimpaired and impaired populations, so that their need to calibrate or rely on pre-defined thresholds is overcome, and to implement strategies that reduce step-detection errors. A new system for the automatic extraction and analysis of gait cycles from acceleration signals of the lower trunk, combining knowledge from previous strategies with a dynamic time warping function, is presented. Performance was tested on gait signals from public databases. Sensitivities in step detection above 99.95% were achieved, with a positive predictive value of 100.00%. Step-correction strategies reduced the number of incorrect detections from 57 to 3 of 7056 steps. Bland-Altman plots and equivalence tests performed on cycle times by the proposed method and selected references showed good agreement, with mean differences below 0.003 s, and percent errors of 2%. This method may give place to a research tool for the automatic analysis of signals from subjects in a variety of cases.

IFMBE Proceedings, 2017

Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the e... more Biotensegrity is the natural extension of the tensegrity principles, developed by Fuller in the early 60’s, into the biologic field. With the singular properties of these structures, these principles have gained renewed attention in the scientific and technologic fields, both as models for theorizing the behavior of biological structures at different scales, and as useful tools in a wide variety of applications, rangingfromthe matrix biomaterials to extreme bionics. Therefore, understanding the dynamic behavior of these structures becomes a fertile field, enabler of future applications in the field of Bioengineering.Platonic Solids represent recurrent morphologies in nature, with well-studied symmetries. This work is part of a broad research dedicated to the study of Biotensegrity. Among the Platonic Solids, the Tetrahedron, Octahedron and Icosahedron were translated into tensegrities (Platonic Tensegrities), using the Rot-Umbela Manipulation and Symmetry methods. In this work, we present the results obtained after instrumentation and processing of the aqcired signals fromhomologues and non-homologues nodes of these Platonic Tensegrities, when subjectedtovibrations in the vertical axis, between 1.0 Hzand 60.0 Hz. These results indicate a close correspondence between Tetrahedral and Octahedral Tensegrities, which present resonant frequencies in the ranges of (8.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (15.0± 0.1) Hz to (21.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (40.0 ± 0.1) Hz to(45.0± 0.1) Hz.The Icosahedral Tensegrity presents more resonant frequencies compared to the previous two Tensegrities:(9.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (13.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (14.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (26.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (27.0 ± 0.1) Hz; (30.0 ± 0.1) Hz, to (35.0 ± 0.1) Hz and (41.0 ± 0.1) Hz to (42.0 ± 0.1) Hz. These differences are discussed from the perspective of symmetry groups associated to each of the Platonic Solids.

Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2016

The purpose of this work is to study the frequency response of 3D tensegrity structures. These ar... more The purpose of this work is to study the frequency response of 3D tensegrity structures. These are structures that have been used, since the 80’s, to model biological systems of different scales. This fact led to the origin of the field of biotensegrity, which includes biomechanics as a natural field of application. In this work: a) A simple method for the analysis of frequency response of different nodes in 3D tensegrity structures was set up and tuned. This method is based on a video-analysis algorithm, which was applied to the structures, as they were vibrated along their axis of symmetry, at frequencies from 1 Hz to 60 Hz. b) Frequency-response analyses were performed, for the simplest 3D structure, the Simplex module, as well as for two towers, formed by stacking two and three Simplex modules, respectively. Resonant frequencies were detected for the Simplex module at (19.2±0.1) Hz and (50.2±0.1) Hz (the latter being an average of frequencies between homologous nodes). For the t...

Blucher Design Proceedings, 2016

Repeatable, quantitative evaluations of human balance rely on thorough characterizations of the d... more Repeatable, quantitative evaluations of human balance rely on thorough characterizations of the devices and sensors used in measurements. Given the growing concern on this field, the research group has developed dedicated devices for the assessment of gait and balance, including a force plate. In this work, a calibration procedure for thisforce plate is devised and implemented, based on a calibration device which combines versatility, ease of use, and low-cost, and on reference weights. The procedure is detailed, and its results are shown, indicating a positive response for the device, and proving a superior fit compared to the theoretical estimation of its behavior. Based on this improved knowledge on the designed force plate, a dedicated signal-analysis tool is shown, incorporating calibration results and curves. Finally, examples of use of this tool are detailed, with standing balance registers from a control subject, indicating the resulting capabilities of the whole system as a...

El campo de investigacion de la biomecanica humana, ligada al equilibro humano, y en particular, ... more El campo de investigacion de la biomecanica humana, ligada al equilibro humano, y en particular, al riesgo de caida en adultos mayores en su vida cotidiana se presenta como un nicho cuasi virgen en el campo de la produccion objetual. Ello se debe al escaso numero de productos comerciales destinados directamente a esta problematica, A ello se suman los productos reservados a la evaluacion clinica propiamente dicha en centros medicos. Esta ultima area de desarrollo, al igual que la anterior, requiere incorporar a los futuros productos, no solo los diferentes recursos tecnologicos disponibles, sino tambien, el procesamiento adecuado de informacion cientifica previamente generada, analizada, clasificada y elaborada segun la funcion contemplada en el dispositivo de uso. Este trabajo comienza por interrogarse sobre los productos comerciales existentes y sus caracteristicas salientes dedicados al riesgo de caida de adultos mayores, desde la mirada de la integracion tecnologica al diseno in...

Blucher Design Proceedings, 2020

This paper presents the bioinformed design of tensegrities based in the application of configurat... more This paper presents the bioinformed design of tensegrities based in the application of configurative logics of biotensegrities. Its purpose is to accomplish dynamic tensegrities, potentially applicable in the design of innovative technological devices. This article presents the analysis and design of three types of models: a) the Universal Tensegrity Joints introduced by Fuller, b) the Abstract Dynamic Units, and c) Bioinformed Dynamic Units. The methodology is based on simulating movements with parametric modeling in Rhinoceros software, with the usage of Grasshopper and Kangaroo plugins. Thus, a first classification of UDAs and the first phase of UDB models for leg and shoulder were obtained.

The optimization of resources in nature has stimulated the creation of strategies to facilitate t... more The optimization of resources in nature has stimulated the creation of strategies to facilitate the interchange of energy, matter and information. Observation of these natural phenomena allowed Fuller to develop the concept of Tensegrity Systems in the 50's, generating a growing integration of multidisciplinary views on this subject. In this paper Tensegrity is postulated, given its peculiar synergistic qualities, as a paradigmatic and emergent concept in the projectual disciplines, both as a type of system displaying reciprocal interactions between a given number of nodes, and as a structural system with potential applications in multiple, evolving, scientific-technological fields.

Sexto Congreso Latinoamericano RedDiSUR. “Diseño y Género en Latinoamérica”At: Oberá, Misiones, Argentina., 2019

La tensegridad es un principio de relación estructural basado en el equilibrio de fuerzas opuesta... more La tensegridad es un principio de relación estructural basado en el equilibrio de fuerzas opuestas (tracción y compresión), dispuestas en una retícula triangulada tridimensional. Esta red está compuesta por elementos dedicados, lo cual propicia el uso óptimo de materiales y la emergencia de comportamientos estructurales innovadores.

En los últimos treinta años, su estudio en relación con morfologías y comportamientos mecánicos asociados a sistemas biológicos, ha integrado diversas áreas de la ciencia, la tecnología y el diseño. Si bien es conocido su amplio potencial en arquitectura, mobiliario, robótica y nuevos materiales, entre otras áreas, es escasa la presencia de estas estructuras en el diseño latinoamericano.

El 90% de la literatura, y otros recursos como software, librerías y foros, se encuentran en inglés. Ello dificulta a estudiantes, investigadores o profesionales latinoamericanos de las disciplinas proyectuales el acceso a estas fuentes. A ello se suma el hecho que, gran parte del conocimiento de estas estructuras requiere un conocimiento físico-matemático que escapa a la formación de los diseñadores. Estos dos factores, entre otros, han otorgado a la tensegridad el sesgo de ser inabordable.

Con el objetivo de visibilizar, estimular y difundir la investigación y desarrollo de la tensegridad bioinformada en el diseño, se han impartido los conocimientos específicos de este principio estructural en diferentes eventos, cursos, charlas y talleres. Gracias a la experiencia adquirida, se propone en este trabajo la creación de una comunidad latinoamericana llamada “TenseBioLAT”, con el objetivo de enriquecer la investigación y el desarrollo de proyectos susceptibles a la aplicación de este sistema, además de estimular la creatividad e innovación en nuestra región con la formación de redes interdisciplinarias provenientes de diferentes instituciones latinoamericanas. Se presentan los objetivos y alcances del proyecto.