You ever have a shape in your head...

jeff hammond · 22 May 2012, 20:08

Tell us more, we want to know!

I sort of just figured it out on the train..
the red line is a helix on its side.. the black is a line along the ground..
then theres a surface created between the two..

it gets a little more tech than that so it will be functional but I think this is the gist of it..
I'll try modeling it a little later..

edit.. so maybe the Dropbox link doesn't embed.. try:
http://db.tt/yLH2k6ZH

pilou · 22 May 2012, 20:16

Here the image of the Jeff helix tricky project

Without more info it's some difficult to see something
Maybe a start ?

Rich O Brien · 22 May 2012, 20:37

Is the helix projecting itself on the ground and this is rotated?

Here's my 2 cents....
Jeff_Weird_Drawing.skp

It's like Being John Malkovich

brookefox · 22 May 2012, 20:44

@starling75 said:

.. keep it simple

"Initially, no definite geometry for the shells had been established, but, as work progressed, the shells were developed according to a spherical geometry and we suddenly had a common denominator, the same spherical surface to deal with, with a similar curvature throughout.
This was an elegant solution to a construction... Jorn Utzon

That sounds really nice, but is fairly typical isn't it, as a goal and a practice? Consistent geometry, prefab. ... He's kind of over-blowing it a bit, but certainly a good sell and a wonderful image.

Nice link and read. Thanks.

jeff hammond · 22 May 2012, 20:58

@rich o brien said:

Is the helix projecting itself on the ground and this is rotated?

Here's my 2 cents....
[attachment=0:3ij5gepn]Jeff_Weird_Drawing.skp[/attachment:3ij5gepn]

It's like Being John Malkovich

screenshot or SU for iPhone please..
whichever is easiest

Rich O Brien · 22 May 2012, 21:06

Gaieus · 22 May 2012, 21:09

I also often have similar shapes in my head, Rich, but my wife keeps slapping me at the back of my head when I do.

jeff hammond · 22 May 2012, 21:15

@rich o brien said:

[attachment=0:buqmaum4]Jeffrey_Hammond.png[/attachment:buqmaum4]

hmm.. maybe that's not it
actually. I think it is but your version has the projected helix rotated too much.

fwiw, the actual shape i need is to be cut out of the surface.. much in the same way the opera house was cut from a sphere.. I just have to figure out some logic behind the main shape so I can figure out how to build this..

fwiw2.. I haven't actually been commissioned to build this thing.. if I can make the model and it ends up being as cool as the original momentofinspiration, then I'm gonna try to sell it.

edit- fwiw3.. the red/black sketched image pilou posted is the top view.. looking at it with that in mind, you'll see the twist I'm (i think) going for..

Rich O Brien · 22 May 2012, 21:21

I rotated it 90 because your brainwaves don't stretch across the Atlantic...

jeff hammond · 22 May 2012, 21:30

@rich o brien said:

I rotated it 90 because your brainwaves don't stretch across the Atlantic...

haha..
don't get me wrong, your drawing helps me see more clearly what I'm after so thanks for posting it.

Rich O Brien · 22 May 2012, 21:37

Attempt #2

rotation lessened

jeff hammond · 22 May 2012, 22:08

@rich o brien said:

[attachment=0:2p45tc8v]Jeffrey_Hammond.png[/attachment:2p45tc8v]

Attempt #2

rotation lessened

heh.. I think that's almost it.. the helix should touch the ground though. (the two lowest points of the helix-- resulting in the two end profile lines being on a horizontal plane.

I'm about 20 minutes away from a computer.. itching to try it myself now

Rich O Brien · 22 May 2012, 22:51

I've just patented the design so it'll cost you.

Rich O Brien · 22 May 2012, 23:20

Jeff_Weird_Drawing.skp

jeff hammond · 22 May 2012, 23:21

@rich o brien said:

I've just patented the design so it'll cost you.

ha.. wouldn't be the first time that's happened

so i drew the thing as in the sketch and it's not quite right yet.. (and #$%#@ing SU crashed prior to me saving the rough go)… but definitely getting closer.. still thinking about using clay..

gonna try the crayola stuff marcus is talking about.. thanks for the info on that stuff d12dozr!