Twisting towers derived from Archimedean polyhedrons

• Three basic Twisting Towers derived by mobilizing 3 Archimedean Polyhedra
• Two connection types allowing parameter changes without jeopardizing mobility
• Synthesizing a variety of new Twisting Towers by varying type-connections

In the present paper methods are described for how a variety of new ‘Twisting Towers’ can be derived on the basis of three special Archimedean polyhedrons. Twisting Towers are mechanisms that in motion deform roto-symmetrically. Three basic Twisting Towers are obtained directly by ‘mobilizing’ these special Archimedean polyhedrons, i.e. by removing square side faces and mounting double rotor joints at the vertices. The basic mechanisms encompass in their most extended position the Archimedean polyhedrons from which they are derived. While moving they enclose several other Archimedean polyhedrons. A number of kinematic chains connect the body at the top of a Twisting Tower with the body at the bottom. A careful investigation of these kinematic chains reveals that only two types of body-connections secure finite mobility of the tower. With these two body-connections a great variety of different new Twisting Towers is obtained.