Tassemblies

Tassemblies are a family of modular jointed components designed to create T-shaped branching connections within lightweight frameworks. Each Tassembly combines a central spine with one or more extending arms, and features standardized interfaces that allow easy attachment to other components. The concept emphasizes flexibility, reconfiguration, and rapid prototyping.

Design and interfaces: Tassemblies are engineered with repeatable connection patterns, enabling linear and branching builds without custom fabrication. Attachment methods include snap-fit, threaded fasteners, magnetic couplings, or compatible T-slot or grid systems. Tassemblies are designed to be interoperable with related modular systems to facilitate hybrid constructions.

Materials and fabrication: Components are produced in metal, engineered plastics, or composites, and are designed for a range of load levels. Tolerances are specified to maintain alignment across assemblies, with attention to wear resistance in repeated assembly cycles.

Applications: They are used in educational labs, prototyping benches, light-weight furniture, exhibition stands, and small-scale architectural models. Their ability to add or remove arms from a spine supports iterative design processes.

Advantages and limitations: Key advantages include modularity, reusability, reduced need for specialized tools, and scalable complexity. Limitations include lower maximum load compared with welded or bolted frameworks, potential alignment drift if interfaces are worn, and higher unit cost for specialized connectors.

Variants: Basic T-joints, longer spine modules, and multi-arm variants enable more complex junctions, while some designs pair with other connector families to extend reach and stiffness.

See also: modular design, T-slot framing, space frame, quick-connect joints.