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So... > In architecture and structural engineering, a space frame or space structure (3D truss) is a rigid, lightweight, truss-like structure constructed from

So... > In architecture and structural engineering, a space frame or space structure (3D truss) is a rigid, lightweight, truss-like structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. Space frames can be used to span large areas with few interior supports. Like the truss, a space frame is strong because of the inherent rigidity of the triangle; I don't see any triangles here.. All the examples on that wikipedia page show triangles. Does the frame they built actually count as a space frame or did they coopt the term?

reaperducer 7y ago
Triangles aren't the only forms used to build space frames. There are lots of geometries that can be used.
- justinsaccount 7y ago
  Can you show me an example of one? A google image search for "space frame" shows lots of triangles, and not a single thing that consists of a curved bar.
joemi 7y ago
From what pics I've seen, it looks the circles are arranged in a triangular pattern. So there are your triangles. (One of my most eye opening realizations when I was in engineering school was that just because something does not superficially look like something else, doesn't mean they're not functionally similar. My particular realization was with four bar linkages, which is another fun structure to know about.) Also, it looks like there's at least two layers, so it very well could be a 3D structure and not just a flat panel. So, all in all, I'd say it probably counts as a space frame, though I'm not part of the Space Frame Police, so who knows.
- justinsaccount 7y ago
  > Built around a stainless steel space frame, an aluminum housing lifts off The "aluminum housing" is what contains the circle pattern.
  - joemi 7y ago
    > the housing is much more than a decorative shell. It provides rigidity to the space frame. edit to add: Why are you trying to poke holes in Apple's use of a phrase that you've only just discovered?
    - justinsaccount 7y ago
      Well, I thought I knew what a space frame was before. You know, those triangle based skeleton frame things. By any definition, explanation, or example I can find the new mac pro is NOT a space frame.
      - joemi 7y ago
        Just for kicks, I too google image searched for "space frame" and while most of the images were of entirely triangle-based space frames, there were in fact some that showed constructions using curved bars. So if we're using google image search as an authority, it's now proven that space frames can have curved bars. Notably, most of the curved bars I saw were in boat- or car-related designs, if you want to see the "proof" (though I would hardly call google image searching for something to be actual proof, but since it seems to be a metric you're using, I'll go with it).

reaperducer 7y ago

Triangles aren't the only forms used to build space frames. There are lots of geometries that can be used.

justinsaccount 7y ago
Can you show me an example of one? A google image search for "space frame" shows lots of triangles, and not a single thing that consists of a curved bar.

joemi 7y ago

From what pics I've seen, it looks the circles are arranged in a triangular pattern. So there are your triangles. (One of my most eye opening realizations when I was in engineering school was that just because something does not superficially look like something else, doesn't mean they're not functionally similar. My particular realization was with four bar linkages, which is another fun structure to know about.) Also, it looks like there's at least two layers, so it very well could be a 3D structure and not just a flat panel. So, all in all, I'd say it probably counts as a space frame, though I'm not part of the Space Frame Police, so who knows.

justinsaccount 7y ago
> Built around a stainless steel space frame, an aluminum housing lifts off The "aluminum housing" is what contains the circle pattern.
- joemi 7y ago
  > the housing is much more than a decorative shell. It provides rigidity to the space frame. edit to add: Why are you trying to poke holes in Apple's use of a phrase that you've only just discovered?
  - justinsaccount 7y ago
    Well, I thought I knew what a space frame was before. You know, those triangle based skeleton frame things. By any definition, explanation, or example I can find the new mac pro is NOT a space frame.
    - joemi 7y ago
      Just for kicks, I too google image searched for "space frame" and while most of the images were of entirely triangle-based space frames, there were in fact some that showed constructions using curved bars. So if we're using google image search as an authority, it's now proven that space frames can have curved bars. Notably, most of the curved bars I saw were in boat- or car-related designs, if you want to see the "proof" (though I would hardly call google image searching for something to be actual proof, but since it seems to be a metric you're using, I'll go with it).