Hi, I’m creating a parametric lattice shell for a surfboard rail in Grasshopper. The goal is a lightweight, ventilated structure that accurately follows the rail shape
The lattice doesn’t follow the surfboard shape accurately, and I’d like more control over the generated pattern. My goal is to input a surfboard’s length, width, and thickness and have the lattice automatically adapt. Could someone help me understand what I’m doing wrong or suggest a better approach?
Looking at the model, I think the way to generate that lattice is to create a series of curves on a Brep that represents the rail and then using implicit surfaces to create pipes and merge them with the face that meets the board (this can be achieved with Isopod or Axolotl). I’m not entirely sure how the curves where generated, but there are ways to get similar results. Given the struts seem to use the same angles and meet at roughly equal points, I generated the lattice and mapped it to the ridge Brep.
Danielle, out of curiousity and to give a better answer, what will be the purpose of structure? I assume it’s inner structure which eventually will be clothed with GRP or something similar? The Surface in your screenshot, is it like an inner boundary?
Or, is it just design neglecting the inpractical effect of the lattice structure on the hydrodynamics?
Looking at your example image, I think I’d play with generating a specific ‘soft surrounding shape’ then apply lattice works afterwards—many thoughts come to mind.
The idea is to create a protective cover for the surfboard rail that can be used during travel, transport, or simply moving the board around, helping to prevent dents and damage.
The lattice isn’t meant to be an internal structure for the surfboard itself it’s an external protective layer. I’m intentionally giving it some volume and depth because I’d like it to be slightly flexible and spring like so it can absorb impacts better while remaining lightweight.
Another goal is to make the design fully parametric, allowing the structure to automatically adapt to different surfboard shapes and sizes by simply inputting the board’s length, width, and thickness.
I’m still in the early stages, but that’s the direction I’m aiming for!
*Previous one uses a half circle as guide for the sweep profile curve—latest one skips that and makes the splines instead. I’ve kept the shape ‘uncapped’ for now
Hi Cole, I tried recreating the setup from your image, but I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong. Would you mind helping me understand where I’m getting stuck?
If possible I’d be very grateful if you could also share the Grasshopper code It would help me learn and follow your workflow much more easily
