I think rather than using multiple elastics around ball joints to act as vertebrae I can use ball bearings with a weight on one side and an elastic opposite to it, just thinking about it now tho that might limit the mobility compared to ball joints
Like 6 elastic strings that surround a central hard shaft connected by ball joints and a circular plate at the base of each shaft, the uppermost strings are more tensioned to keep the tail erect however they still allow mobility when any sort of momentum is applied to the tail allowing each segment to swing accordingly
I've never actually payed attention to how a cats tail feels weight and physiology wise so I don't know how to mimic the feeling of actual bones in the mechanism
I think for a prototype I will use bolts to tension the strings, I don't know the math to determine the stretch and properly tune the elastics so that it doesn't reach resonance when walking or certain tasks or aggressively twist, I was thinking the twist could be managed either by elastics perpendicular to the circular "vertebrae" plates or just limits on the ball joints and weighing one side down
It should be free to sway with momentum or even grab and curl around your body and then slowly (at semi quick pace) return to a natural erect position
NONE of this though explains how the tail will be reliably mounted to the correct spot, the lower back is easier but the tailbone would be the actual correct place
Some sort of base plate with cosmetic glue/maybe suction? Superglue could work to it's not gonna irritate or anything (normally at least)
The issue with adhesives is that the outer layer of skin isn't exactly fully attached to your body, it's just a layer of dead skin cells that is constantly exfoliating (simplified), that and excretion of sweat by the sweat glands would significantly reduce the time the tail has a stable attachment to the body
The torque the tail would apply to the base plate wouldn't be ideal either and would definitely contribute to an early body adhesion failure
Silicone body cosmetic around the base plate may help, I just want to find a method that will keep the tail attached for atleast the whole day and if that's impossible then it needs to give the wearer a very clear indication it's failing a bit before it will fall off, giving the wearer time to take a break and re-attach it in the bathroom or something
Some sort of base plate with cosmetic glue/maybe suction? Superglue could work to it's not gonna irritate or anything (normally at least)
The issue with adhesives is that the outer layer of skin isn't exactly fully attached to your body, it's just a layer of dead skin cells that is constantly exfoliating (simplified), that and excretion of sweat by the sweat glands would significantly reduce the time the tail has a stable attachment to the body
The torque the tail would apply to the base plate wouldn't be ideal either and would definitely contribute to an early body adhesion failure
Silicone body cosmetic around the base plate may help, I just want to find a method that will keep the tail attached for atleast the whole day and if that's impossible then it needs to give the wearer a very clear indication it's failing a bit before it will fall off, giving the wearer time to take a break and re-attach it in the bathroom or something
And no I ain't putting it on some fuckin strap bitch straps are for lesbians not cat boys, when you take off your shirt it needs to connect as close to seamlessly as possible straps ruin the immersion
Might as well wear a belt while naked at that point
I think significant research is required on adhesion to the body but that will go on the back burner for now so I can get a working prototype