Linkage Study

Inspiration Video:

MotionGen Study:

Analysis of the back leg

Midterm Prototype:

The scenario is the auction; one auctioneer and one bidder would be included. Because the mechanism for the bidder is simple, he holds the number paddle. There is only an auctioneer in the prototype.

I assumed that the time variance depends on the size of the cams, the prototype validated it’s wrong. The size of the cam only matters the moving distance of your object, the condition of size is the principle for designing gear systems like the clock mechanism.

So I changed the cam to a triangle with a curve, letting the left hand go up and down for 3 rounds while the hammer on the right hand would fall down for once. It’s not clear in the prototype due to the rough material and measurements but the principle should be right.

Find 3 stories that are inspiring to you and write each down on a separate page.

Idea 1:  The spring story “The Orphaned Egg” from Little Witch Hazel.

Characters: main role sitting in bed, bed, a big egg, an orphaned

Material: wood, clay, metal wire

Reference:

Idea 2: Can’t wake up

Characters: one role in bed, bed, alarm clock, another person pulling the blanket.

Material: wood, clay, metal wire

Idea 3: The scenario of Christine’s auction

Characters: auctioneer, hammer, a bidder

Material: wood, clay, metal wire

Linkage is the mechanism I worked on for the assignment, which is related to the lever.

Definition: A linkage is a mechanism formed by connecting two or more levers together. Linkages can be designed to change the direction of a force or make two or more objects move at the same time.

Four of the main linkage types are the Reverse motion, Parallel motion, Crank and Slider linkage and Bell crank linkage.

Sketch 1:

The parallel-motion linkage is devised to be driven by 2 wheels and a string.

Materials: cardboard, straw, cord, pin

Prototype 1: I only found 1 straw, the first prototype is a half parallel-motion linkage. 😭 But you can see the it works.

Sketch 2: Iterating on the first sketch, I try to add the reverse-motion linkage into the system.

Prototype 2: Using the cardboard instead of straw.

The movement reminds me of a game called “Whack a Mole”. 

References:

Types of Linkages Explained

Introduction Post:

Et Dieu Créa la Femme

This work contains some philosophical reflections, also one of Paul’s signature charms as an artist. He has portrayed a creator of female figures, and with each egg opening symbolizing the beginning of life, clay gradually takes shape in her hands, forming a human figure. Just as Voltaire said: God creates mankind in His own image, and mankind creates mankind in the image of God.

Mechanical Toy Documentation

Before disassembly of the toy, I guess the center might be similar to the gear system but with less friction, so as to spin fast with a gentle push.

Disassembling the toy with a hand tool, I learned the center of the fingertip spinner is a deep groove ball bearings suitable for high-speed application. They are versatile, have low friction, and are optimized for low noise and low vibration.

I don’t know what the name of the component of the transformable arms is. Fastener? they fit tightly but are very smooth when they deform. The contact area of these components is smaller than I expected, perhaps due to the elasticity of the plastic.