Recitation 4: Actuators & Mechanisms
This week, we built a mechanism using cardboard, and we also built a circuit to make the motor in the cardboard thing move. I worked together with my partner Vicky and we helped each other to complete all the steps. I built the body part of the mechanisms and some parts of the circuit, and she did the decoration part of the mechanisms and main part of the circuit.
We made the bipolar circuit using the example code online. This time, in order to protect my computer from possible damage, we used the USB protector for the first time to connect the Arduino to my computer. After making sure that our motor rotated evenly, we started testing the mechanism.
We made it!!!
Additional Questions
Question 1:
I found Usman Haque, Open Burble, 2006 a. very interesting art installation. In this art installation, viewers can build and launch “Burbles”, which are helium-filled structures made out of modular inflatable balloons with sensors, LEDs, accelerometers and microcontrollers. I think it allows viewers deeply participate in the project and the viewers themselves even became a part of the project. The clarification on the project website of importance of community construction also inspires me a lot. It says: “Part installation, part performance – for the design and assembly by the public – is as much a part of the project as the actual flying is.” The work I did during this recitation, comparing to this art installation, was not that a big deal. However, they still have some similarities. Both mine and Usman’s projects perform interaction, using programming and electronic parts to make movements in the installation, which gives people visual impact.The artist selected those specific actuators so that it enables people to contribute to the project and even contribute at an urban scale to a structure that occupies their city.
Question 2:
I would be interested in building a music box for my midterm project. Using the mechanical structure we learned in the recitation class today, and building the other part with cardboard. I expect to create another part with sensor that can detect user’s movement, then the movement will trigger the music box and make it spin. I am planning to use a motor in my midterm project, which will make the it different from an animation because the movement is 3D and the viewers can actually feel the physical movement while an animation is 2D and it’s plain and only have visual effects.
Materials: Stepper Motor, Rivets, Cardboard, movement Sensor, Shaft adaptor
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