Build foundational knowledge about when and how to deploy moving parts in the prototyping process
Provide overview of cardboard mechanism prototyping techniques
Explore integration of electronics and motors into projects and what is needed
Provide resources for future use
MATERIALS
These mechanism and movement principles apply to all materials, but for today we will focus on the incredible things you can do with humble cardboard!
Considerations:
How can the cardboard's corrugation orientation make it more structural, or allow for the pieces to bend in the correct orientations?
Can the cardboard be layered, rolled or scaled to make it perform better?
Cardboard has a thickness- take this into account when designing connecting parts and mechanisms
CONNECTIONS
Tape it, Glue it, Pin it, Screw it...
Considerations:
Does the connection need to be static or mobile?
Is the connection permanent, or do you want the pieces to be able to be disassembled?
How much surface area is in the connection and can I add extra pieces (braces, brackets, etc.) to strengthen the joint?
INSPIRATION: Manual Movement
INSPIRATION: Motor Driven
Expanding / Fanning
How to make it
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4
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5
3
6
Waving
How to make it
Curving
How to make it
1
4
2
3
Grabbing
How to make it
1
4
2
3
5
4
Coiling / Tentacle Motion
How to make it
1
4
2
3
How to make it
1
4
2
3
Cut the cardboard into a long rectangle
Bend the cardboard into segments (about 1-inch long)
Cut the straw into half-inch pieces and hot glue them into the center of each segment
Thread the string through the straw pieces and secure it by tying or glueing to the top of the cardboard
