07 I First Prototypes

Transitopia (Grant tk-8) | Activities
Prompt
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Skill Lab: Mechanisms

Mechanisms

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Spur Gears.pdf

Prompt

Today, we'll dive into the world of mechanical engineering by exploring various mechanisms made entirely from cardboard. From cams and linkages to pulleys and gears, we'll learn how these mechanisms work and how they can be applied in real-world applications.

Duration: ~2 hrs

Materials: Cardboard (various thicknesses), Scissors, Craft knives, Rulers, Glue, or tape Markers or pens

Instructions

  1. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the different mechanisms we'll be exploring: scissor lift, gears, lever, fan/expanding, waving/bending, curving, grabbing, and tentacle motion. There are two extra challenging mechanisms that you can try too: cam & linkage and the pulley system.
  2. Take some time to research and understand how each mechanism functions. 
  3. Choose one mechanism that you find most intriguing or relevant to your interests to start with. Using the provided cardboard and craft tools, start prototyping each chosen mechanism. You may want to sketch out your designs first to visualize how each mechanism will work. 
  4. Experiment with different shapes, sizes, and configurations to optimize the performance of your cardboard mechanisms. 
  5. Test your prototypes to see how well they function. Make adjustments as needed to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

Bonus Point

  1. Make another mechanism, think about the difference, and try to combine your two mechanisms (e.g. one mechanism leads to the motion of the other one, one action to actuate both the mechanisms, etc.) 
  2. In your group, consider incorporating your mechanism(s) into a drone: the connection, the scale, etc.

Deliverables

Take photos of your prototypes and post them on the Response Tab.

What is Prototyping

Saba Ghole

What is Prototyping ?

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Cardboard 101: Cutting, Shaping, and Joining

Kate James

PROTYPING

Cardboard 101

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Simple Mechanism Design

Joselyn McDonald

Mechanism Design 

Introduction

A mechanism is a system of parts that transform input forces and movement into a desired set of output forces and movements.

First, make a mechanism along with your teacher.  

Materials needed: 

  • stiff paper or cardboard
  • ruler
  • cutting tool
  • string (if you have it)
  • paper clips, metal brads, and/or push-pins (toothpicks work too!)

Select and make 1 mechanisms that relates to your vehicle movement

PROCESS

  • Elements Look at the diagram of the mechanism. How many elements does it have? How can you make these out of cardboard, popsicle sticks, or other found materials?
  • Pivots Look at each element in the diagram more closely. How many pivot points or holes need to be made in each element? What kinds of materials can you use for pivots? (hint: brads, paper clips, and string are very helpful). As you work, pay attention to what parts must be allowed to rotate or move.
  • Fixed Base All mechanisms require a fixed point of resistance in order to move. Can you tape or "fix" part of your mechanism to your cutting board in such a way that you can operate it with one hand?

These slides are just a starting point. Most mechanisms adapt and deviate from these based on their applications. Don't worry if your mechanism doesn't perfectly match the slides; focus on trying to make sure your input force creates your desired output.

DELIVERABLES:

When you are done making your mechanisms: 

  • PHOTO Photograph your mechanism in its beginning and end states. (2 Photos per mechanism)
  • GIF Upload your photos to EZGIF.com to make a gif of your mechanisms in action (2 GIFS). For best results, try to keep your camera in the exact same location for both photos. You may have to rig up a make-shift tripod.
  • POST In the response slide, make a slide for each mechanism that has the two photographs and GIF.

Additional Resources: 

http://507movements.com/toc.html