Intro
The third year project that we created was the Kinetic Sculpture. Using skills from the previous projects, we built upon our foundation of knowledge. The project required principles of light, color, design, form, and motion, along with sophisticated circuits, large assemblies, and moire design.
Design and CadTo start, like the other projects, we created a number of sketches. I liked the idea of a yin and yang pattern, supported by a parallel line moire pattern. I took my design into Autodesk SketchBook, and used the tools to draw a more accurate sketch. One our sketch for the discs was complete, I created a dimensioned, 3d version of the discs in SolidWorks. Using linear patterns, I made a consistent looking design. We also used 3d models of the sculptures parts, to create an assembly with are discs.
ManufacturingOne of the hardest parts of the process was creating the numerous plastic parts needed to properly assemble the sculpture. To challenge us, we did not get any instruction on how to make the parts, instead we were given simple technical drawings. Using techniques learned from the previous projects, I created cylindrical and rectangular spacers on the lathe and mill. Most of the parts I did not get first try, but in the end I was able to fabricate them all within the expected tolerance of 0.003".
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CIRCUITRY and LightThe electronics for this project were more advanced than the light sculpture. The mechanism required motors with optical sensors to determine position, along with power managing hardware and an Arduino Mega for the brain. I soldered the components on to the PCB, and also soldered leads onto the LED strip. Additionally, we did a number of experiments with both light and circuits to help better understand how they actually worked. We also spent some time learning about the physics of the gears and forces with the disc mechanism.
AssemblyOnce all the parts were created, I assembled my sculpture. This included fastening screws, pressing on pulleys and connecting wires. The structure of the sculpture is a number of plates, separated by the axles and spacers made on the mill. Additionally, I pressed bearings onto the axles to allow them to spin freely. Lastly I added my custom made discs to the front.
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