Intro
The second project we started in the DPEA was the light sculpture. Despite challenges with COVID we were able to finish the sculpture and have a polished finished product. The light sculpture built off concepts we learned with the mobile while introducing new layer of complexity. We did more complex manufacturing and CAD while incorporating circuits and electronics.
Remote LearningBecause of COVID we were forced to do all of our CAD and design from remote. We used a cloud based CAD platform known as OnShape which allowed collaboration from remote. Additionally, we were able to pick up kits for hands one experiments with DC circuits.
Simulation and color theoryTo visualize how our sculpture would look with lighting, we used a specially designed online simulator. I was able to play with the colors and decided to go with a complementary color scheme in order to give an opposing feeling. Using polar coordinates I placed each rod in its spot based on the sketch.
ElectronicsThis project included an Arduino with a number of LEDs and proper resistors, along with a potentiometer for control. To understand how this worked, we learned about ohms law and Kirchhoff law. We created small sections of the circuit on breadboards, and then soldered all the components to a PCB board and the LEDs to wires, and attached it on an Arduino. I programmed a number of light patterns in C++ along with some control logic. Instead of using the given template of code, I created my own for more customized functionality.
|
Inspiration and designI have trained in a marital art for about 10 years, and once concept that we learn is Yin and Yang. I took this idea as inspiration for my project. I attempted to create a spiraling pattern that represented to balanced yet opposing forces. Using principles of radial design I drafted the pattern for the sculpture. After, I took my sketch into CAD to make a 3D representation that included the heights of the rods. I went with a steep decrease in height between each rod in order to give the feeling that they were converging together.
Manufacturing and AssemblyWith the light sculpture, the manufacturing processes were stepped up another level. The sculpture consisted of two aluminum parts, the base and the top plate. Each one had to first be squared on the mill and then sized and drilled. We converted the polar equation into cartesian coordinates and then used the mill and appropriate drill bits to customize the top pate.
|
Final product
The light sculpture taught me a lot of skills related to manufacturing, design, light, and much more. It was also a chance to reinforce the skills I already knew, such as soldering and programming. The final product had 10 light shows that the user could switch between using the knob. One of those shows was a special mode called "night light mode" which used the knob to dim the LEDs. While we faced challenges with COVID, and catching up in a short period of time, the light sculpture was completed.