S17. Output: Simple mechanics
TUI Spring 2011 Coockoo Clock from Niranjan Krishnamurthi on Vimeo.
Assignment Due Date: Tuesday March 29 at 11:59PM
Objective
Learn how to translate rotational motion into other types of motion.
Activities
Create a “Cuckoo Clock” mechanics. Cuckoo Clock typically has an automaton of the bird that appears through a small trap door while the clock is striking. In this exercise, you will create mechanisms for 1) a door that opens and closes, and 2) a bird that leaps forward and backward. Once you have your mechanics working, you may automate the motion with your DC motors and servo motors controlled by Arduinos.
Important: Explore and get the mechanics to work first before trying to make it work with your DC motors or servo motors.
Part 1 – The Door
Create a mechanical construction of a trap door that opens and closes. Here is an example.
Useful Links
- http://www.technologystudent.com/cams/camdex.htm
- http://www.flying-pig.co.uk/mechanisms/pages/bellcrank.html
Part 2 – The Bird
Create a mechanical construction that moves the bird forward and backward.
A linkage example (1):
Part 3 (extra credit) –Putting Them Together
Put the door and bird together so that the bird sticks its head out when the door opens and goes back as the door closes. Once you get the mechanics to work, try to control it from Arduino.
Assignment for this week:
Post descriptions and photos (and or video) of your “Cuckoo Clock” mechanics on the course website. Please bring your "cuckoo clock" mechanism for in class showcase on Wednesday March 30th.
Useful Reading:
“Basic Mechanics: Converting Motor Motion to Usable Motion.” Physical Computing Chapter 10, pp. 271-283.
More Useful Links
The "Stretchable" 4-bar linkage simulator:
http://www.saltire.com/applets/FourBar/FourBarLinkage.html
Cool examples of stuff you can do with linkages:
