A Beautiful Machine3D Design - Solidworks
Team
Bryan To
Pitch
For the class 106: Spatial Thinking and Design, in the Interactive Art and Technology program at Simon Fraser University, we were tasked with creating ‘A Beautiful Machine’ or A.B.M. Using Solidworks. That uses mechanical components to recreate a movement from nature.
Process Analysis:
Ideation
We decided to take our inspiration from the movement of a grasshopper’s legs and antennae. We used the knowledge that we gained throughout the course to create the mechanism of our ABM. We were given guidelines to how many different components we were allowed, as well as we needed two distinct movements.
Using gears, four-bar linkages, and cams, I designed the mechanism that would create the movement. I started out with the mechanical components and then designed the shell around them to enhance and support the mechanism.
Figure 1. Initial design of components (2018)
Figure 2. Fleshing out design and mechanical parts (2018)
Process Analysis:
Modelling
After I finished designing the blueprint, I started modelling in Solidworks. I began with the shell and, using my blueprint, created all the right dimensions. I then started modelling the mechanism. The model needed to be broken up into separate panels because the end goal of this project was to laser cut these pieces in MDF board to assemble them.
I used the different types of fastener mates and mechanical mates to assemble the mechanism and pieces together in Solidworks. After it was complete, I added wood texture for the laser-cut parts and metal for the metal bars of the linkage.
Figure 3. Render of final grasshopper. (2018)
Figure 4. Render of final grasshopper top view (2018)
Process Analysis:
Prototyping
The final task of this project was to prototype it in real life. Using all the laser-cut pieces, my partner and I assembled the shell together using hot glue. Then, I used a combination of nuts and bolts, hot glue, thin wire, and thick welding wire to assemble the rest of the mechanism.
By turning a handle that is attached to a leg of the grasshopper, the mechanism works by then turning gears and the linkages connected to those gears. As a final touch on the grasshopper, I used thin wire and created two wings that would enhance the beauty of the machine without blocking the mechanism from sight.
Prototype
The final built grasshopper and how it functions. Overall, I think our grasshopper was very beautiful; we managed to successfully accomplish our goals of what we wanted the movement to look like.
Figure 5-10 [Gallery]. Multiple views of the final rendered grasshopper (2020)