Blooming Expression

Lucy Wang

Goal of the Project

Make a flower that can blooming naturally,

Through the making of this learn the design process and software and fabrication tools.

Agenda

• The Goal of the Project

• Lesson & Learn

• On going Challenges

Initial Sketch

Learning from HallmarkThis 15 dollar follower has lots of smart design to it! Learned its electronics: DC motors and GearsLearned its mechanics: Patel with different angle will have the natural blooming effect

Front:FLOWER CONNECTOR

Back:Motor Driven Gears

Flower opens/close:The little ears close the switch every half cycle, the motor stops

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Assembly Process of the Flower

Learning 3D modelingLearning: Modeling could be a very effective tool to try out different design and for you to see how it look and feel. I used Rhino for the flower.

Also went to the solidwork and grasshopper tutorial, learned the pros and cons of what these tools can offer

Learning Design Process

Learning what is the most important thing I want to express in the design. Function? Emotional? aesthetically? Tried different materials, shapes and forms to see which one speaks to me more. I learned that the things I want to express the most it is something comes to life.

Learning Arduino and Servo

Learned: Servo Motor, Arduino Coding, applying the similar mechanic from Hallmark flower.

Prototyping Memory Alloy…

Learned the characteristic of memory alloy. Shaping it heating up.

Should have take Marcello’s warning, memory alloy is NOT easy to play with.

Learning Simulation ToolA systematic Way to design

After hours and hours of trail and error with physical model, I decided to use Simulation Tool to see how changing the design of the distance to the servo, where to put the rotation point, the size of the lever will affect the distance travel, and then make prototype from the design and measurement that works

Servo Rotation Point

Changing the shape of the design and add weight to the Patel at the right place to make sure it always open with its own weight

After simulation, the prototyping in progress….. This time, all measurement is not random, or by trail and error

Challenge going forward

• I learned a lot so far, the most important lesson is that: design looks fun, but it is NOT easy, systematic approach is key!

• The current prototype is half way to what I want it to look like

• Think about the aesthetic, enclose or not, will try laser cut different materials acrylics.