Belly of the Beast
Prototyping various mechanisms with Kevin Tang (ID 22).
The Goal
Second semester of sophomore year, the very first project we were assigned was to create a kinetic sculpture that utilized multiple mechanisms. As a team, we had an infatuation with biology and its seemingly endless complication, yet obvious simplicity; we decided to explore this idea.
Create a kinetic sculpture that utilizes 5 mechanisms…
We decided to reach this goal with this project by emulating biology through various mechanisms, visual de-familiarization, visual symmetry and mechanical satisfaction.
The user spins the mechanism with the handle, transferring the power through the mechanism, and eventually spinning the freewheel at the top of the mechanism. This flywheel then keeps rotating, due to a bicycle-like freewheel; further propelling the mechanism. The piston attached to the flywheel travels vertically, creating a clicking sound, and the camshaft mechanism spins, simulating breathing.
A complete master model, modeled with Solidworks and Rhino, finalized in Fusion 360.
We went through a thorough prototyping phase, and explored many ideas. My main contribution is the cam mechanism that emulates breathing. This was the most important part of the project. Overall, the project was a success and while it ran, the mechanism really looked like it was alive.
