5.2 Design Process:
Iterations:
For Prototype design:
Originally, we wanted to use the metal brackets given to support our slide shafts, but they proved too difficult to integrate into the part. Furthermore, other mount designs did not adjust correctly.
Many iterations of linkage were made to adjust the range.
This is one of the cam profiles that we tested to see its effects on the appearance of the jump.
The first design of the top mechanism was basic and added unnecessary weight.
We cut down the top mechanism to only use 2 linear rods at opposite corners to support the movement. This change allowed us to remove a majority of the material from the top box.
For the demo day, we constructed a mounting system to hold the mechanism out of cardboard. This allowed us to fully preview our intended range of motion, while the more permanent solution was being designed in CAD.
Moving on from our prototype, we identified several areas in need of improvement. The first thing was replacing the cardboard frame with a proper printed piece, as well as tweaking link lengths to allow for a full range of motion without collisions. Another area that needed improvement was that the slider crank motor lacked suitable power to move our character side to side. To fix this issue, we transitioned from the small DC motor to a servo motor to provide adequate torque.
Final Bracket and frame design
Another area we found for improvement was transitioning from our quick-prototype 3D print designs to more streamlined pieces. This can be seen in the example piece for our cam-follower mechanism below.
Final top mechanism
At this point, we had a working mechanism and started to add more cosmetic elements, such as our main game character, Mr. Penguin. (Thank you to Scott's SketchBook on Makerworld for the model)
Future Required Materials:
Most of the parts needed for the “aesthetics” part (conveyor belt/background/interactive pieces) can be designed via a 3D printer; additionally, any future motor-related parts to this aesthetic part can be provided by the RMB bins. This being said, a better/stronger motor may need to be purchased to run our main mechanism.
Part iterations relating to aesthetic:
Bill Of Materials:
Parts | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Links
| Free via TIW printer |
| 2 | Slider Shafts
| RMD bins |
| 3 | Shaft Brackets | Free via TIW printer |
| 4 | Bearings
| RMB bins |
| 5 | Wood
| $8.00 via TIW |
| 6 | 1/2[yard] of Canvas Fabric | $3.00 at Michaels |
| 7 | Cam and Follower | Free via TIW printer |
| 8 | Servo | RMD Bins |
| 9 | DC Motor | RMD Bins |
| 10 | Joystick | RMD Bins |
| 11 | Breadboard | RMD Bins |
| 12 | Arduino UNO | RMD Bins |
| 13 | Motor Controller | RMD Bins |
| 14 | Battery
| RMD bins
|
| 15 | Penguin Character (ScottsSketchBook on Makerworld) | $0.45 of Filament |