05.1 - Project Proposal
Introduction
Our project is a new take on an old classic: Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. This Dinosaur Boxing Game (name pending) features 2 dinosaur fighters that can be operated manually through crank action, or through joystick motorized control. Players will be able to enjoy either a single-player practice mode or two-player fighting mode. The dinosaurs will be capable of punching and translational movements, with the potential to add mouth-opening and closing actions for extra realism and excitement.
Problem Description
Fashion is cyclical, and so is gaming. There is a growing nostalgia for retro mechanical games, but traditional boxing toys are in dire need of a revamp, offering low tech and limited interactivity. This project aims to modernize the industry by introducing new mechanisms and control methods. Incorporating unique linkages and motor-driven components to create complex and dynamic motion, we can give a fresh, engaging twist to a familiar game.
Proposed Mechanism
Six-Bar Linkage [5]
Our design will use a Reuleaux triangle cam in an 8-bar mechanism to achieve smooth repeatable movements. This will allow for a square path motion of the body of the dinosaur using continuous shaft rotation. The punching motion will be implemented via a 6-bar linkage (based on a Watt or Stephenson inversion) to generate a long, fast punching motion.
Scope of Work
The initial prototype will feature a manual crank to control the 6-bar “punching mechanism” and a separate manual crank to control the 8-bar “dodging mechanism.” Extending this to the final version, we plan to integrate joystick control to be able to remotely operate both of these motions. To select an appropriate motor, a force analysis will be conducted to determine necessary power for lifting the dinosaur to perform the “dodge.” And if time allows, a secondary dinosaur with mirrored movements will be made to sit opposite the first, allowing for a 2 player interactive experience.
Preliminary Designs
References
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsFjA2B9Cp4
[3] https://www.amazon.fr/Rock-Em-Sock-Robots-contr%C3%B4lez/dp/B083M7T16P