MechanismsandThingsThatMove

Assignments are listed in the class period they are assigned (class 1 = assignment 1) and due the next class period unless otherwise noted. There is no credit given for assignments that are late unless you have previously requested an extension.

Class 1

1. Create a student page or post your link to you blog/wiki/website (the login is your netid and password)
2. Attend a shop safety session if you didn't do so in the fall
3. Sign up for 2 days of shop cleaning (Shop Cleaning Sign-up, What Clean Means)
4. Read Chapters 1 & 2 in Making Things Move
5. Rube Goldberg!
   • Examples: The Way Things Go, a Honda commercial (that ripped them off), OK Go's music video, and mine
   • Get in groups of 3
   • Build a machine that cracks an egg
   • Your machine should be loaded with an egg. It should be reasonably quick to reload your machine with a new egg between runs (no disassembly of the machine). Acceptable triggers to start the machine include (for example) a button press, pulling/pushing a lever, or yanking a string. Your machine should consist of at least 5 energy transfers (steps). After the initial start no human intervention is allowed. You may use any materials you can find/make/buy. Each step should be unique and contribute to the goal. Basically this means you can't, for example, have some rolling ball hit 5 pins on its way down a ramp and have those actions count as steps (lame). The majority of the egg and NO MORE than 1/2 of the shell can end up in the final receptacle to get full credit.
   • You will get 2 attempts. Your machine can take no longer than 5 minutes to complete the task from the time you initiate movement.
   • Be prepared to identify simple machines in use when asked
   • Example from 2009

Class 2

1. Create a student page and post your link to you blog/wiki/website (the login is your netid and password)
2. Lego Lab! Pair up (with someone not in your group from last week), build one of the simple machines out of the Lego kit (I suggest the crane). Bring your creation to class for discussion. For pointers, read The Art of LEGO Design by Fred Martin. It’s a great LEGO building resource that covers everything from structural spacing to gear trains.
3. Read Chapter 3 in Making Things Move

Class 3

1. Post a freakin' link to you blog/website on the Student Pages 2011 (the login to edit is your netid and password)
2. Pick one impressive machine/mechanism you consider art, and one you consider practical/functional. They don't have to be electromechanical, but they have to move. Post pictures/videos on your blog and your response to the pieces. Be ready to share with the class.
3. Read Chapters 4 and 5 in Making Things Move

Class 4

1. MOUSETRAP CARS! (due in 2 weeks on 2/28)
   • In pairs (someone who you have not worked with yet), make a car powered only by 1 Victor brand mousetrap (NOT rat trap)
   • No electricity or legos allowed
   • The goal is to travel 10 feet the fastest.
   • We will compete in class. There will be 3 heats of 3 cars each, then winners race for the title. If you're faster than everyone else, you win a special prize!
   • There are no specific size, material, or weight requirements. However, it should be able to fit next to 2 other cars inside the class room.
   • The only human interaction should be to trigger/start the car.
   • The part of your car that starts at the starts at the starting line must cross the finish line to count. No projectiles.
2. Read Chapter 6 in Making Things Move
3. mini-Midterm projects (due in 3 weeks on 3/7) - onwards and upwards
   • Work with your mouse trap car partner or alone if you wish
   • It has to move, really. No vibrating motors allowed unless they complement the actual project.
   • You must be able to bring it in for class to present
   • Your creation must have a defined function. "I wanted to try this because it looks cool" or a spinning platform with a bunch of LEDs is not acceptable unless you can communicate a certain functional goal.

Class 5

• Continue work on mini-Midterm Projects due next week
  • Be ready for an informal ~5 minute show-and-tell with a few questions

Class 6

1. Bring in something for Hardware Hack Day to take apart, and the tools you think you'll need to do so. Toys, junk, old printers, anything as long as it is ELECTROMECHANICAL, that is - it has to use electricity to work, and has to move in some way. NOTE: do not count on being able to put it back together!
2. Update all project work and reading responses on your blog. It's the only way that I know you're keeping up with the work and understanding things as we go along. If you have questions, blog about them! I'll answer in the comments (or directly, if you prefer).
3. Enjoy Spring Break!

Class 7

1. Read Chapter 7
2. Observation assignment - GO TO THE GYM. Notice all the bearings, bushings, sliding things, springs, etc. Take at least one picture/video, describe your observations, and upload it to your blog for discussion.
3. Prepare for CAD day. If you have a PC, download the Alibre Design 30 day trial on your computer. If you have a Mac, look here for options, and here for a nice comparison chart, or borrow a PC from the ER (Computers 6-10 have Alibrea already installed).

Class 8

1. Vote for my Instructable!
2. Read Chapter 8
3. Develop and work on final projects
   • Group size for final projects is 2 with a +/- 1 tolerance (unless you register for the Red Bull Challenge, in which case you need 4)
   • Requirement: it must have an electromechanical actuator (not only vibration). This can be a motor or a solenoid.
   • Identify long lead items - like parts to be cut/3D printed at AMS or components that have long shipping times, and get those done ASAP
   • Prepare to share work in progress in class

Class 9

1. Read Chapter 9
2. Write a blog post on your final project development. Include:
   • Collaborators (if any)
   • Description of idea/goal
   • Tentative schedule (ordered parts by this day, done fabricating by this day, etc. - leave time for testing!)
   • Let me know if there's anyone you'd like me to invite to final project presentations

Class 10

1. Next week is our final class period before final project presentations! It will be a workshop. You MUST bring something physical, either part or all of your project, to work on in class. If you need more space you can go out in the shop, but come to class first. I encourage you to share your project with your classmates, elicit feedback, and get some work done! I will speak with each of you individually.
2. (Optional) Read through Chapter 10 to get ideas on how to integrate parts, use charge controllers, etc.

Class 11

1. Presentations! Each of you have 10 minutes to present which includes setup and questions. Include:

• WHAT: Pick a NAME for your project, include a short description. This is especially important for any guests.
• WHY: What was your inspiration for this project?
• HOW: Process of realizing this project (modeling, prototyping, what worked and didn't...). In this class, the process is just as important as the final product.
• DEMO: Demo your project (show video footage if necessary).
• REACTION: Include your reaction to the final outcome, future plans for the project(if any), and lessons learned.
• IMPORTANT: Link all presentation materials to your student blog and/or download larger files to classroom laptop before class

1. Consider bringing a snack or drink item to share with the class and guest critics. I will bring some of both (food and drinks) but more is always better!