Prompt
Today, we'll dive into the fascinating world of mechanical engineering by exploring various mechanisms made entirely from cardboard. From cams and linkages to pulleys and gears, we'll learn how these mechanisms work and how they can be applied in real-world applications.
Duration: ~2 hrs
Materials: Cardboard (various thicknesses), Scissors, Craft knives, Rulers, Glue, or tape Markers or pens
Instructions
- Begin by familiarizing yourself with the different mechanisms we'll be exploring: cam & linkage, scissor lift, gears, pulley, lever, fan/expanding, waving/bending, curving, grabbing, and tentacle motion.
- Take some time to research and understand how each mechanism functions.
- Choose one mechanism that you find most intriguing or relevant to your interests to start with. Using the provided cardboard and craft tools, start prototyping each chosen mechanism. You may want to sketch out your designs first to visualize how each mechanism will work.
- Experiment with different shapes, sizes, and configurations to optimize the performance of your cardboard mechanisms.
- Test your prototypes to see how well they function. Make adjustments as needed to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
Bonus Point
- Make another mechanism, think about the difference, and try to combine your two mechanisms (e.g. one mechanism leads to the motion of the other one, one action to actuate both the mechanisms, etc.)
- In your group, consider incorporating your mechanism(s) into a drone: the connection, the scale, etc.
Deliverables
Take photos of your prototypes and post them on the Response Tab.