DF

For this past week in design futures, I have been working on my mechanism. I just finished the part of my mechanism where it holds the soccer ball, and this is what it looks like so far:

DF

Today in DF I handed in my assignment which was a relief now that it is over. However I went into the workshop and was very productive. I used the hot melt glue gun to glue the stand for the ball that moves up and down. This has turned out well but still need more attention to be perfect. This is what it looks like so far:

Design Futures Questions NOT FINISHED

Design Futures:
Assignment Questions


List the materials that were used in the construction of your mechanised toy.
Band saw
Hot-melt Glue Gun
End-Grain sander
Belt sander
Hammer
Clamp
Electric Drill
Hole drill

b. Describe some environmental problems which are caused by the overuse of wood products (i.e. deforestation).
An environmental problem caused by the overuse of wood products is deforestation. Not only are the forests destroyed, but also the habitat of many native fauna and flora. Through the destruction of their habitats, their lives are also at risk as well as the survival of their species. For example, birds may lose their nests, which means their species of birds could become endangered. Another environmental problem which is caused by the overuse of wood products is pollution. Every time a tree is chopped down, it has to be made into products such as paper through factories. These factories take up a large amounts of space, and more importantly, they also use electricity therefore creating greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. Therefore it is bad for the environment.

c. Explain the difference between ‘open-loop and closed-loop’ control systems. Give an example of each.
An open loop is not self adjusting, it is controlled by it's input only. A closed loop's primary operation is not controlled by it's input, but it can dynamically adjust itself depending on the input. An irrigation sprinkler system, programmed to turn on at set times could be an example of an open-loop system. An example of a closed-loop control system are a mouse on a computer.

d. Provide a brief description of 3 different types of mechanisms i.e. linkage, cams
Cam: A cam is a projection on a rotating part in machinery, designed to make sliding contact with another part while rotating and to impart reciprocal or variable motion to it.

Linkage: A mechanical linkage is a series of rigid links connected with joints to form a closed chain, or a series of closed chains. Each link has two or more joints, and the joints have various degrees of freedom to allow motion between the links.

Pulley: A wheel with a grooved rim around which a cord passes. It acts to change the direction of a force applied to the cord and is chiefly used (typically in combination) to raise heavy weights.

e. Provide an in depth description of the primary mechanism used in your toy.
The primary mechanism used in my mechanism is circular cams. Although there is only one cam that can only be moved manually. This cam is used in a circular motion by moving the handle in a circular motion which creates the output of making the leg move up and down. The input on the mechanism is the force of the movement the cam has and does.

f. Evaluate your finished product in terms of ergonomics, aesthetics and function.
Function:
Although I have not completed the mechanism yet, I do have an reasonable accurate idea on what the mechanism will turn out like. Overall, I think this mechanism does what it was aimed at to do. So far, it works very effectively and efficiently. In conclusion, improvements I can make to help my mechanism improve its aim, is to make the leg go upwards more.

Aesthetics:
I am very with the movement the 'soccer player' creates by kicking the ball up and then the ball coming back down. The design is going to very modern with lots of bright colours which means it would look really good just as much as it works very good.

Ergonomics:
In terms of ergonomics, this mechanism is extremely safe as their is little chance you will become injured by getting fingers stuck or hurting yourself. The convenience of this mechanism is very convenient as it is very easy to use and also it is not even heavy and big, therefore very convenient.