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- Design and prototype mechanisms for drawing primitives
- Straight lines
- Curved lines
- Design and prototype mechanisms for transitions between primitives
- Run analyses and simulation to create a specific drawing by combining primitives and transitions
- Design a non-motor driven mechanism to raise and lower the drawing platform
Preliminary Design
While the final sketch will be determined by a process of iterative design, prototyping, and assessment of feasibility, the basic set of mechanisms which we will use to control this form remain consistent throughout and reflect the description found in the mechanism section. The key will be in how we combine these individual mechanisms over the same work area to produce the sketch.
To more effectively discuss this combination, we will examine a few preliminary thrusts that we will explore to decide which sets of mechanisms will benefit the final design most through such things as smoothness of motion, ease of manufacture, and replicable motion.
The first area to explore will be linkage mechanisms, such as the 4-bar and slider crank mechanisms. While neither is suitable for the task alone, we would be able to create a simple flower design with the two linkage mechanisms in the figures below.
Figures 1&2:(1) A 4-bar mechanism to which a pen would be attached at point P
(2) A plot showing the path of point P and the flower petal shape that would be produced when the input link completes one full revolution
Figure 3: An example of a slider crank mechanism which follows along a rail, by attaching a drawing implement this mechanism could be used to draw straight lines
Figure 4:
