Summary:

Ele-thump is a lasercut pratfall device which combines the principles of stored spring energy and changing its mass distribution in order to cause itself to fall over at the user’s command. It’s name is a due to the fact that the released arm resembles an elephant’s trunk and it makes a thumping sound upon release.

The design’s key features are the living hinges that both to allow for the storing of spring energy while also proving an aesthetically pleasing design.

Operation:

Ele-thump begins its life with the servo holding the “trunk” above its head to keep the center of mass over the platform and prevent tipping. By doing so, the spring force of the living hinges is primed to be released and explosively shift the center of mass when the servo rotates and allows the “trunk” to shoot forward. With the simple push of a button Ele-thump preforms a pratfall and completes its purpose in life.

 

Solidworks Files:

Demo 2 Pratfall-mmong

Code:


#include <Servo.h>

const int SERVO_PIN = 9;
Servo motion;
const int BUTTON_PIN = 8;
int initLocation = 0;

void setup() {
motion.attach(SERVO_PIN);
motion.write(initLocation);
pinMode(BUTTON_PIN, INPUT);
}

void loop() {
int isPushed;
isPushed = digitalRead(BUTTON_PIN);
if(isPushed == HIGH)
{
motion.write(170);
delay(1000);
}
else{
motion.write(initLocation);
}

}