Day 4: (Wed Sep 2, Week 2) Affordances and Transmissions

Notes for 2026-09-02.

Notes from Day 3

I am sorry for any confusion regarding laser cutter access. The policy changed this year without notice and student monitors are no longer being permitted to help IDeATe students cut their projects in the interim before they finish qualifications. This makes it even more imperative to expedite getting through the laser cutter qualification procedure as per IDeATe Laser Cutters.

New Assignments

  1. Due today (with likely extensions): Exercise: Joyful Motion. Please submit documentation to Assignment 2 Shared Folder.

  2. New assignment, due Wed Sep 9: Exercise: Two-Hand Toy. Please submit documentation to Assignment 3 Shared Folder. Note: due to basement flooding, the physical prototype deadline is extended to Mon Sep 14.

Administrative

  1. Please remember we do not have class on Labor Day, Monday Sep 7.

  2. IDeATe will be hosting two fire extinguisher training sessions today at 10AM and 5PM in IDeATe Studio B, Hunt 106C. The 10AM session conflicts with our class time, but please let me know if the 5PM session would help you satisfy the laser cutter requirements.

    5:00PM session calendar link

  3. Please test your ID card on the door lock. If it isn’t working, please both let me know and email help@ideate.cmu.edu

  4. The first FriDeATe (social free food) event will be Friday, Sep 11 5-6PM in the basement open area.

Agenda

  1. Review the laser-cutter qualifications.

  2. A brief introduction to critique style.

  3. In-class review of available demos for Exercise: Joyful Motion.

  4. Discuss the next assignment Exercise: Two-Hand Toy.

  5. Introduce a few more shaft components from Lab Inventory: Axle Components

    • cotter pins

    • set-screw collars

    • clamp-on collars

    • washers

  6. SolidWorks Gear generator demonstration.

  7. SolidWorks four-bar linkage demonstration.

  8. Time permitting: individual design consultation.