Day 5: (Wed Sep 9, Week 3) Linkages and Gearmotors

Notes for 2026-09-09.

Please note: the latest news is that the laser-cutters and HL A5 are still unavailable while staff repairs post-flood damage.

Pending Assignments

  1. Tentatively revised due date is Mon Sep 14: Exercise: Two-Hand Toy. Please submit documentation to Assignment 3 Shared Folder.

  2. Tentatively revised due date is Mon Sep 14 for Exercise: Joyful Motion. If you have not shown yet please have the physical prototype ready.

  3. Several of you still need to submit documentation for Exercise: Joyful Motion to Assignment 2 Shared Folder. As it says in the syllabus: “if work isn’t documented in photos and video, it didn’t happen; credit is given based on submitted documentation, not hazy memories of an in-person demonstration.”

Administrative

  • Note: my office hour structure is changing, starting this Friday I will be spending 3-4PM in HL A5 Fab Lab and 4-5PM in the HL A10 PhysComp Lab.

  • Friday September 11 from 5-6PM is the first FrIDeATe of the Fall semester in the basement lobby area, featuring free food, conversation, and games.

  • Monday September 14 from 5:30-6:30PM, IDeATe and Design are hosting a talk by Patrik Hübner in Studio A (HL 106B) titled IDeATe Creative Conversations.

Agenda

  1. Discuss Inkscape for laser-cutter file preparation. See also IDeATe Laser Cutter Guide.

  2. Briefly mention SW Toolbox gear generator. I recommend 2 mm module, 20 degree pressure angle for wood gears.

  3. MotionGen demo

  4. Discuss Design Example: Motor-Driven Linkage, Linkages

  5. Discuss Lab Inventory: Actuators, Gearmotors

  6. Discuss Motor Mounting

  7. Discuss Motor Hubs

  8. Individually review your drawings for Exercise: Two-Hand Toy (Assignment 3 Shared Folder)

  9. If needed: laser-cutter demonstration