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Our current goal is to produce a soft material-based structure that can change internal volume when forces such as tension or compression are experienced. The images below are patterns we experiment with, which have the effect we hoped to achieve to some extent. The images above are our first 3D-printed test cases, printed with soft
Continue reading Proof of Concept – Dunn & Elliot

We have designed 2 different mechanisms that we will include in our final model. One bends in a C-shape while the other puffs up. We have used these models and created flowers out of them. We have also 3D printed the molds and have poured the silicone. Since we also poured these molds with colored
Continue reading Proof of Concept- Aditti and Catherine

Our proof of concept has gone through some revisions – we’ve simplified the design to be two chamber. With only a two chamber design, we can still accomplish our goal while making less work for us. In addition, we’ve faced some difficulties figuring out how to design a cylindrical mold, so the proof of concept
Continue reading Proof of Concept – Leah and Elise

Our proof of concept part will be a thin, narrow, rectangular silicone part with two wires trained to different positions. During testing, we will alternate which wire is being heated to actuate the test part. A successful test will demonstrate that:

For our project, we are aiming to create a garden of plants that react to touch and are activated pneumatically. We are currently focusing on developing a design that mimics the movement of a venus flytrap. When touched, its jaws will bend upwards. To do so, we have designed 2 variations as prototypes to test
Continue reading Project Overview – Aditti and Catherine

Soft-Actuation Based Dynamic Facade for Building Performance Our concept is to create a soft-actuation-driven dynamic architectural facade element that enhances building performance. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has established a goal for 2030: all proposed and built projects must be net-zero. Whether or not that is achievable is not within the scope of this
Continue reading Project Overview – Dunn & Elliot

Project Summary Our project is an actuating silicone hand. Each finger’s large movements will be powered via pneumatic pumps, and current-driven nitinol wire will fine-tune these movements. The finger will be cast in two parts out of silicone and fused together; afterwards, trained nitinol will be strategically guided into the cured silicone, with wire leads
Continue reading Project Overview — Maddie and Xiaofan

This prototype is unrelated to the project Elliot, and I are working on. Instead, an experiment in learning the mold design process and the silicon cast workflow. In the final product, there will be a chamber inside that gets wider in the middle and skinnier towards the two ends. And, in theory, when pumped with
Continue reading Mold Design Workshop – Dunn

Elise Chapman and Leah Walko Project Proposal A sea anemone style of creature, responsive to human touch. Sketches + Rough Prototypes Sense of Movement If possible, we would like to actuate the celiaci to move towards the user’s touch/hand, but we understand that that is difficult and potentially out of scope. Otherwise, we plan to
Continue reading Sea Anemone Project