Artistic Tree-like Lamp
[AWARDED FIRST PLACE FOR CREATE-A-THON 2022 COMPETITION]
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An artistic tree-like lamp with kinetic butterflies. This project was not only meant to intertwine art and engineering, but also was intended for therapeutic use for children. The tree structure was built using laser cut wood panels assembled to create a hollow encasement. Butterflies were created out of 3D-Printed PLA with hinge knuckles. The hinge of the butterfly wings was spring-loaded to maintain an upright position. The wings were attached by string to linearly-moving micro servos to actuate flapping effect using varying tension. The tree was covered in adjustable fairy lights and artificial leaves to create a realistic aesthetic to the tree lamp.
Tools
Solidworks
3D Printer
Laser Cutting
Team
Daisy Prince
Kate Whitmire
Timeline
April 2022
Competition Time (16 hours)
CREATE-A-THON 2022
My team with the judges, Dr. Richard Crawford, Manu Gorrepati, and Brooks Protzmann
FIRST PLACE WINNING TEAM
DESIGN
For the competition, we were allowed to create whatever we wanted as long as it was approved by the Create-a-thon Committee. We came up with many ideas and ended up landing on this lamp because of my team's love of art and engineering.
PROTOTYPING
We decided to prototype using cardboard because we felt CAD would limit our creativity while designing a tree. Trees are very specific structures, and a branch in the wrong place can result in it looking unrealistic. We decided to make a cardboard prototype in an effort to save time and yield the best result. We spent hours constructing the tree panel by panel using cardboard and hot glue.
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We then used the prototype to create a laser-cutting template for the actual product.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Initially, we planned on using an electromagnetic approach with flexible electromagnetic PCBs and magnets. However, we ultimately decided on using a mechanical approach as the complexity of electromagnetism was not realistic with the time constraint. We instead used micro-servos and an internal pulley system to create movement for the butterflies.
BUILD WEEKEND
We were given 16 hours to create our solution. We were only allowed to do the basic prep work like planning our project, laser cutting wood, 3D printing butterflies.
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We assembled over 200 individual wood panels into a 3-dimensional tree. We created an internal pulley system, programmed lights and motors, and decorated the whole structure in faux leaves. During that time, we had to quickly problem solve conflicts such as resistant springs, electronics breaking, flimsy hinge knuckles, etc.
