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{{Template:ENGR215inprogress|Dec 15, 2017}}
[[File:Appropedia Inspirograph Photo.jpg|thumb|The Inspirograph, located at Redwood Discovery Museum, Eureka, CA]]
[[File:Appropedia Inspirograph Photo.jpg|thumb|left|The Inspirograph, located at Redwood Discovery Museum, Eureka, CA]]
==Abstract==
''One paragraph summary of your project from background to discussion and next steps.''
There should be an image near the top.


The purpose of this project is to recreate an interactive children's toy from upcycled materials for the client of the Fall 2017 ERE 215 class. The client we collaborated with is the Redwood Discovery Museum, which is an educational, non-profit children’s museum located in Eureka, California. The toy our team, Team Black Box, decided to recreate was a traditional Spirograph. This project was one of 5 projects built for the Redwood Discovery Museum in an effort to contribute to the hands on learning that the Redwood Discovery Museum has to offer.
{{Project data
| uses = education
| authors = User:Keannkline, User:Ish-Kaysh Tripp, User:Aren Page, User:1chilldude
| status = Deployed
| made = Yes
| replicated = No
| location = California, Eureka
| cost = USD 241.60
}}
 
The purpose of this project was to create an interactive exhibit based on the original children's Spirograph toy using both new and upcycled materials. The design was to be a table top spirograph system that children could use to create geometric patterns on paper that they could take home with them.


== Background ==
== Background ==
Team Blackbox was started in Lonny Grafman's Fall 20117 ERE 215 design course at Humboldt State University. The client that Team BlackBox will collaborate with is Redwood Discovery Museum, an educational, non-profit children’s museum located in Eureka, California. The Redwood Discovery Museum educates young children in Humboldt County through fun exhibits intended for ages 3-8, incorporating the foundations of science, arts, and general health. Toy-maker and founder of the Redwood Discovery Museum, Ken Pinkerton, has hand-crafted many of the exhibits on display. Pinkerton has had a long-time passion for crafting toys with a philosophy of hands on education and to minimize further exposure to digital screens.
 
Team BlackBox is a team of four students in Lonny Grafman's Engineering Design course (ENGR 215)for the Fall 2017 semester at Cal Poly Humboldt. The team consists of Alex Cody-Prentice, Keann Kline, Aren Page and Ish Tripp. The client that Team BlackBox collaborated with is Redwood Discovery Museum, an educational, non-profit children's museum located in Eureka, California.
The Redwood Discovery Museum educates young children in Humboldt County through fun exhibits intended for ages 3-8, incorporating the foundations of science, arts, and general health. Toy-maker and founder of the Redwood Discovery Museum, Ken Pinkerton, has hand-crafted many of the exhibits on display and has had a long-time passion for crafting toys with a philosophy of hands-on education by minimizing exposure to digital screens.


== Problem statement ==
== Problem statement ==
The primary objective of the project is to create an interactive exhibit for the Discovery Museum that provides an enjoyable experience for two types of children; those who are curious about learning something new and those with a desire to engage with science in a fun way. This objective comes with constraints from the client which will be upheld throughout the design of the project. Two constraints that will hold high value through every piece of the project design are 1) the requirement for a product which can withstand the destructive force which children embody and 2) a product which upholds the utmost safety and will not injure or harm the user in any way.
 
The Redwood Discovery Museum did not previously have a spirograph exhibit but they desired one. The primary objective of the project was to create a table top version of a traditional spirograph that is safe, fun and inspiring for children ages 3-8.


== Criteria ==
== Criteria ==
Below is a table of criteria for the Inspirograph. Each criterion is weighted on a scale of one to ten to determine its degree of importance.
Below is a table of criteria for the Inspirograph. Each criterion is weighted on a scale of one to ten to determine its degree of importance.


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Table-1: Criteria and Constraints
|+ Table-1: Criteria and Constraints
! Criteria
! Weight
! Constraints
|-
|-
!Criteria
| Appeal
!Weight 
| 5
!Constraints
| Multiple color options available for writing tool.
|-
| Appeal
|align="center"|5
|Multiple color options available for writing tool.  
|-
|-
| Operation & Maintenance  
| Operation & Maintenance
|align="center"|8
| 8
|Must be less than $1.00/per day.
| Must be less than $1.00/per day.
|-
|-
| Ease of use
| Ease of use
|align="center"|8
| 8
|Must be easy to use by children ages 3-8.
| Must be easy to use by children ages 3-8.
|-
|-
| Durability  
| Durability
|align="center"|9
| 9
|Must last longer than one year.
| Must last longer than one year.
|-
|-
| Education
| Education
|align="center"|9
| 9
|Must be understood by users ages 3-8.
| Must be understood by users ages 3-8.
|-
|-
| Inspiration  
| Inspiration
|align="center"|9
| 9
|Stoke factor.  
| Stoke factor.
|-
|-
| Safety
| Safety
|align="center"|10
| 10
|Must be safe for children using ASTM Toy Safety Standards guidelines.
| Must be safe for children using ASTM Toy Safety Standards guidelines.
|-
|-
| Cost  
| Cost
|align="center"|7
| 7
|Expenses must not exceed a total of $500.
| Expenses must not exceed a total of $500.
|}
|}


Line 59: Line 68:


== Description of final project ==
== Description of final project ==
The Inspirograph is a larger upcycled tabletop version of a traditional children's toy spirograph design. The table stands at 28 inches high, which adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act making it accessible for children of all backgrounds. The Inspirograph design implements a variety of upcycled materials. Upcycled materials are reinvented parts from previous use in order to prolong the life of these resources and reduce the amount of material from being thrown away. The Inspirograph uses re-purposed bicycle components to create the gears of the system while implementing a salvaged table for the system and salvaged plywood.
The Inspirograph is a larger upcycled tabletop version of a traditional children's toy spirograph design. The table stands at 28 inches high, which adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act making it accessible for children of all backgrounds. The Inspirograph design implements a variety of upcycled materials. Upcycled materials are reinvented parts from previous use in order to prolong the life of these resources and reduce the amount of material from being thrown away. The Inspirograph uses re-purposed bicycle components to create the gears of the system while implementing a salvaged table for the system and salvaged plywood.


==Building==
== Components ==
 
{{Step
| number = 1
| text = The "COGS" of the Inspirograph are created from reused bicycle cogs. These bike cogs are sandwiched in between two circular cuts of plywood that act as protective coverings for the sharp parts of the gears. The plywood pieces and bike cog are spaced apart with rubber grommets to allow some flexibility in the movement of the inner cog on the track. This creates the appropriate spacing giving the cog an easy rotation along the bike chain. Along the top plywood piece holes are drilled in the shape of a Fibonacci spiral; this provides a place to put a writing implement. Using a Fibonacci spiral in pen placement allows the user to create different designs depending on which hole they use to draw with.
| image = File:Cogs.jpg
| caption = Caption
}}


{{How to
{{Step
|title= Building the Kiosk
| number = 2
|header1=
| text = The "HINGED GEAR SURFACE" of the Inspirograph is made from a sheet of plywood that has been attached to the table surface with two hinges. In the center of the plywood sheet a circular hole was cut to mount the bicycle chain and create the space for the user to draw the spirograph design. The hinges are utilized to allow the user to easily lift up the surface of the spirograph and replace the writing paper. Simultaneously this provides a piece which holds the paper taught when drawing.
|header2=
| image = File:Hinged Gear Surface.jpg
|pics=
| caption = Caption
|size=
|File:IMG 2654.JPG |Caption |1 |Assemble necessary tools and materials for construction. Sizes may vary according to desired kiosk size.
|File:20161111 122733.jpg  |Caption |2 |Make box frame screwing 18 2"x2" pieces of wood together at the desired length. There will be 4 horizontal pieces longer than the rest, used for the front and back faces of the frame. Two of these pieces should be enclosing the bottom left and right pieces, giving a sturdier frame.  The vertical corner pieces will be of different heights to allow the front of the kiosk to have a larger opening than the back. Allow left and right top pieces of the frame to sit diagonally on the vertical frame pieces. There will be an additional 4 roof pieces spaced evenly inside the frame to provide additional support. Two vertical pieces placed in the middle of the front and back sides of the frame will also be of different heights.
|File:IMG 2653.JPG |Caption |3 |screw on 4 pieces of plywood to the left, right, and bottom sides of the frame creating the two outer walls of the kiosk and the bottom piece. The roof will be a larger piece in order to protect the kiosk from weathering.
|File:20161111 145700.jpg |Caption |4 |Before the inner walls of the kiosk are screwed in, place a dividing 2"x2" in the center of the floor, aligned with the center vertical 2"x2"'s of the frame. This 2"x2" should be of the same length as the left and right pieces of the frame. After the final 2"x2" is placed on the floor piece of plywood, add an insulating layer in between where the outer plywood and the inner plywood layers would be.
|File:IMG 2891.JPG |Caption |5 |After the insulation is placed on all four built walls of the kiosk, place the inner layer of plywood, or material of choice, to enclose the insulation and 2"x2" framing. The only framing visible should be from side views. To enclose the roof, cut slots in a piece of plywood to the correct length of the roof to seal the top insulation inside.
|File:IMG 2892.jpg |Caption |6 | Cut out the door the proper dimensions of the front and back empty faces of the kiosk for doors. Choose hinges compatible with the box to screw on the left and right walls of the kiosk.  After placing all 4 doors on the front and back faces of the kiosk, attach a thin piece of plywood, half on, to the end of on door from each side (right or left door) for better sealing. This makes sure that one door is closed before the other. Then attach locks on the doors to keep them closed.
|File:IMG 2890.JPG |Caption |7 |After construction of the top box of the kiosk is complete, make the stand. The legs will be made of four 4"x4" pieces of wood at the desired height. Inside the 4"x4" legs, will be four 2"x4" pieces of wood to provide a small frame, two long ones being the length of the kiosk and two shorter being the width of the kiosk. This frame will be all held together by eight bolts placed in length and width directions on each leg into the 2"x4" frame.
|File: IMG 2895.JPG  |Caption |8 | Attach stand to the kiosk box using large screws going into the 2”x2” framing of the kiosk box.
|File:IMAG0937.jpg |Caption|9 |Drill holes for vents in the top of the right wall, and in the bottom of the left wall (or vice versa).
}}
}}


{{Step
| number = 3
| text = The "HOOK & PAPER ROLL MOUNT" is a galvanized steel hook that was used to create a durable and easily maintained paper roll holder. The hook holds a steel pipe which threads through a roll of paper. This allows the paper roll to be lifted out and replaced easily while reducing friction from rolling out the paper. The roll is held in place by two galvanized steel flanges screwed to either side of the metal pipe and once unscrewed, the paper roll can be easily replaced.
| image = File:Hook & Paper Roll Mount.jpg
| caption = Caption
}}
{{Step
| number = 4
| text = "L-BRACKET SUPPORTS" are seen here. Durability was a very important component in the Inspirograph, therefore to prevent possible breakage from over extension, L- Brackets were implemented. L-Brackets prevent the top surface of the spirograph from going beyond ninety degrees. This will prevent the hinges from experiencing too much downward force and breaking. It will also prevent an observer from being injured while the user is replacing the spirograph paper.
| image = File:L-Bracket Supports.jpg
| caption = Caption
}}
{{Step
| number = 5
| text = "MARKER STORAGE BOX" is pictured here. The concern that the Inspirograph markers would go missing resulted in the creation of a storage box. The box was placed on the underside of the tabletop for easy access and can hold up to 40 different colors.
| image = File:Marker Storage Box.jpg
| caption = Caption
}}


=== Costs ===
=== Costs ===


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Quantity !! Material !! Source !! Cost ($) !! Total ($)
! Quantity
! Material
! Source
! Cost ($)
! Total ($)
|-
| 1
| Bearings
| AMPT Skateshop
| 10.88
| 10.88
|-
| 1
| Screws, Drill Bits, felt pads, pens
| Ace Hardware
| 23.46
| 23.46
|-
| 1
| Plywood
| Pierson's Building Supply
| 11.83
| 11.83
|-
| 1
| Brackets, Hinges, Epoxy, Screws
| Ace Hardware
| 33.39
| 33.39
|-
| 1
| Dowels & Hooks
| Walmart
| 4.17
| 4.17
|-
| 1
| Galvenized Steel Piping
| Ace Hardware
| 66.46
| 66.46
|-
| 1
| Corner Braces, Hinge Covers, PVC Caps
| Ace Hardware
| 8.20
| 8.20
|-
| 1
| Epoxy, Wood Plugs
| Ace Hardware
| 18.41
| 18.41
|-
| 1
| Sand Paper
| Ace Hardware
| 6.34
| 6.34
|-
| 1
| Rubber Grommets
| Ace Hardware
| 24.98
| 24.98
|-
| 1
| Felt Tip Markers
| CVS
| 7.37
| 7.37
|-
| 1
| Hacksaw Blades
| Ace Hardware
| 6.49
| 6.49
|-
|-
| 1 || Bearings || AMPT Skateshop
| 1
|align="right"| 10.88
| Salvaged Bike Parts
|align="right"| 10.88
| Arcata Scrap & Salvage
|-
| 10.85
| 1 ||Screws, Drill Bits, felt pads, pens || Ace Hardware
| 10.85
|align="right"| 23.46
|- class="sortbottom"
|align="right"| 23.46
! colspan="4" | Total Cost
|-
! $241.60
| 1 || Plywood || Pierson's Building Supply
|align="right"| 11.83
|align="right"| 11.83
|-
| 1 || Brackets, Hinges, Epoxy, Screws || Ace Hardware
|align="right"| 33.39
|align="right"| 33.39
|-
| 1 || Dowels & Hooks || Walmart
|align="right"| 4.17
|align="right"| 4.17
|-
| 1 || Galvenized Steel Piping || Ace Hardware
|align="right"| 66.46
|align="right"| 66.46
|-
| 1 || Corner Braces, Hinge Covers, PVC Caps || Ace Hardware
|align="right"| 8.20
|align="right"| 8.20
|-
| 1 || Epoxy, Wood Plugs || Ace Hardware
|align="right"| 18.41
|align="right"| 18.41
|-
| 1 || Sand Paper || Ace Hardware
|align="right"| 6.34
|align="right"| 6.34
|- 
| 1 || Rubber Grommets || Ace Hardware
|align="right"| 24.98
|align="right"| 24.98
|- 
| 1 || Felt Tip Markers || CVS
|align="right"| 7.37
|align="right"| 7.37
|-
| 1 || Hacksaw Blades || Ace Hardware
|align="right"| 6.49
|align="right"| 6.49
|-
| 1 || Salvaged Bike Parts || Arcata Scrap & Salvage
|align="right"| 10.85
|align="right"| 10.85
|-class="sortbottom"
|colspan="4" align="right" | '''Total Cost'''
|align="right"| '''$241.60'''
|}
|}


==Testing Results==
== Testing Results ==
 
The Redwood Discovery Museum now has an Inspirograph to add to their collection of exhibits. Not all children know how to express their artistic ability using a standard writing tool and paper. Yet, the Inspirograph allows children to make beautiful geometric designs with simple instruction.
The Redwood Discovery Museum now has an Inspirograph to add to their collection of exhibits. Not all children know how to express their artistic ability using a standard writing tool and paper. Yet, the Inspirograph allows children to make beautiful geometric designs with simple instruction.


== Maintenance ==


==Maintenance==
The Inspirograph was designed and constructed to be durable. The life of the system is estimated to be 20 years. It was determined that the Inspirograph will undergo approximately 10 uses per business day. Given that markers and paper will be the primary components for upkeep, the estimated operation and maintenance cost will be roughly $200.00 per year. Figure 5-2 provides a breakdown of the operation and maintenance costs.
The Inspirograph was designed and constructed to be durable. The life of the system is estimated to be 20 years. It was determined that the Inspirograph will undergo approximately 10 uses per business day. Given that markers and paper will be the primary components for upkeep, the estimated operation and maintenance cost will be roughly $200.00 per year. Figure 5-2 provides a breakdown of the operation and maintenance costs.


 
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
! Material
! Material !! Annual Cost ($)  
! Annual Cost ($)
|-
|-
|Marker
| Marker
|$28.08
| $28.08
|-
|-
|Paper
| Paper
|$156.60
| $156.60
|-
|General Hardware
|$10.00
|-
|-
| General Hardware
| $10.00
|}
|}


== Troubleshooting ==
== Troubleshooting ==
For complex issues, please contact Ken Pinkerton.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Problem
! Problem
! Suggestion
! Suggestion
|-
|-
| Paper orientation is wrong
| Lift the top surface then use both hands to pull the paper across the bottom surface. Gently drop top surface back down onto paper to secure.
|-
| Inner cog is not connecting with outer cog
| Gently press the cog against the outer cog to ensure the teeth of the inner cog are locking into the chain on the outer cog.
|}


| Paper orientation is wrong
For complex issues, please contact Ken Pinkerton.


| Lift the top surface then use both hands to pull the paper across the bottom surface. Gently drop top surface back down onto paper to secure.
== Discussion and next steps ==


|-
The results of building the design concluded that the Inspirograph will serve as a fun and inspirational exhibit for children to expand their creative learning. The system is safe, sturdy and able to withstand the ravages of time. It has been deemed simple to use and likely to expand a child's cognitive learning by offering the ability to make artistic geometric patterns with ease.


| Inner cog is not connecting with outer cog
== Project Documents for Download ==


| Gently press the cog against the outer cog to ensure the teeth of the inner cog are locking into the chain on the outer cog.
* [https://www.appropedia.org/File:FULL_REPORT_Inspirograph_Project.pdf Inspirograph Design Final Report]
* [https://www.appropedia.org/File:Inspirograph_Poster_Final.pdf Inspirograph Project Poster]


|-
== Authors ==


|}
[[File:Team BlackBox Inspirograph.jpg|500px|Team BlackBox]]


==Discussion and next steps==
Left to right:
The results of building the design concluded that the Inspirograph will serve as a fun and inspirational exhibit for children to expand their creative learning. The system is safe, sturdy and able to withstand the ravages of time. It has been deemed simple to use and likely to expand a child’s cognitive learning by offering the ability to make artistic geometric patterns with ease.
[[User:Keannkline|Keann Kline]],
[[User:Ish-Kaysh Tripp|Ish-Kaysh Tripp]],
[[User:Aren Page|Aren Page]], and
[[User:1chilldude|Alex Cody-Prentice]]


{{Page data
| keywords = inspirograph, spirograph system, upcycling, recycling, Galvenized Steel Piping, plywood, rubber
| organizations = Engr205 Introduction to Design, Humboldt State University, Redwood Discovery Museum
| sdg = SDG04 Quality education
| published = 2017
}}


[[Category:Engr215 Introduction to Design]]
[[Category:Engr205 Introduction to Design]]
[[Category:Redwood Discovery Museum]]
[[Category:K-12 education]]
[[Category:Upcycling]]
[[Category:Recycling]]

Latest revision as of 14:09, 28 February 2024

The Inspirograph, located at Redwood Discovery Museum, Eureka, CA
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Project data
Authors Keann Lee Kline
Ish-Kaysh Tripp
Aren Page
alex
Location California, Eureka
Status Deployed
Made Yes
Replicated No
Cost USD 241.60
Uses education
OKH Manifest Download

The purpose of this project was to create an interactive exhibit based on the original children's Spirograph toy using both new and upcycled materials. The design was to be a table top spirograph system that children could use to create geometric patterns on paper that they could take home with them.

Background[edit | edit source]

Team BlackBox is a team of four students in Lonny Grafman's Engineering Design course (ENGR 215)for the Fall 2017 semester at Cal Poly Humboldt. The team consists of Alex Cody-Prentice, Keann Kline, Aren Page and Ish Tripp. The client that Team BlackBox collaborated with is Redwood Discovery Museum, an educational, non-profit children's museum located in Eureka, California. The Redwood Discovery Museum educates young children in Humboldt County through fun exhibits intended for ages 3-8, incorporating the foundations of science, arts, and general health. Toy-maker and founder of the Redwood Discovery Museum, Ken Pinkerton, has hand-crafted many of the exhibits on display and has had a long-time passion for crafting toys with a philosophy of hands-on education by minimizing exposure to digital screens.

Problem statement[edit | edit source]

The Redwood Discovery Museum did not previously have a spirograph exhibit but they desired one. The primary objective of the project was to create a table top version of a traditional spirograph that is safe, fun and inspiring for children ages 3-8.

Criteria[edit | edit source]

Below is a table of criteria for the Inspirograph. Each criterion is weighted on a scale of one to ten to determine its degree of importance.

Table-1: Criteria and Constraints
Criteria Weight Constraints
Appeal 5 Multiple color options available for writing tool.
Operation & Maintenance 8 Must be less than $1.00/per day.
Ease of use 8 Must be easy to use by children ages 3-8.
Durability 9 Must last longer than one year.
Education 9 Must be understood by users ages 3-8.
Inspiration 9 Stoke factor.
Safety 10 Must be safe for children using ASTM Toy Safety Standards guidelines.
Cost 7 Expenses must not exceed a total of $500.
Inspirograph Design

Description of final project[edit | edit source]

The Inspirograph is a larger upcycled tabletop version of a traditional children's toy spirograph design. The table stands at 28 inches high, which adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act making it accessible for children of all backgrounds. The Inspirograph design implements a variety of upcycled materials. Upcycled materials are reinvented parts from previous use in order to prolong the life of these resources and reduce the amount of material from being thrown away. The Inspirograph uses re-purposed bicycle components to create the gears of the system while implementing a salvaged table for the system and salvaged plywood.

Components[edit | edit source]

1
Caption

The "COGS" of the Inspirograph are created from reused bicycle cogs. These bike cogs are sandwiched in between two circular cuts of plywood that act as protective coverings for the sharp parts of the gears. The plywood pieces and bike cog are spaced apart with rubber grommets to allow some flexibility in the movement of the inner cog on the track. This creates the appropriate spacing giving the cog an easy rotation along the bike chain. Along the top plywood piece holes are drilled in the shape of a Fibonacci spiral; this provides a place to put a writing implement. Using a Fibonacci spiral in pen placement allows the user to create different designs depending on which hole they use to draw with.

2
Caption

The "HINGED GEAR SURFACE" of the Inspirograph is made from a sheet of plywood that has been attached to the table surface with two hinges. In the center of the plywood sheet a circular hole was cut to mount the bicycle chain and create the space for the user to draw the spirograph design. The hinges are utilized to allow the user to easily lift up the surface of the spirograph and replace the writing paper. Simultaneously this provides a piece which holds the paper taught when drawing.

3
Caption

The "HOOK & PAPER ROLL MOUNT" is a galvanized steel hook that was used to create a durable and easily maintained paper roll holder. The hook holds a steel pipe which threads through a roll of paper. This allows the paper roll to be lifted out and replaced easily while reducing friction from rolling out the paper. The roll is held in place by two galvanized steel flanges screwed to either side of the metal pipe and once unscrewed, the paper roll can be easily replaced.

4
Caption

"L-BRACKET SUPPORTS" are seen here. Durability was a very important component in the Inspirograph, therefore to prevent possible breakage from over extension, L- Brackets were implemented. L-Brackets prevent the top surface of the spirograph from going beyond ninety degrees. This will prevent the hinges from experiencing too much downward force and breaking. It will also prevent an observer from being injured while the user is replacing the spirograph paper.

5
Caption

"MARKER STORAGE BOX" is pictured here. The concern that the Inspirograph markers would go missing resulted in the creation of a storage box. The box was placed on the underside of the tabletop for easy access and can hold up to 40 different colors.

Costs[edit | edit source]

Quantity Material Source Cost ($) Total ($)
1 Bearings AMPT Skateshop 10.88 10.88
1 Screws, Drill Bits, felt pads, pens Ace Hardware 23.46 23.46
1 Plywood Pierson's Building Supply 11.83 11.83
1 Brackets, Hinges, Epoxy, Screws Ace Hardware 33.39 33.39
1 Dowels & Hooks Walmart 4.17 4.17
1 Galvenized Steel Piping Ace Hardware 66.46 66.46
1 Corner Braces, Hinge Covers, PVC Caps Ace Hardware 8.20 8.20
1 Epoxy, Wood Plugs Ace Hardware 18.41 18.41
1 Sand Paper Ace Hardware 6.34 6.34
1 Rubber Grommets Ace Hardware 24.98 24.98
1 Felt Tip Markers CVS 7.37 7.37
1 Hacksaw Blades Ace Hardware 6.49 6.49
1 Salvaged Bike Parts Arcata Scrap & Salvage 10.85 10.85
Total Cost $241.60

Testing Results[edit | edit source]

The Redwood Discovery Museum now has an Inspirograph to add to their collection of exhibits. Not all children know how to express their artistic ability using a standard writing tool and paper. Yet, the Inspirograph allows children to make beautiful geometric designs with simple instruction.

Maintenance[edit | edit source]

The Inspirograph was designed and constructed to be durable. The life of the system is estimated to be 20 years. It was determined that the Inspirograph will undergo approximately 10 uses per business day. Given that markers and paper will be the primary components for upkeep, the estimated operation and maintenance cost will be roughly $200.00 per year. Figure 5-2 provides a breakdown of the operation and maintenance costs.

Material Annual Cost ($)
Marker $28.08
Paper $156.60
General Hardware $10.00

Troubleshooting[edit | edit source]

Problem Suggestion
Paper orientation is wrong Lift the top surface then use both hands to pull the paper across the bottom surface. Gently drop top surface back down onto paper to secure.
Inner cog is not connecting with outer cog Gently press the cog against the outer cog to ensure the teeth of the inner cog are locking into the chain on the outer cog.

For complex issues, please contact Ken Pinkerton.

Discussion and next steps[edit | edit source]

The results of building the design concluded that the Inspirograph will serve as a fun and inspirational exhibit for children to expand their creative learning. The system is safe, sturdy and able to withstand the ravages of time. It has been deemed simple to use and likely to expand a child's cognitive learning by offering the ability to make artistic geometric patterns with ease.

Project Documents for Download[edit | edit source]

Authors[edit | edit source]

Team BlackBox

Left to right: Keann Kline, Ish-Kaysh Tripp, Aren Page, and Alex Cody-Prentice

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