Abstract
Creative reuse is the process of taking materials out of the waste stream and reusing them for other purposes rather than simply disposing of them. The objective of Team C.R.A.M (Creative Reuse Art Machine) in the ENGR215 Introduction to Design class at Humboldt State University is to work with the local non-profit, SCRAP Humboldt, to create a machine that is an example of how to reuse waste products that is both entertaining and safe for adults and children. The machine will then be used by SCRAP Humboldt at events and shows to demonstrate and inspire creative reuse in the general public.
Background
Engr 215 Introduction to Design, a class offered by Humboldt State University, is an Engineering Design class. Every semester, the class designs specific products for a client to educate students and give them experience in working in group projects with clients. Spring semester, 2013, the design class worked with SCRAP Humboldt. Scrap Humboldt is a non-profit organization the aims to inspire creativity and sustainable behaviors for all ages, through creative reuse of materials from the waste stream.
Problem statement and criteria
| Project Criteria | Description | Importance (1 to 10) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safe for both adults and children | 10 |
| Engaging | Visually stimulating | 9 |
| Repairability | Easy to repair | 8 |
| Durability | Ability to withstand daily use by both adults and children | 7 |
| Unique Design | Ability to create more than 2 different unique designs | 7 |
| Ease of Use | Easy to use | 6 |
| Portability | Ability to fit in a 1998 Volkswagen Beetle and can be carried by 1 or 2 people | 5 |
| Cost | Cost less than $300 | 4 |
Description of final project
Normal operation of the harmonograph is quite simple. Once the weights are adjusted to your liking, and the pen and paper are secured to their respective pendulums, all you have to do is lift up the pendulums and set them into motion. In order for proper operation the pendulum weights must not be lifted too high, if they are lifted too high the pen may miss the paper and cause the machine to malfunction. To get different drawings from the machine there are a couple different parameters that you can change. First is the position of the weight. Moving the weight up and down into different holes will alter the frequency of the two pendulums and therefore the harmonic ratio between the two. Next, the period can be altered by starting the pendulums at different positions in their swing. The final way to alter the drawing is to alter the amplitude of the pendulums. This can be achieved by lifting one pendulum lower or higher than the other. Figure 5-3 details which parameters can be changed in order to obtain different drawings. Experimentation is essential to unlocking different drawings!
Costs
| Material | Use | Quantity | Retail Cost ($) | Retail Cost Total ($) | Project Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48" x 1/4" x 1 1/2" Wood | Pendulum Arms | 4 | 2.50 | 10.00 | 0.00 |
| Table | Force of Gravity Neutralizer | 1 | 25.00 | 25.00 | 0.00 |
| Brackets | Gimbal Brackets | 4 | 0.75 | 3.00 | 0.00 |
| 4" x 1/2" x 2 1/2" Wood | Gimbal Blocks | 4 | 0.50 | 2.00 | 0.00 |
| Bricks | Pendulum Weight | 4 | 0.50 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| 3 1/2" Bolts | Secures Writing Instruments | 2 | 0.59 | 1.77 | 1.77 |
| 6" Bolts | Secure Weights | 6 | 0.79 | 4.74 | 4.74 |
| Wing Nuts | Secure Weights | 6 | 0.30 | 1.80 | 1.80 |
| Bolt Nuts | Secure Weights | 10 | 0.10 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| 1 1/2" Bolts | Fulcrum Pen Arm | 2 | 0.94 | 1.88 | 1.88 |
| 3 1/2" Bolts | Gimbal | 4 | 0.86 | 3.44 | 3.44 |
| Wood Screws | Reinforcement | 16 | 0.03 | 0.48 | 0.48 |
| Plywood Board | Writing Surface | 2 | 7.50 | 15.00 | 0.00 |
| Binder | Writing Surface | 1 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 0.00 |
| Total Cost | $79.11 | $17.11 | |||
Maintenance cost
In order to ensure proper use of the machine, minor maintenance will need to be up kept. First, the pen must be replaced when the ink runs out. Next, every time the machine is set up, use lubricant on the joints where the pen arm connects to the pendulum.
The machine is comprised mainly of wood products and must be stored in a dry area to mitigate mold and warping within the parts. Finally, the surface underneath the paper may become rough from use, so it may need replacement if this occurs, though this is unlikely.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Cost/Year ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Replace Pen | When Ink Dries | 0.00 |
| Replace Paper | After Every Drawing | 0.00 |
| Lubricant | Before Each Use | 5.00 |
| Total Cost | $5.00 | |
Testing Results
How to build
The first step in using the harmonograph is to assemble the machine. Start by unfolding the card table and put it on a flat stable surface. (A level surface is essential for the pendulums to work effectively!) The next step is to take the pendulum arms and place them on the gimbal stands that are attached to the table.
Extremely Important: The pendulum with the pen arm must be positioned in the hole which allows it to move in a front and back motion and the pendulum with the writing platform must be positioned in the hole which allows it to move side to side.
The gimbals are the big lag screws that are coming out of the block of wood that is perpendicular to the length of wood that is the pendulum arm. Once the gimbals of the pendulum are on the gimbal stands, the weights must be attached to the bottom of the pendulum. You do this by putting the bolt in through both of the weights and through a hole on the bottom of the pendulum. Where you put the weight will vary depending on what kind of harmonic ratio you want to take advantage of. Place a piece of paper on the flat stand. The final step is to put the pen in the pen arm and then adjust the marble weight using the wing nut and bolt until the pen presses against the paper, yet glides smoothly when moving on a horizontal axis. Careful adjustments of the paper, pendulum, and weights may be required to have the harmonograph work optimally.
How to use
Discussion and next steps
References
See Help:Footnotes for more. Template:Reflist
Authors
- Mark Attarian
- Aaron Hu
- Alejandro Infanzon-Marin
- Alejandro Saldivar