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The Accordion Camera Obscura was designed around three major aspects: aesthetics, the bellows, and durability. Aesthetics became a major aspect considering that this model was designed for students taking art at Zane Middle School, therefore the design had to be aesthetically pleasing towards younger students. The team realized that a vintage look would be more appropriate over a modern design considering that younger students would be more intrigued on the model if it had an older look to it. To achieve this, the wood used would be stained with a walnut stain to give the wood an antique look. Vintage cameras are also known to have bellows so the team believed it would be appropriate to incorporate bellows into the design. The bellows would serve a larger purpose than just aesthetics as well. | |||
The bellows would not only give a vintage feel to the camera obscura but it will also allow the camera to compact into a smaller size. This meant that the camera could be easily stored and the compact size also allows it to be easily carried. The bellows would also allow users to focus images by allowing them to manipulate the focal length. This would be done by extending or compacting the bellows, which have the lens attached to one side, until the image would appear clearer. The bellows also helped reduced a bit of weight from the model by using fabric bellows over more wood. The original plan was to make a smaller box that would somehow compact into a larger box but that would cost more and also increase the weight. The team wanted the design to be as light as possible without sacrificing durability. | |||
The third aspect of the design was durability. The team kept in mind that the model would be used in a classroom environment, which meant that it had to be durable. Therefore, the team decided to construct the camera out of birch plywood. Birch plywood is several sheets of birch glued together and is known for its strong and lightweight properties. Birch plywood is not the lightest or strongest wood but it does have the most favorable strength to weight ratio compared to other woods. Birch is also very safe because its known to not crack or splinter, which is why its popular amongst toy makers. This material is also very affordable. The team also decided to use ¼” thick glass for the viewing window since students would be exerting a downward force on the glass in order to trace images. This same glass is used for desks since it could withstand a large amount of weight without breaking. | |||
Revision as of 00:00, 25 April 2017
Template:ENGR215inprogress
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to create a camera obscura for the students of Zane Middle School.The Accordion Camera Obscura will serve as an educational tool to teach students about perspectives in art and also allow students, who have difficulty drawing, the ability to trace images. The Accordion Camera Obscura was designed by students of Humboldt State University's Engineering 215 class.
Background
The Spring 2017 engineering design class was commissioned by Zane Middle School to design a camera obscura that was portable and maintained a vintage aesthetic to it. The camera will not only display images onto a viewing class but also allow students, who have a hard time drawing, to trace those images.
Problem statement and criteria
The specifications that were given will be used in the design process. The camera must be a reflex box design. Within that, the display area for the project must be large enough for students to trace over the image that is projected onto the viewing area.
| Criteria | Constraint |
|---|---|
| Functionality | Middle school student is able to use |
| Mobility | Can be moved by a single middle school student |
| Durability | Can survive a fall off a desk |
| Educational | Meets common core standards |
| Safety | No sharp edges |
| Aesthetics | More interesting than a plain box |
| Cost | Less than $400 |
| Wow Factor | Far greater than that of a textbook |
| Environmental Impact | Greater than of a commercial product |
Description of final project
The Accordion Camera Obscura was designed around three major aspects: aesthetics, the bellows, and durability. Aesthetics became a major aspect considering that this model was designed for students taking art at Zane Middle School, therefore the design had to be aesthetically pleasing towards younger students. The team realized that a vintage look would be more appropriate over a modern design considering that younger students would be more intrigued on the model if it had an older look to it. To achieve this, the wood used would be stained with a walnut stain to give the wood an antique look. Vintage cameras are also known to have bellows so the team believed it would be appropriate to incorporate bellows into the design. The bellows would serve a larger purpose than just aesthetics as well.
The bellows would not only give a vintage feel to the camera obscura but it will also allow the camera to compact into a smaller size. This meant that the camera could be easily stored and the compact size also allows it to be easily carried. The bellows would also allow users to focus images by allowing them to manipulate the focal length. This would be done by extending or compacting the bellows, which have the lens attached to one side, until the image would appear clearer. The bellows also helped reduced a bit of weight from the model by using fabric bellows over more wood. The original plan was to make a smaller box that would somehow compact into a larger box but that would cost more and also increase the weight. The team wanted the design to be as light as possible without sacrificing durability.
The third aspect of the design was durability. The team kept in mind that the model would be used in a classroom environment, which meant that it had to be durable. Therefore, the team decided to construct the camera out of birch plywood. Birch plywood is several sheets of birch glued together and is known for its strong and lightweight properties. Birch plywood is not the lightest or strongest wood but it does have the most favorable strength to weight ratio compared to other woods. Birch is also very safe because its known to not crack or splinter, which is why its popular amongst toy makers. This material is also very affordable. The team also decided to use ¼” thick glass for the viewing window since students would be exerting a downward force on the glass in order to trace images. This same glass is used for desks since it could withstand a large amount of weight without breaking.
Costs
| Quantity | Material | Source | Cost ($) | Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glass Pane (9"x8.5"x0.25") | Humboldt Glass | 10.00 | 10.00 |
| 1 | Mirror (9"x11.33") | Humboldt Glass | 10.00 | 10.00 |
| 1 | Camera Lens | Amazon.com | 15.00 | 15.00 |
| 00 | Birch Wood | Donated | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 00 | Brass screws | Donated | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 1 | Fabric | Scrap Humboldt | 10.60 | 10.60 |
| 1 | Can of Wood Stain | Donated | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Total Cost | $45.60 | |||
Testing Results
How to build
Use Template:How_to
Maintenance
The accordion camera obscuara needs little maintenance, but the little care it needs will keep it creating clear images for years.
Instructions
To maintain the camera obscura it is important to clean the lens and viewing window with a clean and soft cloth. Make sure to close viewing window and to keep the camera closed while being stored and not in use.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Any issue | Contact Luke Pascasio at lap558@humboldt.edu |
Discussion and next steps
Suggestions for future changes
This is where to lay out suggestions for how to make the project function better in the future.
References
See Help:Footnotes for more. Template:Reflist