Final Sound Garden Design

Abstract

The purpose of the Sound Garden is to demonstrate to the user the physical relationships between wavelength and sound in a safe, interactive, and understandable way. The Sound Garden satisfies the weighted criteria specified by the client for building a PVC xylophone-like musical exhibit. Designed by The Engineers That Could, The Sound Garden is a musical addition to the Redwood Discovery Museum's collection of wave-related exhibits. The design is a fun, appealing way for museum-goers of all ages learn about the physics of the sound. The Engineers designed the project for their Engineering 215 - Introduction to Design class at Humboldt State University.

Background

Ken Pinkerton from the Redwood Discovery Museum in Eureka, CA asked for an exhibit that will educate kids about the physical nature of sound.

Problem statement and criteria

The Redwood Discovery Museum needed a new musical exhibit to demonstrate the relationships between physics and sound. The objective of the Sound Garden project was to sustainably create and implement a new exhibit that was safe, educational, and appealed to all ages.

Description of final project

The Sound Garden is an instrument that displays the relationships between physics and sound. The exhibit uses varying pipe length in order to achieve desired notes. Re-purposed rubber spatulas are used as playing mallets. The display can be split in half for easy transport, and can be secured together with brass latches.

Costs

Quantity Material Source Cost ($) Total ($)
1 Schedule 40 1-1/4" PVC Pipe Pierson Hardware 5.99 5.99
49 Schedule 40 1-1/4" PVC - 45 degree Pierson Hardware 1.29 63.21
13 Schedule 40 1-1/4" PVC - 90 degree Pierson Hardware 1.29 16.77
13 Schedule 40 1-1/4" PVC connectors - Straight Pierson Hardware 0.69 8.97
2 10-24 x1-1/4" Truss screws (100 ct.) Pierson Hardware 7.99 15.98
2 10-24 x1-1/4" Nuts (100 ct.) Pierson Hardware 2.00 5.79
1 Washers (100 ct.) Pierson Hardware 2.99 2.99
4 L-Brackets Pierson Hardware 0.89 3.56
4 Draw Catches Pierson Hardware 3.49 13.96
4 Hitch Pins Pierson Hardware 0.40 1.60
1 Primer Pierson Hardware 10.34 10.34
8 Paint Pierson Hardware 4.49 35.92
1 Primer Pierson Hardware 10.34 10.34
8 Paint Pierson Hardware 4.49 35.92
Total Cost $231.52

Testing Results

The Sound Garden is currently on display at the Redwood Discovery Museum. The staff is excited to officially open the exhibit on Tuesday December 5th, 2017.

Troubleshooting

Problem Suggestion
Pipes are not going into elbow assembly Loosen bracket
Notes are not playing clearly Inspect connection between elbow assembly and vertical pipes

Discussion and next steps

The Team hopes that kids visiting the museum will learn about the correlation of music and physics through the Sound Garden. The Sound Garden teaches this through interactive use of the different color coded pipes that vary in length as well as an educational music book that goes along with the musical instrument.

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