Mechanical Toy Project

Objectives

The objectives of this project are to obtain an appreciation and interest in mechanical design and engineering, learn through examples many of the common mechanisms in modern and historical technology, develop the skills of problem solving, collaboration, project self management, and design tools like CAD and rapid prototyping, and to complete a design project based on the general design criteria shown below.

Criteria

The criteria of this project is that it must fit within a 9” x 9” footprint and stand no taller than 18”, utilize at least 3 distinct mechanisms, have 3 independent output motions, be powered by a single input mechanism, not require manual resetting other than consistent input motion, and be enjoyable, original, reliable, impressive mechanically, and instructive.

Design Process

To begin this project, I brainstormed ideas by creating a set of 4 mind maps so that I could have a sizable number of options to work with.

I also quickly spun off a few concept sketches shown below.

In the end of the brainstorming process I ended up not using any of my mind mapped-ideas, but my partner and I decided on creating a mechanical person that does various movements illustrated below.