The project takes the form of a geodesic dome. There are 52 LEDs dispersed across the shell that flicker randomly until the nearby area surrounding the shell is encroached on. Within a proximity of roughly 8 inches, the LEDs switch to a stable state and begin to grow brighter as the surrounding area continues to be breached. Also within this close proximity, a second shield shell made of plexiglass panels begin to contract.
The project came together as we moved along. Materials were constantly being reconsidered and readjusted. The first step in realizing this piece was to determine the size and shape. We were then able to unfold the geodesic dome into individual faces so that they could be laser cut. Spaces were specified for the LEDs and sensors in the cut files
We then constructed the inner dome, which was made of MDF board, and would act as both a support system for the outer panels and a way to encase the electronics
We soldered the LEDs and begin inserting them into the alloted spaces on the dome. We made a LED schematic to keep track of all the lights and there corresponding hexagonal faces so that they could be isolated and controlled by individual sensors.
We attached the plexiglass pieces to the inner dome with strips of aluminum that were folded over to provide a spring quality when the faces contracted.
It was then time to do a mock up of the circuit with the TLC chips, IR sensors, and servo motors. The control was divided among 2 Arduinos.
A base was built to hold the 5 servo motors which were then attached to string that was tied to the individual plexiglass pieces. Each face (6 individual pieces / six pieces of string) was attached to one servo. All the wires were placed inside the dome and the servo base was attached to the bottom.
No comments:
Post a Comment