Aryan Naveen

Aryan Naveen

Undegraduate student at Harvard University studying Computer Science and Applied Mathematics.

Week 3: Kinetic Sculpture

Assignment Overview

This week’s task was to create a kinetic sculpture that incorporates circuitry, including a motor and a power source, to enable movement. The sculpture was to be documented with a video or gif.

Kinetic Sculpture Design

  • Concept: For my kinetic sculpture, I designed a 4-bar linkage, inspired by the linkages involved in my final project. The design aimed to explore the mechanical movement and dynamics of linkages.

  • Challenges: During the assembly, I encountered complexities such as the weight of the screws and the overall balance of the sculpture, which were not fully accounted for in the initial design.

  • CAD Design: Below is the CAD image of the 4-bar linkage:

    4-Bar Linkage CAD

Documentation

  • Video/GIF: I recorded the movement of the sculpture and below is a gif capturing the kinetic movement:

    Kinetic Sculpture Movement

Reflection and Future Improvements

  • Stability and Balance: In future iterations, I would emphasize the stability and balance of the sculpture. This includes considering the distribution of weight and ensuring that the linkage operates smoothly without tipping or wobbling.

  • Rigidity: Enhancing the rigidity of the structure would prevent unwanted flexing and ensure consistent movement. This could involve using more robust materials or reinforcing critical joints.

  • Design Iterations: Iterative testing and refinement would be crucial to achieving a well-balanced and functional kinetic sculpture.