User:Jshin722/ENES-100/project 0

Week1 Narrative
I watched the three YouTube videos on different linkage machines and tried to see the differences between them by playing around with the linkage lengths (for the first two). I became interested in the Klann linkage. This is because my idea is to make a insect-like creature with a naturalistic gait and walking pattern.

To minimize material costs I experimented with aluminum foil, cardboard, wires, and straws. I found the aluminum foil to be not rigid enough and became very hard to work with even when the thickness was doubled and then tripled. Cardboard was a much better material with which to work. The only concern I have at this point is that the thickness of the cardboard may interfere with the various movements.

My Second Task
I am going to finish a prototype using cardboard as the main material. Then I will test, redesign, test, and so on. In the back of my head, I am trying to think of a cheap material that will be light and rigid like cardboard but thinner.

Week2 Narrative
I am almost finished building a prototype using cardboard, heavy guage wiring (not sure exact #), and popsicle sticks. The thing looks like some kind of weird alien mechanical insect. It is hard to tell how the "insect" will move once all components are connected and that is my biggest concern right now. As I am working on it, I am having to be very careful when connecting new parts as not to damage or loosen the existing parts, especially the cardboard pieces with little holes for wiring.

My Second Task
I am going to complete the prototype and hopefully every component comes out fit and snug so the whole mechanism can operate smoothly. If not, material changes may need to be considered. I really do not want to make this kind of change this late into designing and building the mechanism. I will see what happens.