DESIGN NAME: Perpetual
PRIMARY FUNCTION: 3D Printed Accessory
INSPIRATION: Curious on how cubes would rotate within cubic layers as proportion of edge lengths change between layers lead us to extensive research on interlocking structures. Hundreds iterations of tests was experimented to reach maximum proportion that allows perfectly free rotation from any orientation by the interlocking structure itself in cubic shape. Also fascinated to experiment CAD and 3D printing to bring design and manufacture an integrated process.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Perpetual is a 3D printed kinetic pendant with material available in resin, brass,silver and other metals. A new 3D printing method that enables interlocking structure was applied to allow the three layers of cubes spin in which the axis of rotation is free to assume any orientation by itself. The maximum edge length of each cubic lattice to adjacent layers while allowing free rotating motion breaks the notion of containment-the inner layers break though the cubic volume of its sequel container.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Perpetual is a kinetic wearing accessory. The interlocking cubic structure will rotate in different axis smoothly as the wearer is in motion; there are infinite rotating combinations of the layers from different angles of each layer by this pendant. Blowing the Perpetual will playfully accelerate the spinning speed.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started on 1.10.2017 in Boston and finished on 2.20 2017. It is a product designed and manufactured for the Universal Studios.
|
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The design process integrated digital modeling and 3D printing with constant awareness of parameters and constrains, and emphasized on creating a smooth-looking and free-rotating cube. Subdivision software is used to deform the edges with minimal surface. Materials are available in resin, brass, silver and other metal alloys. For realization, we work closely with our vendor to deploy the interlocking method for metal 3D printing our multi-layer cubic shape pendant.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Dimension: 17mm x 17mm x 17mm
Material: Resin, Brass, Silver, available in other metal
Thickness: 0.6mm
TAGS: Perpetual, Pendant, 3D Printing, Parametric, 3D Model, Interlocking Structure, Digital Fabrication, LuxMea, Fast & Furious, Revolutionary
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Researched digital modeling focusing on interlocking structure and 3D printing technologies including DMLS, SLA, and DLP etc. Research has been done online, by phone interviews & onsite visits to technology facilities; experimented intensively to reach technical stability. Experimented cross-platform digital modeling method, which brought new potentials in design. 3D printed cubic interlocking structure in different materials with free rotation motion from any orientation.
CHALLENGE: The hardest part of Perpetual was to come up with the design concept of breaking the notion of containment between layers - the internal layer breaks though the cubic volume of its sequel container, and to 3D print the interlocking structure smoothly rotating from all angles and all layers.
ADDED DATE: 2017-02-26 21:33:18
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Qian Yang and Steven Avis
IMAGE CREDITS: Image # 1,2,3,4: Steven Avis
Image # 5: Qian Yang
Video: Steven Avis
|