Project 1

In this project, you will learn

• Mechanical linkages.

• Sketching using shape borrowing.

• The use of hand tools such as try square, steel rule, coping saw, file and abrasive paper.

• Making quick mock-ups.

• The prototyping process with acrylic.

Act 1.1

Design Situation

UNICEF, a social welfare organization responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. Children in Mali suffered due to the country’s internal conflict over the years. One of their aims is to improve the lives of children in Mali through education. Research over the past 30 years has taught us the most important period of human development is from birth to eight years old. During these years, development of cognitive skills and emotional wellbeing, social competence, and sound physical and mental health builds strong foundation for success well into adult years. The Craft and Tech department in TPSS share a deep commitment to improve children’s lives through play in their learning years. The department aims to organize a toy making competition to design and make a mechanical linkage toy for children in Mali.

Design Brief

To design and make a mechanical linkage toy souvenirs for children in Mali to help them develop their cognitive skills and improve their social and emotional wellbeing.

Design Specifications

1. The mechanical toy must be made of acrylic.

2. The mechanical toy must have a design theme of cartoon.

3. The mechanical toy must generate movement using linkage with either oscillating or reciprocating motion.

Examples of Linkage Toys

• Observe the video and pictures, identify the fixed and movable pivots.

• Click here to learn more about linkages.

Design Task

Every design starts with an idea. Based on your research, and block diagram, ideate using 2D sketches to show how your mechanism should function and design theme shown. Your task should reflect the following:

• Considering relevant factors when generating and developing ideas.

• Sketching to design (2D) using shape borrowing.

• Complete 18 designs using the underlay provided.

Act 1.2: Working Drawing/ Dimension

From your designs, choose one to make a quick mock-up using cardboard/vanguard sheets and brass paper fasteners to test your design. The paper mock-up should be of scale 1:1. Get all relevant dimensions and paste your mock-up in your resource booklet.

The purpose of a mock-up is to :

• Allow you to test your design if it works and check if it looks right from different angle.

• Check if the design works up to your design specifications.

• Check if the parts can fit together correctly.

Watch these videos on how to make mock-up using foam board.

• Video 1: Marking out

• Video 2 : Cutting

• Video 3 : trim and sand

• Video 4: Assembly

Some examples of mock-ups (made from foam boards)

Some examples of mock-ups (made from vanguard sheets)

• A production schedule shows the stages of manufacture on a single chart.

• The main task are listed in order

• Number of periods are listed across the top.

• Shading is used to show exactly when each task is due to happen during production.

Act 1.3: Prototype of your mechanical toy

• After successful mock-up testing, use the acrylic to make a prototype of your mechanical toy.

Some examples