Embedded Files
Computer Aided Design
Computer Aided Design
My CAD designs for the escapement wheel and pendulum arm were created in Fusion 360 with a focus on both function and manufacturability. The shape and spacing of the escapement teeth were fixed to meet timing and gear requirements provided by the instructors. However, the pendulum arm design was open-ended, giving me freedom to experiment with its length, shape, and cutouts. My primary design motivation was to ensure the pendulum had a low center of gravity for stability, while still being lightweight and easy to laser cut. I carefully placed mass (e.g., bolt placements) toward the bottom of the arm and used symmetrical cutouts to reduce weight without shifting the center of mass too high.
Fusion 360 Design
Fusion 360 Design
Final 2D profiles were exported for laser cutting
AutoCad Design
AutoCad Design
Final DXF files were generated for seamless integration with laser cutting software
Construction
Construction
I bolted the metal bracket to the upright as the first step in assembling the pendulum support structure. Using a wide variety of tools—drills, clamps, wrenches, and measuring devices—I carefully aligned and secured all components. It was a hands-on, trial-and-error process that really brought the design to life! Once the frame was stable, I attached the pendulum arm and added a weight at the bottom to simulate gravitational pull and achieve smooth oscillation.
Laser Cutting
Laser Cutting
I designed the components in Fusion 360, modeling both the escapement wheel and the pendulum arm with precise measurements and constraints. Once finalized, I exported the sketches to AutoCAD for 2D processing, where I prepared them for fabrication by organizing cut layers and optimizing layout. The files were then saved as DXF formats and sent to the LaserCAMM machine for cutting.
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