One of the most important demonstrations of the engineering design process included in the COSMOS Cluster 2 Curriculum is the design, fabrication, and mathematical predictions of a pendulum clock powered by an escapement wheel turned by a weight spooled to the axle. The design of the pendulum is created using Fusion 360, before the files are imported into AutoCAD and analyzed in WM2D (Working Model 2D). The base of the pendulum is created through the machining of over a dozen parts together into an equally robust and elegant base for the pendulum to attach to. Lastly, mathematical and kinematic analyzes were made in an attempt to predict and simulate components such as the center of gravity, inertial force of the pendulum, and the period of the pendulum.
Through the challenging, yet education process of completing the clock project at the ending of the first week of COSMOS Cluster 2, students are able to master critical engineering skills in a variety of disciplines. This includes a comprehensive understanding of the fabrication process, as well as the use of equipment such as the drill press, the arbor press, and the handheld drill, among others. This provides valuable experience in the workings of a true machine shop, while allowing for students to learn, explore, and fail safely. In addition to the physical machining of parts, members develop a strong command of Fusion 360, as well as AutoCAD though the design and creation of the pendulum. Through the process of working on the aforementioned programs, students are given the opportunity to design a pendulum and express individual creativity through engineering design. The final aspect of the Cluster 2 Clock Project includes the calculation and simulation of the properties of the pendulum, which are compared with the properties of the manufactured pendulum. This is done to educate members on the kinematic principles that govern the movement of pendulums, and provide a strong mathematical basis for the movement of the pendulum.
As an avid reader, I designed the pendulum of my clock to revolve around books. While reading, it is very easy for me to lose track of time as I immerse myself in the world described on the pages, so this clock represents my connection between time and books. I also chose this design as it is completely symmetrical, so I didn't need to use many bolts to balance the center of mass.
I hoped to mimic the swinging of the pendulum of my clock with an object in real life. Due to my interest in naval engineering, as well as the rocking motion that a seafaring vessel makes in the waves, I chose to create a ship for my clock project, which, despite challenges due to the complex etching design, was ultimately successful.
Pulling from my other hobbies, I wanted to make a clock focused on Miffy– a character I enjoy crocheting. Furthermore, I chose this design because I felt it would be easily centered, leading to more accurate and predictable timing from the pendulum. This project challenged me to learn different skills, such as AutoCAD and workshop tools.
Clock Page Link
For a simple and aesthetic design, also to explain what I was feeling at the moment, I designed an avocado. Mechanical building and manufacturing is something I specialize in so making a simpler design in Fusion360 and laser-cutting it after I prepared it in AutoCAD allowed me to focus on the physical assembly of the full pendulum clock.