Mini Sculptures

Requirements

The goal of our mini sculpture project was to design an interactive, sensor-driven system using LEGO NXT components and RobotC programming. Each sculpture was required to include:

One optical sensor
One actuator
One human interface

Beyond meeting technical requirements, the project helped us explore key concepts in ball motion, energy transfer, and impact, while also developing essential skills in creativity, analysis, collaboration, communication, and project management.

1. Designing

I. Brainstorming

The first step of the design phase involved brainstorming and listing multiple sculpture concepts that met the project requirements. We focused on simple, achievable ideas that incorporated sensor input, motor response, and user interaction. Some ideas included wheels on the track, trampolines, and pulleys. After drafting the ideas, the group moved on to use the risk analysis and pugh chart to decide which design would best suit the project.

II. Pugh Chart

This is the Pugh chart we used to evaluate and compare our initial design concepts. Each idea was rated on a 10-point scale based on key criteria such as feasibility, creativity, and alignment with project requirements. The highest-scoring designs were the spiral track, pulley system, and marble sorting mechanism, which became the focus of our development process.

III. Risk Analysis

This is the risk analysis chart we developed to identify potential challenges associated with each design concept. We considered factors such as mechanical complexity, sensor reliability, and ease of programming. By outlining these risks early on, we were able to select a design that minimized potential issues and allowed for a smoother building and testing process.

IV. Sketch

After assessing the risk analysis and Pugh chart, we ultimately decided to incorporate the track barrier and marble sort.

First Sketch

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Updated Sketch (w/ Victor's recommendations)

V. Flow Chart

2. Analysis

I. WM2D

MiniSculptureFinal0.avi

Light colored marble simulation

MiniSculptureFinal1.avi

Dark colored marble simulation

II. Math Calculations

Measurements:

Initial height: 0.67 m
Drop height (y): 0.4 m
Height difference (h): 0.27 m
Length of track (L): 0.55 m

Calculations:

Final velocity: 1.95 m/s
Time down ramp:

3. Prototyping

I. Version 1

For the first design, we built a track where the marble would roll down a ramp and be sorted into two baskets based on color. Though we had not yet created a door to stop and sort the marbles, in the video you can see an example of how it would have looked. Upon observation we had the idea to lead all the marbles into the same basket which would move left or right depending on the color of the marble to incorporate another motor aspect into our sculpture.

IMG_0109.MOV

II. Version 2

This version was made with only one basket to catch the marble. We were also able to mount the light sensor, wall, and motor, which was a challenge. In this version, we were able to roll a marble down the track, stop it using the wall we had created, sense the color using the light sensor, drop the marble by moving the wall, and lastly move the basket left or right based on the color.

bc405ec93968415fb1580790954af693.MOV

4. Final Product

I. Structure

IMG_3646.MOV

Detailed look at the parts

Track

Light Sensor

Basket

Sort

II. Code

5. Final Thoughts

I. Challenges Overcome

We faced a long standing issue with our brick continuing to reset itself after the first step of the program. This was ultaimetly fixed but caused many headaches.

We also struggled with mounting the light sensor and motor onto the same place as they would often not be positioned correctly. This was especially hard as the light sensor needed to be relatively close to the track.

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