Moveable Tentacle Arm Display

Technical Display & Interactive Systems Lead on TMU Concrete Canoe 

GOAL

To design and build a movable mechanical tentacle display stand capable of structurally supporting the concrete canoe during competition presentations while creating an engaging and visually impactful showcase of the team’s engineering and creativity.

CHALLENGES

• Designing a load-bearing support structure capable of safely supporting the canoe’s weight while maintaining the tentacle-inspired aesthetic

• Developing moving mechanical components that remained stable and visually smooth during operation

• Balancing artistic presentation goals with structural strength, manufacturability, and functionality

• Ensuring the display system remained durable and transportable for repeated competition setup and teardown

SOLUTIONS

• Designed the tentacle support structure in CAD to combine structural stability with the intended visual design

• Developed movable tentacle components with reinforced joints to improve motion control and load distribution

• Selected lightweight but durable materials to improve portability while maintaining structural integrity

• Assisted with fabrication, assembly, and iterative testing to validate stability and reliability

• Collaborated with team members to align presentation aesthetics with mechanical feasibility and competition requirements

TOOLS & TECHNOLOGIES

SolidWorks, CAD Modeling, Mechanical Design, Structural Support Systems, Fabrication, Mechanical Assembly, Prototyping