Grounding

Lately i have been having some difficulty with the train, in particular the gears getting stuck, the current not getting to the motor, the wheels slipping and the motor torque. Fabricating the trains has been tricky, because of the necessity for accuracy, a lot more than the typical architectural world. But anyways here are my solutions:

Motor will have to remain the same, but a second motor will be added to the chassis on a few trains, to see if it works, and it add a variety to the bunch. I thought i could remedy the slipping wheels, with pieces of plastic intended to wrap the wheels, but the size is wrong. Unfortunately can't find the right size anymore. But if i use either wrapped electricians tape, or epoxy on a thin rubber band, that should provide adequate traction. In regards to the power to the motor, connecting to the rail is the issue. I need to redo the grounding strip and added another strip that connects to the side rail. With the use of copper wrapped in a spool, a spring like surface is created, allowing some inconsistency with the track.

I have tried this with one train, and it seems to be working. With the Arduino hooked up, it works well. Another thing i noticed was the motor is getting really hot. The voltage is to high, so i might just reduce the voltage through resistors

Pneumatics Studio Application

Evan and i discovered the use of syringes as a device that mimics hydraulic, pneumatic application within our studio project. The assembly is quite simple, 1/4 inch tube just fits onto the end of a oral syringe nozzle. The manipulation of the device will be addressed through exploration in valves, electro mechanical or manual. The use of different syringes also explores the use of minimal push distance on one end to result in maximum extension on the other end: playing with the multiplication of force through the different syringe diameters.


Here are some other examples of pneumatic application:

Pneumatics technology

Abstract:

The following technical study looks into the use of pneumatic devices: exploring a method of physical movement within our architectural studio application. Fluids are a malleable substance that can be controlled: used to direct movement and force. Our interest lies in the direction and redirection of fluids, in this instance air: using compressed air to actuate a device. Research includes multiplication factors and pneumatic principles: to serve as a guide in the extension and contraction of a piston in a linear direction. Further exploration, and research includes the manipulation of this pressurized system, specifically the control and switching of the airflow and speed. Our research also includes a demonstration model, where further exploration into switching, through mechanical, pinch, and electrical valves can be pursued later.


Our intent is to develop a proof of concept in the form of a lever mechanism that will be actuated by a pneumatic cylinder. One such device will be a folding stair: exploring the use of ‘architectural switches’ through the activation of electrical / pneumatic means. Redirection of a fluid becomes the uncanny entity within the architectural studio exploration. The second device, a pneumatically actuated drawbridge, similarly explores the notion of an architectural switch in that a door opening or closing causes the bridge to unfold in front of the user allowing them to enter into a building.

Mechanical switches

Switching has changed a bit, here is the latest schematic. Tilt switches are being used at the top of the posts. Also the posts have been simplified. I didn't want the focus to be this articulated posts, but more about the articulation of the space above and below.

hydraulic/ pneumatics research

Device to spray water
Bent Siphon


Here is some preliminary research for the hydraulics/ pneumatics applications. Evan and i came across the treatise on pneumatics bu Hero of Alexandria and some of the following devices that explore the principles behind it. The vacuum becomes the main principle in the manipulation of the fluid.

Symbols of Automata Behavior

Hobo Signs incorporated into behavior of the train Automata

This is the Place

Here is a sketch of a beginning to the space below. The hobo symbol is used as a guide for spatial structuring, with train activated movement through the 'walls' . The intent is to repeat the rib like structure to create a cavity, and vary its height , perhaps extending it above the train plane to create a continuous space above and below? I have also started to create connection fitting to the bottom of the platform structure to allow extension below. I hope to have some extension done by the end of day, to allow for a base to build off from. Next laser cut job will be stairs and some other kind of transportation space method/ corridor or whatever.