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Articulating Device

An articulating device would be created to "articulate" or move from one position to another; ideally back and forth as would be necessary for customer/cashier relation for example. The device should hold weight of screen, move easily, and be practically designed.

Project skills:

Use sketching techniques to ideate and develop a 3D form
Use modeling with foam core and polystyrene
Use Adobe programs to photoshop and manipulate model image
Document process

SCD

slide control device

articulate without hassle or contact

IDEATION

PROCESS

Initial design

Using foam core, I created my first design of an articulating device.

Building my first model helped me understand the key elements needed to articulate, while considering size/measurement specifics and outward appearance.

Design Idea

Creating an articulating device gave me an opportunity to think about user interaction. In a typical scenario where a screen needs to be moved back and forth, most devices require you to physically touch and handle this movement. I decided to take on a challenge that will enable a one-sided, single operation with a sliding mechanism. In a time like Covid-19, simple mechanics can allow the user to see a screen without touching the arm or screen of the device.

mechanical

Engineering

Interior articulation

system

Ratio 2:1

A gear system put at the base allows the rotational ability of 2 joints, one being attached to the slider and the other attached to the arm/screen system.

The bigger gear is attached to the sliding handle, moving back and forth as shown. This causes the arm/screen to rotate.

Circles on opposite side act as weight (of handle) to balance mechanism so gears work properly.

The screen needs to move 180 degrees as it turns from one side to the other. When the handle is moved from corner to corner in the square box base, it travels about 90 degrees. As the bigger gear moved this distance, the smaller gear rotates twice that distance, given the ratio. This enables the handle to move the screen from front to back without any further maneuvering.

Hand SLider moves back and forth across edge's opening

The goal of this design is moving the screen from one side to another by a sliding handle without touching the arm piece. Internally, this will be made possible by a gear system.

user 1

(cashier)

user 2

(customer)

user interaction

MODELINg final concept

Skills applied

- Figure out measurements and sizes for all pieces of assembly. Note measurements to apply to illustrator

- Sketch and create all pieces needed for final model on Adobe Illustrator

- Use Laser printer to cut out forms on thin polystyrene

- Bind pieces and configure assembly using adhesive/bonding glue and joints

SCD finalized

Designed without the need for hassle and handling.

SMART,

reliable,

precise

re-think articulation

Ideal for minimal or contact-less situations.

Usability enhanced by finger-grooved handle and screen cutout. Joint movement is effortless and sturdy when needed.

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