
Ideation and Simulation

Ideation: the formation of ideas or concepts
For this class the project was split into two parts:
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Automaton
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Walker
After using various ideation techniques such as mind map, SWOT(Strength,Weakness,Risk and Threat) analysis, post it note analysis etc. we decided to make an automaton which was a cyclist on a cycle with the legs peddling Post initial feedback from Prof. Liebenberg we decided to incorporate another 4 bar linkage in the automaton and included a hand waving motion for the cyclist

SAM Simulation of an ideal four bar linkage for automaton
I was introduced to SAM simulation software by Prof. Liebenberg and I was responsible for for finding the combination of link lengths for a four bar linkage for the ideal coupler movement.
In this picture to the left, I simulated the arm movement and node 4(end of extended arm) follows the path in pink.
Similarly the picture to the left is the SAM simulation done by me for the walking mechanism. Most of the teams proceeded with a Klann or Theo Jansen mechanism, but while I was iterating designs on the SAM mechanism I accidentally pondered on this design. After convincing my team we proceeded to CAD the walker with this walker mechanism as seen on the left.
