[Interaction 1] Prototype: Flower-Blooming Mechanism [Technical Plan]

Research 

I have done some research to understand more about how motor works and the difference between the stepper motor and servo motor. This is to allow me to have a better choice selection of preferred motor for the project. Below are some findings that need to be acknowledged:-






Conclusion

In conclusion, I have decided to use stepper motor for the flower blooming mechanism. This is because the flower-blooming mechanism requires low speed with high torque in order to support the flowers when it's blooming. Besides, I can experiment and modify the steps of the stepper motor and work on it to mimic the natural blooming of flowers. Based on the reference of the flower-blooming mechanism made in China, they also use a stepper motor rather than servo motors.

3D Modeling

Reference



Source: mohkaseb (2014) umbrella mechanism. GrabCADCommunity. Sep 19. Available at: LINK

Initial Tryout


At first, I try to build out the structure in 3D form based on my prototype which is made of paper. From my understanding, it needs one handle to support another for it to move. There must be a mini base as a holder for the second support. But the main challenge was to figure out the structure of the middle part, whether to 3D print support or to use hardware such as lead screws and etc for the movement.


I try to mimic the umbrella mechanism. I spend the whole day investigating the measurement in Blender and 3D print as I have no idea about the diameters for the screws, etc. My initial plan is to use servo motor, however, I have changed the whole plan to building this mechanism in a more handy way after the research. My struggle with this process is that I still do not know ways to make the linkage with the motor, especially the middle part of the mechanism.

3D print on the parts


I have try to 3D print the parts of the mechanism to understand the measurement, types of screws needed, and types of screws available. However, none of it is working but at least is in the middle of explorations.

Reference


Source: Suter, J. (2017) 3D Print This Blooming Flower Night Light. Makezine. Sep 5. Available at: LINK
Source: FabAcademy Projects (n.d.) Final Project: The Mechanical Blooming Flower. Available at: LINK


I changed my plan and try to mimic the 3D printed ones using stepper motor. At the same time, I also seek help from experts to understand the logic and concept behind the mechanism. I have asked them about the hardware needed and things to consider when building such structure. The main challenge when building the structure is to get a precise measurement as I'm confused with units in Blender like m, cm and m. Based on the experts, it is better to use Fusion360 to build 3D printing stuff as it is more precise for the measurement. I try to build on a small scale first as I'm not sure whether the mechanism is working or not.

Tryout Plan

I have sought help from experts when building the mechanism. Below are the 3D modeling for the mechanism when converted to Fusion360 for a more precise measurement:- 






Logic and Structure


Basically, the red joint will be pushed up by the lead screw motion. Then, the white curve output holder will rotate anticlockwise.

Final Render




Materials Needed

These are the materials and hardware needed to fit the modeling above.



3D Printed Parts


Bibliography

Helen (2019) DC Motor vs Stepper Motor vs Servo Motor – Which Motor Should you Choose for Your Project? SeeedStudio. Available at: LINK

Nagda,V. (n.d.) Compare Servo Motor and Stepper Motor. Ins Tools. Available at: LINK

ElectronicsTips. (2021) How to Control Stepper Motors for More Accurate Robotic Movements. Polycase. Available at: LINK

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