Fabrication Guo Yu Student No: 634209
Semester 1/2013
Group 9
482
250
370
Regarding to the previous two modules, I have already developed a complete version of the overall form based on the original recipe. A few alternatives in panels also have been created. I started up the fabrication process by using putting the unfolded panels into fab lab, and cut them by card-cutter. The interaction with hand was considered to be changed from holding to placing the lantern partially on to my shoulder and supported by one hand.
The 1st partial prototype has not been successful, almost half of the panels has been set into the wrong rotation and since they are all quite small and similar to each other, I only realised during assembly. As shown in the images, many of the panels doesn’t fit into its designed position. Reflections from 1st prototype: * The panels are too small and takes too much time and effort to assemble. * Always be careful with the rotations of the unfolded panels. * 250gsm ivory card was too thick which makes the edges to tilt, regarding to those complex geometries in my panels. * Regarding to peer reflections, laser cutters will create slightly burnt edges and normal white glues will make paper wrinkles the paper.
In my final model, I decided to change the panel design completely, by using a combination of much larger panels. It should make the actual paper model easier to assemble and at the same time creates stronger visual impact. I decided to use the black card instead of the white ivory card, since it is 200gsm, 50gsm lighter than the white ivory card. This should make the fold lines have lower possibilities to tilt. I also took a great care while unfolding, making sure every single rotation is correct. Most of the spacings are quite big since the
The assembly process I decided to use is making bigger groups of panels first, then connect them together afterwards. The panel groups are show in the top left image. All glues used is a type of gel superglue. It allows the glue to stay on the surface of the card rather than went through it like the conventional superglue. I was simply gluing the tabs created by Grasshopper together as shown in the top right images.
The outcomes of what suppose to be the final model was not so good. As shown in the image, the paper turns white after superglue went on the surface and while the superglue makes the card very tough and sometimes squeezes the card which affects the overall geometry. This has eventually made some parts of my lantern impossible to assemble correctly. Since I was running out of time, I have to come up with a alternative solution. I have to make a decision on my model by not using all of the panel groups but only one of them. I made some modifications on this particularly part which now becomes my final model. Since the overall lantern was based on the original recipe, parts of it will ideally serve the same purpose.
I mentioned in module two that I really wanted to have a breathing/fading lighting effect on my lantern. As I researched online and eventually find a relatively sensible solution which is actually to built the circuit by myself. I was able to find all the components in Jaycar and while I having the experience doing electronic circuit before. It really has been straight forward for me. Because of the circuit have a resistance, this also makes a parallel LED circuit possible. However, I wasn’t expecting the score lines on the black card non-transparent, which means most of my desired lighting effects have not been achieved.