Handy Weigh Machine Proposal

Global Renewables Lancashire Operations Ltd.

Handy Weigh Green Machine Proposal.

Contents: Handy Weigh Concept Handy Weigh Operation Handy Weigh notes Concept Sketches

Richard Dawson, 60 Stamford Road, Mossley, Lancs, OL5 0BG 07932 050926 rdawson101@hotmail.com www.arbarus.co.uk www.propsmaker.co.uk

Handy Weigh Green Machine Concept The Global Renewables Handy Weigh Green Machine is designed around the concept of a ‘Heath Robinson’ style machine created from recycled and reclaimed components and perhaps invented by an environmentally aware but bonkers scientist.

The machine’s friendly and humorous form invites its recognition as a character in its own right, perhaps a friendly robot from An Adventure In Environmental Awarness and invites play and engagement.

This proposal presents an initial concept for the machine as a start point for discussion and collaborative development of a final design and execution.

Execution The machine will be made as far as possible from reclaimed and recycled materials and mainly constructed from timber and metal, avoiding non‐ recyclable materials such as plastic.

To cover the weight range required (3kg to 1g, a ratio of 3000:1) necessitates using an electronic weighing process. The output from the scales will be presented in an analogue mechanical means creating an exciting visual and audio effect. The electronic scales will be connected to a programmable micro‐ processor (arduino) that would interface between the electronic and mechanical components.

The machine will also incorporate a traditional balance scales into the design for reasons of aesthetics and interactivity.

To further engage the pupils the machine will require ‘opening’ by use of a manual crank handle to fully reveal the score­board, instructions and electronic scales weighing pan.

For hygiene all materials to be weighed will be collected by waste type into bags.

Construction and materials The main body and structure will be fabricated from timber and metal reclaimed from old furniture, bikes, etc. The marks of the previous incarnations of these materials such as handles, markings and keyholes would be left visible. This will invite recognizing games and discussion about how materials can be reused.

Buttons, levers, lights on the machine will be used ‘as found’ to add to the Heath Robinson feel of the machine.

It is conceived that the text and labeling on the machine will be made from found materials rather than printed anew. Materials for this will include old computer keys, text from printed packaging (cans, boxes etc) old signage and buttons and switches that already incorporate words.

All technical components will be reclaimed from scrapped bikes, cars, sewing machines etc including motors, gearing, bearings and other parts.

New and bought materials will be minimized to electronics and components crucial to the accuracy of the weighing process.

Design The design presented is an initial concept that I would hope to develop in collaboration with Global Renewables. The exact shape, colour and form of the machine would be altered in response its location and to the materials found for use in its construction Notes The machine could be simplified or made more complex depending on the exact requirements and I am interested in working with Global Renewables to develop the concept and execution.

The electronic scale element would be constructed in collaboration with electronics engineer and fellow artist Jon Shaw.

Operation of the Handy Weigh Green Machine : The machine will start in its ‘shut’ state with the electronic scales weighing pan, score­ board and full instruction board retracted.

Part 1 – Balance Scales – recyclable vs non‐recyclable The Balance of Waste.

The first part of the operation will involve using the balance scales to compare the total weight of recyclable materials vs non‐ recyclable. The comparison of these two totals on the green/red scale reinforces the idea that the lower the weight of the non‐ recyclables the better.

The different wastes will be collected by the teacher into paper bags provided and each will be hung onto the relevant end of the balance scales.

The green/red scale will give a non‐numerical total for ‘greenness’. The spectrum scale will indicate a value from red to green; red = must recycle more, green = good recycling.

Part 2‐ Weighing the non‐recyclable waste How Much Waste?

The crank handle at the bottom of the machine must be cranked to fully deploy the score­board and instruction wings, at the same time the pan balance will extend from the front of the machine. Once cranked far enough a bell will sound indicating the machine is ready.

The start button is pressed, zeroing the electric scales, once zeroed the front hand on the machine will give the thumbs up indicating weighing can begin.

The bag containing the non‐recyclable waste is placed on the electronic scales weighing pan.

The weighing begins and the rotary number dials spin for a few seconds accompanied by a whirring sound as the machine calculates the weight. One by one, from left to right (kg to g) the dials stop spinning and the total weight is revealed.

The machine’s clap hands applaud, the bell rings, the hooter sounds and a light flashes.

Part 3‐ Calculate and compare scores How Green Are You? Part of the score­board will be a calculation zone with space to enter totals and an integrated solar powered calculator.

The name of the school, total weight and number of persons will be entered in the relevant boxes and the calculator used to work out the non‐recyclable waste per person.

This score, along with the school name will be written onto a magnetic strip and transferred into the relevant place on the score­board.

The finish button will be pressed, the hooter sounds and the weighing is complete.

Part 4‐ Resetting the machine Once the visit has finished Global Renewable staff should reset the machine by cleaning the calculation zone, winding the crank and reclosing the machine.

Handy Weigh Green Machine Sketch notes These are loose initial concepts as a start point for developing ideas and open to alteration and enhancement as requirements and materials necessitate.

Clap hands Made from old gloves and mittens mixed and matched for colour.

Rotary dials A variety of mechanical display styles are possible for example:

and more aesthetically pleasing than digital versions.

Balance scales Mechanical scales with colour spectrum dial, operate via visible mechanical system.

Instruction board & Score­board The score board is magnetic with a calculation zone, solar calculator, wipe off strips and pen intergrated.

The instruction board is constructed from found materials, an old frame etc.

The exact format, size and layout of the board would be developed in consultation with Global Renewewables and would ideally be integral to the machine and become a kinetic element.

Both boards could be divided into 2 sections; fixed elements with first step instructions and score board and moving elements with next instructions and calculation zone, calculator, strips and pen.

An alternate possibility to writing the score is to have ‘pegs’ down the side of the board that would hold old computer numerical keys to show the score.

Graphic presentation of score­board I feel the score‐board needs real development in collaboration with Global Renewables and I would work with graphic designer and community artist Jacqui Symons to advance the concept.

Graphic representation of the instructions The instructions will be enhanced by comic‐style ideograms explaining the machines operation.

Crank handle Opening handle of the machine. Drives an internal ‘car jack’ system to open the score­board, instructions, and electronic scales via a ratchet so it cannot be wound backwards. The boards and scales could only be retracted by Global Renewable staff with the correct key for reasons of safety.

Base Weighted and sturdy, allows machine to be fixed down.

Handy Weigh Green Machine

Approximate Costing As an interesting and worthwhile project all artists involved have offered their time at a reduced rate.

Item Design Manufacture

Cost £500 £1,500

Transport Fitting

TOTAL COST

£100 £150

£2,250

notes Includes graphic designer time Includes cost of electronic components and time to collect recycled materials and production of score board element To deliver to Global Renewables Includes labour and any required fixings