Flight: Kinetic Sculpture
( 2015 )
Flight was my first attempt at designing and fabricating a kinetic sculpture. Each wing uses a four-bar linkage to create the flapping motion. The four-bars are each driven by a 24-tooth gear, which are in turn driven by a chain-drive system. A 12V DC gearhead motor, fixed to the base of the sculpture, drives the system. Before beginning fabrication, I modeled the structure and mechanisms using Solidworks, then used an Epilog 75W lasercutter to cut out the frame from 1/8" plywood. The mechanical components were sourced from McMaster-Carr.
Technology Stack
Solidworks, Keyshot, Epilog Laser Cutter
Wing mechanism showing dual four-bar linkages
