The Tittylator: Update on Working & Look/Feel Prototypes
My current process with the Tittylator involves driving both the working prototype and look/feel prototype forward simultaneously. I am down to just a few weeks left for this project, so production mode is on!
Look/Feel Prototype Update
My initial plan was to cast silicone to create the outer shell of the Tittylator. Silicone has all of the properties I need: soft, flexible, and able to be casted in organic, curvaceous forms. But after learning about the process from a few ITP residents and consulting Pedro, I decided that casting silicone would be too risky at this stage; it would be my first time working with the material, and I would need to 3D print multiple layers of the inverse of my model to create my cast mold. Instead, I am going to 3D print the entire model with a flexible material called Angilus.
I finalized my 3D model on Rhino and contacted NYU’s LaGuardia Studio to consult about my material options and best practices for finalizing my model. The staff has been extremely helpful. After a few revisions, I have received the invoice from the studio and will be finalizing the payment (with some grant money from ITP, thank goodness) in order to get the printing process started. The lead time for this is roughly 10 days. I also chose a single Pantone color for the model to be printed in. I didn’t have time to map multiple colors onto my model, but will look into possibly adding spray or oil-based paints onto the surface once it has been printed.
Working Prototype Update
I sketched out the different components I will need for my final product:
Instead of the FSR, I was advised to try using a pressure sensor that would connect to a little blower ball.
Though I had succeeded at using a mini servo to flap my feathers back and forth, I realize that method wasn’t going to work, as the user will be squeezing the middle of object, which would break that mechanism. I looked up multiple tutorials for a magnetic actuator, and found one that provides files for 3D printed parts. I adjusted the parts in these files to match with the magnets that I have on hand, and used copper wires at ITP. I followed this tutorial for Arduino code and wiring.
On my first try at it, I saw that the magnet was moving back and forth once I ran power through the circuit, but the arm wasn’t moving like it was supposed to. I realized the fit of my parts were wrong, so I adjusted the 3D files again. After hours of tinkering, the final, functional result was so satisfying! Science is amazing~
I also tested out the pressure sensor and vibrating motors, both worked wonderfully.
My next step now is to connect my input (pressure sensor) to my two outputs (magnetic actuator and vibrating motor) simultaneously. I also need to figure out how I am going to house these items in the Tittylator. After I test the connections out on the breadboard, I will need to look into purchasing a small, wearable-type of microcontroller that I can house inside my enclosure.