Progress

Iterations

We worked together at first, and then seperated the work into four pieces.

Whole Iteration #1

The first low-fidelity iteration tested the basic size we would be making the base and blocks.

Connection Iteration #1

The first low-fidelity iteration of snap fit refined the fit test by experimenting with ways the blocks could be fit into the base securely.

Connection Iteration #2

The second low-fidelity iteration tested a method for using the flexibility of the materials to create a snap-fit on a low-fidelity model of a block with a small receiving hole. A keying system to ensure the block was only put into set locations was also tested at this stage.

Fit Test

Use basic cubes to test offset of 3D print and the parameter’s snap fit.

Connection Iteration #3

This first high-fidelity iteration tested the full capabilities of the design and was found to have a flaw in that the blocks could be placed the wrong way around, shorting the system. This was fixed for the next version.

Connection Iteration #3

The final iteration of the receiver added directional keying (one side larger than the other) to the receiver to only accept blocks facing the correct way. It also raised the surface up in relation to the base it would attach to to prevent interference from block bolts and chamfered the fitting edges to make the fit more smooth.

Plate Iteration

There are six iterations of plates.

#1-> #2 Reduce the size, change the design of the fix.

#2-> #3 Add holes for wires.

#3-> #4 Add the location for a board.

Base iteration #1

Test on a small piece of acrylic to see whether bending is viable.

Base Iteration #2

Print a 3D model, try to melt a big range of acrylic and bend it to fit the surface. However, the curve of two sides can’t be the same.

Base Iteration #3

Use another technique to make sure the bending part straight and accurate. And add captive T-slot to make the base more stable.

Light Guide Iteration

The first iteration was GIX logo, but the light couldn’t change direction through the curve. The third iteration went with crown shape, and engraving the surface could defuse the light better in the last iteration.

Feathers and battery fix plates Interation #1

What is finished: size fits well into block

What needs to be improved: 1. The original design is to retain holes for screws, using screws fix the circuit board, but there is not enough space for nuts, the screws are loose, 2. the size of the slot for setting the battery is appropriate, but when shaking block, the battery is easily drop

Feathers and battery fix plates Interation #2

1. In order to prevent the battery from falling when shaking the blocks or inserting the blocks too hard, we let the top of the retaining clip slightly protrude a bit to better fix it.

2.use interference fit to hold the feathers. Each plate includes 5 parts, which are the main plate and 4 peds. These four feet are interference fit pillars that will be inserted into the main plate in the opposite direction for holding the Feather.

Feathers and battery fix plates Interation #3

To leave space to USB plugs, Without changing the plate size, translate the fixed position, and remove the holes that were originally reserved for LEDs, etc.

Block Interation #1

Test the measurement of block. And try the material mix of 3D print + acrylic.

Block Interation #2

In order to maintain the uniform visual style, turn to all-acrylic style. Test fitness on 5cm*10cm block.

Block Iteration #4

Make all three shapes and snap fit test with 3D printed base (Issac's part), friction fit with green board connectors.

Reflection

Isaac Boger

This was my first time working on a physical project with a small group and the experience was both exciting and (at times) nerve wracking. We all specialized and worked on parts on the project individually (software, electronics, receiver, base housing, and block housing) and as you watched your parts coming together you had to trust your teammates and trust that the other parts would work together with it. We collaborated, of course, for the high level design and to create a clear spec of how the subsystems would combine, but the implementation of the individual parts was largely up to the teammate. When it was finally time to combine the parts, it was amazing to see these independently useless systems combine to make a clean and finished product that was far more refined and complex then any one person could have created on their own. It was exciting to see what even a small group of hardworking and passionate people could create in such a short amount of time.

Ke Wang

The collaboration with our team and the final product went incredibly well. For me, it’s a pretty amazing experience to complete this well polished work from a vague idea. The biggest challenge I faced was to work on my part individually but had to fit with others’ part. We communicated and changed the dimension back and forth a lot of times.(Here, I want to say any sketch or simple physical prototype helped the communication a lot!) To see all the pieces could finally make together is quite amazing.

Lu Wang

We set a relatively high standard for ourselves (requirement ask two objects to interact, but we want to do four), and it is incredibly challenging for us to complete this project in two weeks. Although there are some twists and turns, the final result is still satisfactory to us.

Vivian Wang

This project was really an eye opening experience for me, Throughout the iterative process, I feel like I've learned so much, especially about teamwork. This group was a pleasure to work with, we all knew our strengths and weaknesses and took close considerations to that when splitting up work. Making sure all parts would come together was also a huge part, it is one thing to have your part done and another to make sure it all comes together, the amount of communication and fixations we had to make inbetween although were at times nerve wrecking, however, it's nothing compared to the satisfaction when all parts come together.