Final Design

Pictures of Skin Progress

Peg Electromagnets

Electromagnetic Hexagon

The mesh idea was a failure because we could not get the mesh to become magnetized so instead of creating a grid with a mesh, we created a grid with individual electromagnets that will be able to be turned on and off in order to change shape and opacity through the attraction of metal shavings.

Idea.

This idea is using 3 different "planes" (mesh) that could each be turned into electromagnets which could be turned on and off to attract "particles" (metal shavings) which would create a moving surface.

Electromagnetic Model

This model is a different take on the first "self building" model which was fed each unit in order to grow. The same idea is used in this second model, using paperclips as the building units which allow it to keep growing.





Video coming soon.

Electromagnet Trials

The first using a single a 1.5V "C" battery to a metal ring:



This electromagnet did not work completely, because even though the metal ring became magnetized, the metal ring became so magnetized, that after disconnecting the current, the paperclips were attracted to the metal ring:




Trial two:

In order to make the electromagnet successful, an iron rod was used, instead of the ring, which is harder to magnetize.



Trial two was successful, here the current is connected and the paperclips are attracted to the rod:



because the rod was harder to magnetize, the paperclips came off when it was turned off.



This video shows the electromagnet picking up paperclips when it's on and not attracting anything when it is disconnected from the battery.

ElectroMagnetic Research

Romp Video: Basis for next phase of exploration.
http://youtu.be/Cy7Do9N486E

Perpetual Motion:
http://youtu.be/Y5gCH1Db9wA

AntiGravity:
http://youtu.be/0plX9rgT7cQ

Researching

I've been looking at different methods which people use to levitate magnets (including electromagnets).



After looking through all these videos, the idea of getting the magnets to move by simply "repelling" each other does not seem possible because they would attract and fail to move anywhere. We need to somehow control the charges in order to achieve the movement first and then the attraction.

Here is another view video using Arduino:

Magnetic Power

The idea behind using magnets to model a self making skin is to be able to easily manipulate them because of their opposite poles. In magnets, like in life, opposites attract and therefore "sameness" repels.



The success of our model will lie in being able to perfectly arrange magnets in a particular order that will cause repulsion in some instances and attraction in others.



Ideally if we can make the magnet "repel" (levitate) over a series of magnets, we can potentially have the moving magnet be displaced so much that by the time it reaches the end of its repulsion, it joins the bottom magnets in becoming a catalyst for further expansion.



In looking at simple videos like the one that follows, we come to understand that our idea is a bit flawed.



In examining the idea with this new visual we come to realize that though we may get one magnet (skin cell) to repel from the one below it, how will it be displaced without another force in the perpendicular direction. Electro-Magnets might be the solution.

Model #2 : "Self Building Skin"

The "Self Building Skin" concept strays away from our proceeding ideas, but is nevertheless the direction we are sticking with. The idea arose from the idea of skin cells and how they replace themselves involuntarily. Below are pictures/videos of the model we built to manifest the idea. A much simpler version of what we had in mind, but still the basic principle of a self-constructing skin (facade).
The idea is to use magnets and manipulate them in a strategic way, in order for them to attach to eachother and form a self supporting system and facade. The goal is to eliminate much of the background structure that is seen in the present model and present a real "self building skin" with minimal structure use.

Module #1: Biomimetic Process: Exoskeleton

System: Isopod’s “Hinged” Exoskeleton

This model is based off of the segmented exoskeletons of Isopods. I modeled the system of the hinging and connections of each segment. These “connections” in the exoskeleton allow for flexible movement for most Isopods; some of which are able to roll completely into a protective ball.

System: Isopod’s “Hinged” Exoskeleton

This model is based off of the segmented exoskeletons of Isopods. I modeled the system of the hinging and connections of each segment. These “connections” in the exoskeleton allow for flexible movement for most Isopods; some of which are able to roll completely into a protective ball.

Module #1: Exoskeleton

Module #1: Jacobs Ladder

The concept of the worm and its segments manifested into the idea of a Jacobs Ladder. This childhood toy is segmented and each block (segment) moves individually yet dependent of the one before it.

Module #1: "Segments"

The exploration of biomimicry has led me to the inspired characteristics of segments. Much like the segments of a worm, the project I am working on will try to replicate (mimic) the segmented characteristics of a worm. Rather than re-inventing the wheel, I am taking taking my cue from a preexisting toy (Jacob's Ladder) and working from this great starting point to potentially create something simple in appearance and function. Using movement and repetition as the key components of a successful project, many possibilities are viable given the simplicity of the topic.