Design

Three Main Subsystems:I. Centerpiece (Linear Actuation)

The dynamic centerpiece was installed on the top of the

sculpture. Four-bar linkages were connected to a linear

actuator. The linkage was designed to create an interesting,

symmetric path. The linear actuator utilizes an internal power

screw.

II. Canopy (Rotational Actuation)

The tessellated canopy provides shade in an interesting

pattern for people sitting on the bench below. The canopy was

constructed out of ⅛” steel. The pattern was cut into the metal

using a laser cutter. A geared down DC motor turns the canopy

at a low speed.

III. Frame

The frame was constructed with 1½” square steel tubing. The

canopy had polycarbonate installed between the tubing to

provide protection for the moving parts. A bench was added to

the design at the bottom of the sculpture.

Power Systems

Two Main Subsystems:I. Solar Panels

Four 100 W high efficiency solar

panels were installed symmetrically

atop the canopy. The panels were

wired in parallel to a deep cycle solar

battery. In full sunlight, the panels

charge the battery in 3 hours.

II. Hand Crank Generator

People can interact with the sculpture

through the hand crank, which was

attached to a generator. The power

generated charges the battery and

powers several LEDs. More LEDs turn

on as the person turns the crank faster.

Sustainable Kinetic Sculpture

Left Top:

Grape Solar (2014, April 9)

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-250-Watt-

Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel-4-Pack-GS-S-250-

Fab5x4/202960000?N=8p9Z5yc1v

Left Bottom:

Wind Blue Power LLC. (2014, April 7). DC-520 High Wind Permanent Magnet Alternator.

Retrieved from Wind Blue Power:

http://www.windbluepower.com/Permanent_Magnet_Alternator_Wind_Blue_High_Wind_p/dc-

520.html

Overview

The objective of this project was to show the public that

sustainability and engineering share many core values.

We strove to accomplish this by highlighting different forms

of actuation, like linear and rotational, and powering them

through renewable resources such as solar and kinetic

energy.

The design we created was inspired by the simple elegance of

a tree, though mechanized and modernized to best convey the

blending of machine and nature.

Why a Sculpture?

A kinetic sculpture is arguably the most artistic medium that

still shares roots with mechanical engineering. By pursing an

artistic project we were given the freedom to design as

creatively as possible.

Most importantly, we believe that art allows us to connect with

people at a deeper level, which allowed us to promote

sustainable energy in a more meaningful way.

AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to Mark Howell for consistently going above and beyond to help our team.

Team

Members:

Sonoma Harris, Christian Soto, Rajath Thekkedath,

Christopher Aronitz, Zac Bensing, and Nikola Pehar

Advisors: Drs. Ken Monson and Shadrach Roundy

Hand Crank

Generator

Frame

Centerpiece

CanopySolar

Panels

Height: 11.75 ft

Weight: 300 lbs

Battery: 100 Ah

Solar: 4 x 100 W

Generator: 12 VDC