Mechanical Metamaterial Twist Structure
February 2018 The initial design was published in an article by Frenzel, Kadic, and Wegener called, “Three-dimensional mechanical metamaterials with a twist” (2017). Unlike most materials, this structure naturally produces a torque when a downward force is applied. We will attempt to replace the joint-arms with artificial muscles in order to initiate a twisting motion… Continue reading Mechanical Metamaterial Twist Structure
Variable 1x MTB Gear Concept
11/24/17 How great would it be to have a mountain bike with a 1x cog in the front and have perfect chain line no matter what gear you’re in? Here’s a variable 1x gear concept I drew out that could allow just that:
Windshield Wiper FMEA
As part of a mechanical analysis for design course in fall 2019, we were tasked with evaluating the failure modes for a Dorman 42547 windshield wiper arm, testing these, and presenting our results in a white paper. I took responsibility for both initiating the failure mode brainstorming, as well as developing precise CAD models for… Continue reading Windshield Wiper FMEA
Thoughts on Flash(drive)
11/21/17 Below are some thoughts on a flash-drive design which is not very intuitive to operate. I have created some sketches of the problem and potential solutions:
Soft-Robotics Muscle
The goal of this design was to create an artificial muscle capable of gripping and contracting in several directions. This is part of ongoing research for Jiefeng Sun’s doctoral thesis through Colorado State University’s Robotics Lab. I contributed to Jiefeng’s research through January and February of 2018. In order to initiate artificial muscle movement in… Continue reading Soft-Robotics Muscle
Gyroscope
Assignment: Build a Gyroscope to the specifications provided in the given SolidWorks part files, limited modifications allowed. The Gyroscope was held upright and mechanically driven to a starting rotation speed of 1680 rpm and released to a hard smooth base surface. The elapsed time was recorded until Gyro frame touches base surface. I was extremely careful while machining… Continue reading Gyroscope
Climbing Rope Bag
March 13, 2018 Rather than buying a rope-bag, I decided to design and create two of my own – one as a gift and one for myself. The design was informed primarily by the shape of my coiled rope, which is generally a long and narrow bundle. The bag itself reflects this, and has room… Continue reading Climbing Rope Bag
Jolán von Plutzner 