Truth & Beauty

Students were required to take an existing structure and give it an opening with a dimension 30'x40'. What was the challenge? The goal was to take a multi-hinged household item and successfully integrate it with the bridge, and these were the results.

Prototype 1

Commodore Barry Bridge

The Commodore Barry Bridge, a bridge beloved by Philadelphia Union fans, being one of the few bridges in North America that goes over a sports venue.

Prototype 2

Goethals Bridge

A bridge known for its colorful LED displays a night, Goethals Bridge is sure to grab your attention while driving trough Staten Island.

Prototype 3

Robert Moses Causeway Bridge

Jones beach being one of the most visited beaches on Long Island, this bridge is very familiar with fellow Long Islanders .

Movement Analogies:

As previously stated, multi-hinged items were required to be drawn out along with their function. Below are the three prototypes that were developed

Wine Opener

Watermelon Scooper

Umbrella Mechanism

Combination Table

Analogy and Design Process:

The analogy I chose out of the three prototypes was the umbrella mechanism. I have always loved the idea of retractability, and this mechanism did exactly that. With a pulley system that would pull the spider-like legs up and retract the entire system into its closed position, the umbrella mechanism seemed a perfect fit.

Transformation

Final Design Views

Umbrella Mechanism

3-D Rotating View

Final 3-D Animations

Alternative View