Research
Kinetic Hanging Sculpture
Engineering, Prototype, Programming, Art
The Challenge
To design and prototype a hanging mechanical sculpture where multiple suspended spheres can be independently controlled in their vertical position. The goal was to create dynamic, organic flowing patterns and wave-like movements (e.g., sine waves). This project explores the integration of stepper motors, advanced motor drivers, and microcontroller programming for precise and expressive kinetic motion.
My Solution & Approach
This ongoing personal project is currently in the prototyping phase, focusing on developing the mechanical system and control electronics for a multi-element kinetic sculpture. The overall structure and individual winch mechanisms were designed in Vectorworks. The core winch system has been prototyped using NEMA 17 stepper motors, with off-the-shelf components adapted for a functional spool. The control system utilizes an ESP32 microcontroller and TMC2209 drivers for quiet, precise motor control, programmed in C++ with the AccelStepper library.
Technical Highlights & Learnings
- Precision Kinetic Motion: Used NEMA 17 stepper motors and TMC2209 drivers for accurate and smooth vertical actuation.
- ESP32 Microcontroller Programming: Developed C++ code with the AccelStepper library for multi-axis stepper control and sequence generation.
- Resourceful Winch Design: Adapted off-the-shelf components like thread spools and shaft couplings to engineer a functional winch.
- CAD for Mechanical Design: Used Vectorworks for the complete visualization, planning, and creation of fabrication drawings for the enclosure and mechanical parts.
- Iterative Prototyping: Successfully built and tested individual electronic and mechanical components in isolation before full system integration.
Tools & Technologies Used
Programming: C++ (Arduino IDE)
Design: Vectorworks
Hardware: ESP32-DevKitC-32E, NEMA 17 Stepper Motors, TMC2209 Drivers, Mean Well LRS-100-12 Power Supply