The Kinetic Sculpture

Kinetics Sculpture
Product design


6 weeks
Academic Project
Mentor
Bhaumik Nagar


Designed by
Ankush M Patidar
Motion Matrices is an artistic installation that explores the harmony of mechanical motion through a mesmerizing grid of rotating prisms. Each prism, a three-sided polyhedron with grey, black, and white faces, is controlled by a precision servo motor. Arranged in an 8x8 grid pattern, the 64 prisms move in synchronicity to create ever-changing patterns and graphics.

The modular design allows for expansion to grids of 12x12 or beyond, amplifying the visual complexity. Like pixels composed of moving parts, the prisms' choreographed rotations manifest as kinetic waves ebbing and flowing across the matrix. Motion Matrices represents the artistic potential of simple mechanics, transforming rigid components into a fluid display.

In an interplay of order and chaos, the patterns emerge from the integration of each prism's individual motions into a cohesive, dynamically shifting whole.

Ideation &
Prototype

I began the project by exploring the movement of various materials within a transparent cube. The goal was to create mesmerizing patterns through the collective control of multiple transparent cubes, each containing a specific material.

To control the movement of the cube, I utilized a belt and pulley mechanism powered by a micro servo motor (SG90). I also explored various types of motors to achieve the required speed and control, ensuring the precise manipulation of the cubes.

Transitioning from cubes, I shifted the design to a more compact grid of prisms. This change was motivated by the desire for a tighter arrangement and the novel idea of experimenting with a prism that features a greyscale color on each face. The design of a prototype focused on modularity, allowing for the easy expansion of the number of prisms later without disrupting the entire installation. Acrylic was chosen as the base material for its suitability for quick prototyping.

Detailed calculations were performed to determine the dimensions of the prism and other components. As a result, 17 custom parts were designed for laser cutting, including gears of specific sizes. These parts were then assembled using 4mm screws, creating a grid-like structure that accommodates 64 prisms and their respective servo motors.

Assembly &
Programming

PCA9685 modules were used to control the servo motors, with four modules each managing 16 servos. These were powered by a Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS), and the programming, developed meticulously, enabled the execution of each pattern. This approach utilized matrix traversing concepts, with an Arduino microcontroller controlling the servo motors.

Sculpture
Display