Final Project Integration: Demonstrating the Curve of Shortest Descent

In my project, I am going to demonstrate the brachistochrone curve using digital fabrication to create a tangible and interactive physics experiment. Where students can see how Digital Fabrication can be used to assist in basic science/math experiments. Where students if interested can look at how the machines in Science Centre DFS can assist in this project.

Question	Answer
Empathize	My stakeholders are: Students: I want to help them visualize and understand the brachistochrone curve through an interactive experiment. I would also like to show to students and teachers how they can use my maker space machines to do such teaching tool Educators: I aim to provide a tool that can facilitate physics teaching in a more engaging manner. Myself: I am passionate about integrating technology and education to enhance learning experiences.
Define and current solutions	Existing methods to teach the brachistochrone curve are mostly theoretical. In youtube and instructables there are guides to make the curve, but there are some gaps.. I like to write the whole process. Like my lecturer likes to say, "Sometimes others already have the best solution. Learn from them"
Ideate and reference outside solutions	I designed a setup where marbles roll down paths of different shapes to find the quickest route, integrating concepts from physics with digital fabrication technology. I looked at how others design and, there are other learning points but these are the main learning for me. I decided to explore the areas listed below. 1. How to design brachistochrone curve. 2. How to use rack and pinion which I was quite weak with that. 3. How to use so many input and output pins. 4. How to check time with arduino.
What does it do?	My setup demonstrates the fastest route for an object to travel from point A to point B, governed by gravity, showcasing the brachistochrone curve in real-time. 1. Upon selecting options to start experiment 2. It will release three balls at the same time using rack and pinion release mechanism and start timing. 3. It will track the balls descent timing at the limit switches. 4. It will light the path that took the shortest time. 5. It will display the data at I2C LCD and Ipad.
Who's done what beforehand?	Technovation had posted his design in instructables.
What did you design? I will expand more on this section	I used Octave to make the curve. Used Inkscape to make the track instead of using online designs , Used Coreldraw and Onshape to make the marble release mechanism was replication of rack and pinions designs (WIP) Used Onshape to make the PCB casing , The electronic timing system was reference from circuitdigest link, designed the PCB using F360. ,
What materials and components were used?	I used acrylic for the track, 3d filament for release mechanism, Xiao Esp32 C3 with electronics for the timing mechanism, using pyqt to do the GUI interface.
Where did they come from?	I sourced materials and components from local suppliers, with some custom parts created in my workshop using digital fabrication tools.
How much did they cost?	The project cost was about $100, covering materials, components, and some prototyping expenses.
What parts and systems were made?	I made the acrylic track, assembled the electronic timing system, and 3D printed the marble release mechanism.
What processes were used?	I utilized 2D and 3D design for the track and mechanism, laser cutting for the acrylic, 3D printing for the release system, and electronics assembly for the timing system.
What questions were answered?	My project answers how the shape of a path affects the speed of descent due to gravity, illustrating the brachistochrone problem in a tangible way.
What worked? What didn't?	TO BE CONFIRMED
How was it evaluated?	When I use it to prove the mathematical accuracy.
What are the implications?	Not Sure.

TBC: summary slide and a one-minute video that captures its conception, construction, and operation. My aim is to present a compelling narrative of integrating digital fabrication with educational content to enhance learning experiences.

Final Project Integration: A lightbox to entice students to learn Digital Fabrication

People who first start off with Fabspaces, alot of them want to do keychain and gifts. Keychain for 3D printing, keychain for laser cutting, keychain for embroidery...
My side sometimes have a need for students to produce gifts to present to VIPs for their contribution to student's growth. The gift must be aesthetic and looks valuable or creative. The students who are likes art maybe not be motivated to pick up digital fabrication skills. I also have a group of special needs students who I would like to empower. They are good with arts.

Question	Answer
Empathize	My Stakeholders in this projects are Recipient of Gift: People who recieve the gift or pay for the gift. My VIP who pays want to know that their effort or resources had empowered a child in picking up useful skills. Makers of Gift: Students who use digital fabrication machine and softwares to make the gift. Let them be interested in making. They already are savvy with ipads. My self: Want to let student prototype easier while recipient can recieve something meaningful as it help a student learn and make somethign nice. I take joy and love the value of empowering youth.
Define and current solutions	Laser cut or embroider Spotify Keychain as git: Too simple, not much learning points. but students like. Sophistical Machines as gift: Too time consuming, not practical for student. 3D prints from thingiverse or 3D scans Not learning, just printing AI Art for Coasters and Clothes Learning current trends
Ideate and reference outside solutions.	A layered lightbox where the student can quickly 1. change the art piece Traditional ones need to assemble and disassemble whole thing 2. use lithophane as one of the layers Traditional Paper Stack art do not have. Just slot in. 3. use vinyl/embriodery as one of the layers Also just slot in 4. use Ipad or pc to control the color of the leds behind. For rapid prototyping and post production correction.
What does it do?	A lightbox where students can create their designs and slot their design for rapid correction into the lightbox and then wirelessly control the leds behind to get desired effect post production. Student can use the parametric onshape file to quickly change the sizing.
Who's done what beforehand?	Traditional Layered art light box, you have to manually remove all the stack layered to put them together again.
What did you design?	Redesigned the frame So that student can just slot in the art work at correct layers. A parametric 3d model for lightbox frame Student just input the dimensions to cut. Artisian Style engraving on wooden frame Laser cut for 3d effect. Microcontroller integration Use ESP32 board to control the leds. GUI interface To control the leds. Demonstration piece (4-5 Layered Paper Art). Extract image into different layer. Demonstration piece (Colored Lithophane) Main Background including the selection of sensors, microcontroller integration, web interface, and alert system. Also, custom-designed the enclosure using 3D modeling software.
What materials and components were used?	Components include Plywood 3mm, 3mm Acrylic, 220gsm A3 size paper, ESP32C, WSB2812B LED Strip. Materials for the enclosure were primarily PLA for 3D printing, and PCBs for the electronics.
Where did they come from?	Sensors and electronics components were sourced from electronics suppliers. PLA was purchased from a local supplier specializing in 3D printing materials.
How much did they cost?	The total cost of components and materials was approximately $50 SGD.
What parts and systems were made?	Custom PCBs for LED control and Wireless communication, laser cut enclosure, laser work and a software backend for data collection and alert management.
What processes were used?	2D and 3D design, additive (3D printing) and subtractive (laser cutting for PCBs) fabrication processes, electronics design and production, microcontroller programming, and web development.
What questions were answered?	-
What worked? What didn't?	-
How was it evaluated?	-
What are the implications?	-

Prepare a summary slide and a one-minute video showing its conception, construction, and operation. The project incorporates 2D and 3D design, additive and subtractive fabrication processes, electronics design and production, embedded microcontroller design, interfacing, and programming, system integration, and packaging. Where possible, parts were made rather than bought, showcasing individual mastery of the skills required for a complete, independently operable system.

Present your final project, weekly and group assignments, and documentation for a comprehensive evaluation and feedback session.