Week 1:Final Project Ideas

Before introducing specific project ideas, I believe it's necessary to clarify the specific requirements for the final project in Fab Academy. These requirements are not only evaluation criteria but also an important reference framework guiding our project ideation.

Project Requirements Analysis

Fab Academy expects each student to demonstrate comprehensive digital fabrication capabilities in their final project. Specifically, the project needs to integrate the following core skills:

First is design capability. We need to proficiently use 2D and 3D modeling tools, developing from conceptual sketches to precise engineering drawings. Second is manufacturing technology. The project must combine additive manufacturing (such as 3D printing) and subtractive manufacturing (such as laser cutting, CNC milling) processes. In electronics, we need to independently design and fabricate printed circuit boards with necessary input/output devices. Finally, in programming, we need to integrate these hardware components into an intelligent system through embedded programming.

Particularly noteworthy is the emphasis on the "self-made" concept. This means we should minimize the use of ready-made components and instead complete the design and fabrication of key components through digital fabrication technologies.

Evolution of Project Ideas

Based on these requirements, I proposed four initial ideas, each with its unique challenges and opportunities:

• The first idea is a kite with remotely controllable colored lights. This concept stems from my interest in aerial photography, attempting to combine traditional kites with modern lighting technology. However, after analysis, I found this project might not fully demonstrate the multiple skills required by the course.
• The second concept is a smart desktop system. This is an ambitious project where I wanted to create an intelligent transformation of my home workspace, involving complex mechanical structures and intelligent control. But considering time constraints and personal capabilities, the scale of this project might be too large.
• The third proposal is a group positioning and anti-lost device for teachers. This idea came from my experience in the education field, observing the chaotic situations during teacher-led field trips. However, further consideration revealed that the complexity of its electronic system might exceed my current capabilities.

Final Choice: Smart Revolving Lantern

After careful consideration, I chose the Smart Revolving Lantern as my final project. This choice focuses on the perfect integration of traditional Chinese cultural art with modern digital fabrication technology, creating a work that both inherits tradition and embodies innovation.

Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Traditional revolving lanterns are exquisite folk art pieces, typically using the thermal airflow from candles to drive the rotation of the top blades, causing the hollowed-out lantern shade to rotate and project continuous animation-like light effects on surrounding walls. This ancient design embodies the wisdom of our ancestors but also faces limitations such as open flame safety and poor stability.

Structure and physical effects of traditional Chinese revolving lanterns

While preserving the elegant mechanism of traditional revolving lanterns, I plan to innovate through digital fabrication technology:

First is the modernization of the power system. I will design an innovative dual-drive mechanism: retaining the traditional thermal airflow principle while integrating an electric motor control system as a backup power source. Through the coordination of temperature sensors and microcontrollers, intelligent speed regulation can be achieved, ensuring stable projection effects.

Second is the intelligent upgrade of the light source. Traditional candles will be replaced by programmable LED arrays, not only improving safety but also bringing rich visual possibilities to the artwork. Through carefully designed control circuits, the LEDs can achieve various effects such as color changing and brightness adjustment.

In terms of structural design, I will reinterpret traditional aesthetics using digital fabrication processes. The lantern shade will be made using laser cutting technology, allowing traditional patterns to be more delicate and refined. The base is planned to be 3D printed, incorporating modern design language while ensuring structural stability.

Technical Challenges and Innovations

Although moderate in scale, this project contains multiple challenging technical points:

1. Mechanical design: Precise calculation of the dual-drive mechanism of thermal airflow and electric motor is needed to ensure harmonious cooperation between the two power sources.
2. Electronic system: Includes multiple modules such as temperature sensing, LED control, and motor drive, all requiring independent PCB design and embedded programming.
3. Manufacturing processes: Combining various digital fabrication methods such as laser cutting and 3D printing, with high requirements for material selection and machining accuracy.

More importantly, this project provides ample space for future expansion. For example, wireless communication modules could be added to achieve light effect synchronization between multiple lanterns; or a companion mobile app could be developed, allowing users to freely create projection patterns.

Through this project, I hope to not only demonstrate the application of digital fabrication technologies but also interpret the elegant fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. This is what I understand as the way of digital fabrication: mastering advanced technologies while cherishing traditional wisdom, innovating through inheritance, and inheriting through innovation.