082_on site_night

081_on site_day

080_the final analogue

071_analogue testing_kinetic object + proximity sensor

Testing the final analogue device with the proximity sensor above. Initially the movement in the flexinol was extremely small and not enough to move the "wing" (about 2mm of movement). 

This was solved by "programming" the flexinol into a coil shape, by winding the flexinol around a metal rod using clamps, and applying a high heat with the butane torch for 2 seconds to set it. It was important not to apply too much heat for too long as you risk damaging the wire. 

The wire was then stretched out and secured in place, so that when a current was applied to the wire, it contracted back into a coil shape which pulled the wing up higher. 

070_analogue testing_kinetic object

Testing the movement of the nearly completed analogue above.

063_construction_wiring

 Wiring for the analogue involved a 12v battery pack, ultrasonic proximity sensor, relay, 5v battery pack and flexinol wire. See previous posts for the testing of the sensor and relay.  

Ultrasonic sensor with 0.0012 flexinol test

Circuit

Layout on the neck piece

062_construction_neck piece

The purpose of the neck piece is to provide a meaningful way to conceal the sensor and electronics required to produce the output.

The location of the sensor on the neck was chosen as it is generally sensitive location on a persons body with regards to touch. A tube style neck piece was selected as it restricts movement- potentially something that occurs to farmed.domesticated animals. Having this lessened ability to move reflects the vulnerability a person may feel with regards to proximity/distance away from an object or another person. 

Inspiration of form

Isabelle McGuire and Mady Berry

Michael Cepress

Michael Cepress

 Construction

The construction of the neck piece involved sewing velcro to create a pocket to contain the electonics. Two holes were cut in the fabric to locate the sensors through. Various methods of fastening were tested using brass/elastic, however velcro was selected as the most robust and is hidden when the tube is placed on the person.