WHAT WE ARE DOING

WHY WE ARE DOING IT

You will prototype two different mechanisms you find particularly intriguing

to learn how these mechanisms work and how they can be applied in real-world applications

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

Familiarize yourself with the different mechanisms we'll be exploring: cam & linkage, scissor lift, gears, pulley, lever, fan/expanding, waving/bending, curving, grabbing, and tentacle motion. 

Take some time to research and understand how each mechanism functions. 

Choose two mechanisms that you find most intriguing or relevant to your interests. Using the provided cardboard and craft tools, start prototyping each chosen mechanism. You may want to sketch out your designs first to visualize how each mechanism will work. 

Experiment with different shapes, sizes, and configurations to optimize the performance of your cardboard mechanisms. 



Test your prototypes to see how well they function. Make adjustments as needed to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

Cam and Linkage

Mechanism 1

Scissor Lift

Mechanism 2

Gears

Mechanism 3

1. Print out the Spur Gear Template that is attached to this post
2. Cut the paper shapes out
3. Use a glue stick to attach the paper cut-outs to a piece of cardboard
4. Using a pair of sharp scissors or an exact knife and cutting mat, cut the shapes out of cardboard
5. Mount the cardboard gears onto the base using brads (brass fasteners).
6. You might need to adjust the spacing using the cardboard washers to make sure that the teeth of the gear mesh properly
7. Spin your gears!

INSTRUCTIONS

Pulley

Mechanism 4

Lever

Mechanism 5

Expanding

Fanning

Mechanism 6

How to make it

1

4

2

5

3

6

Waving

Mechanism 7

How to make it

1

4

2

3

5

6

Curving

Mechanism 8

How to make it

1

4

2

3

Grabbing

Mechanism 9

How to make it

1

4

2

3

5

4

 Coiling / Tentacle Motion

Mechanism 10

How to make it

1

4

2

3