Form and Function

ARC 257- Project 1

The objective of this project was to create a design solution using form and function. Students were tasked with redesigning an existing bridge to allow a clearance of 30' x 40' for water traffic flow. The movement of the bridge was to be inspired by common household items.

Span Prototypes

Name: Chaotianmen Bridge
Location: Chongqing, China
Type: Cantilever Bridge

Name: The Forth Bridge
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Type: Cantilever Bridge

Name: Russky Bridge
Location: Vladivostok, Russia
Type: Cable-Stayed Bridge

Movement Analogies

The design process started with common household items. The requirements of said items were that they must have at least two hinges. From there, three of the objects with the most potential were chosen to be modeled. This portion of the project was implemented to help students understand the mechanics of each object.

Object #1: Aviation Snips

3D Model

Simplified Movement Diagrams

Object #2: Ice Cream Scooper

Simplified Movement Diagrams

3D Model

Object #3: Eyelash Curler

Simplified Movement Diagrams

3D Model

3x3 Prototype Table

This table combines the chosen span prototypes with the object movement diagrams, creating a total of 9 possible designs.

Selected Prototype

3D Design Process

Mechanical Movement

The cage splits the roadbed in half and both sides rotate upward. The cage is attached to a rod and gear, which is rotated by a moving track. The track is able to move up and down because its connected to a pulley system with rotating arms.