ELEMENTS: connected spider web

With this project, I would like to present my plug-in system developed in Materialibility. I will show the task, the process, and the development.

TASK

The task was to design and develop a plug-in system from two-dimensional elements that can be assembled into three-dimensional objects. This should be done without any additional technical aids and purely by interlocking the individual parts.

To accomplish this task, we were introduced to the program Rhino.

IDEAS/ SKETCHES

When I first heard about the task, I was very overwhelmed because I had never worked with the Rhino program or the laser before. So, I started to research and look for inspiration on the internet. After the research, I began to develop my own ideas.

I made various sketches and evaluated which one best suited my aesthetic and functional needs.

After noting down these few sketches and ideas, Rhino was the next challenge I had to overcome. I wanted to see how it would look in the program and prepare the elements directly for the laser. So, I tried to represent my favorite sketches in Rhino. Since Rhino was new to me, it was more complicated to set up than it ultimately looks.

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I had two favorites that I couldn't decide between at the beginning. They are very similar, but this small difference changes the character of the elements and, accordingly, the plug-in system.

To ensure that the plug-in system holds well and is stable, I adjusted the slot size so that it is tight enough but not too tight, ensuring the entire plug-in system is stable.

DIGITAL 3D ELEMENT

To decide on one of my ideas, I created them in 3D in Rhino. I tried to color them according to my perception to emphasize the character of both. I noticed that the right element appeared somewhat menacing, which is why I gave it a bright red color. The left one, on the other hand, seemed more harmonious or calming to me, so I colored it purple.

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After doing this, I preferred the „harmonious“ element much more because it supports this harmony in a plug-in system to some extent. A plug-in system represents a cohesion between individual parts, creating a whole, and that's exactly what my element is meant to support.

Therefore, I decided to continue working with the left element.

DIGITAL 3D MODEL

For testing and visualization, I digitally assembled the element into a 3D model in Rhino.

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With the 3D element I was then able to create a digital connector system to see what it would look like. That was very good for being able to see whether the system could be implemented or whether it had its flaws.

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I am very satisfied with my plug-in system because it meets all my requirements, such as aesthetics and functionality.

CONCLUSION

I really enjoyed getting an insight into a completely new and different topic. Getting to know Rhino as a new program was a bit scary at the beginning, but now it was fun to be able to develop something with the program and also be able to use the program. The course was very cool in terms of the atmosphere and the teaching material, as I was able to learn a lot from it.

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