How to Make (Almost) Anything

Project 01

Title: Final Project Proposal
System: Pysical Model based Finite Element Analysis (PMFEA)
Design: Load Sensor Embedded Table

Description:

I was originally thinking of making a table based on a tree structure and use strain gauges to measure dynamic stress distribution of the structural system. While learning more about the world of electronics through this course, I started to discover various other sensors that can measure loads.

Capacitive Load Sensor:

While capacitive load sensor cannot measure flexure, it is simple and reliable system for measuring axial laod. I decided to give a try on this direction and work my design around it. I like things that have great synergy between design and system.

Tensegrity:

Tensegrity system, originally designed by Buckminster Fuller, is a beautiful system that breaks down the given input load onto the system into a set of compressions and tensions. This works well with the integration of capacitive load sensors.

Load Sensing Table:

To test the system integration between the material, structural system, sensor, and electronic systems, I've decided to combine all into an industrial design framework. Here I'm proposing a coffee table with built-in capacitive load sensor to measure the axial load at each end nodes of the compressive member of the tensegrity structure.