Evaluate and select 2D and 3D software,
Demonstrate and describe processes used in modelling with 2D and 3D software,

Modelled experimental objects/part of a possible project in 2D and 3D software,
Shown how you did it with words/images/screenshots,
Included your original design files

Although I have have been using cad and 3d modeling softwares for a number of years, I am pretty much ignorant when it comes to parametric and generative modelling.
Rhino and Grasshopper + Kangaroo where of course my prefered choices, but I noticed there is little documentation or less elaborate tutorials about origami structures.
When looking for the appropriate ressources, I notice a number of researchers, scientists/ artist developped their own origami software.
Among others, Tree Maker, from Robert Lang, Treemaker; Tess from Alex Bateman, Tess; Freeform Origami, Origamzer & Rigid Origami Simulator, from Tomohiro Tachi, http://www.tsg.ne.jp/TT/software/ I have been looking at softwares that allowed transfer of the models to different format, and really, although Freeform Origami, Tree Maker, etc.. are really fascinating, they are limited when it came to manipulating the models outside the software framework.
So I ended up returning to Rhino/GH/Kangaroo. I struggled for several days and went through a number o f tutorial that didn't concerned the subject and didn't really help when it comes to understand the logic behind Grasshopper.

- Identify the advantages and limitations of 3D printing and scanning technology;

- Apply design methods and production processes to show your understanding.

Select and use software for circuit board design

Demonstrate workflows used in circuit board design,

1. Drawing the circuit:

Assignment:
/ Make something big (on a CNC machine).

Learning outcomes:
/ Document the process of design and production to demonstrate correct workflows and identify areas for improvement if needed.

Have you:
/ Explained how you made your files for machining (2D or 3D)
/ Shown how you made something BIG (setting up the machine, using fixings, testing joints, adjusting feeds and speeds, depth of cut etc)
/ Described problems and how you fixed them
/ Included your design files and ‘hero shot’ photos of final object

1. Designing the stool:

Assignment:
/ Read a microcontroller data sheet;
/ Program your board to do something, with as many different programming languages and programming environments as possible;
/ Optionally, experiment with other architectures.

Learning outcomes:
/ Identify relevant information in a microcontroller data sheet;
/ Implement programming protocols.

Have you:
/ Documented what you learned from reading a microcontroller datasheet.
/ What questions do you have? What would you like to learn more about?
/ Programmed your board
/ Described the programming process/es you used
/ Included your code

Datasheets are instruction manuals for electronic components. They explain exactly what a component does and how to use it. Unfortunately these documents are usually written by engineers for engineers, and as such they are generally size doumpting and difficult to read, especially for laymen such as me. Nevertheless, datasheets seem still to be the best place to find the details one needs to design a circuit or get one working.

A datasheet’s contents will vary widely depending on the type of part, but they will usually have most of the following sections: The first page is usually a summary of the part’s function and features. This is where one can quickly find a description of the part's functionality, the basic specifications, and generally a functional block diagram that shows the internal functions of the part. This page will often gives a good first impression as to whether potential part will work for a project or not:

Let's have look at the ATTiny44 microcontroler datasheet.

Assignment:
MECHANICAL DESIGN (week 1 of 2)
/ Make a machine, including the end effector, build the passive parts and operate it manually;

MACHINE DESIGN (week 2 of 2)
/ Automate your machine. Document the group project and your individual contribution.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
/ Work and communicate effectively in a team and independently.
/ Design, plan and build a system.
/ Analyse and solve technical problems.
/ Recognise opportunities for improvements in the design.

Have you:
/ Explained your individual contribution to this project on your own website.

1. Preparing the files for laser cutting:

Assignment:
/ Add an output device to a microcontroller board you've designed and program it to do something.

Learning outcomes:
/ Demonstrate workflows used in circuit board design and fabrication.
/ Implement and interpret programming protocols.

Have you:
/ Described your design and fabrication process using words/images/screenshots.
/ Explained the programming process/es you used and how the microcontroller datasheet helped you.
/ Outlined problems and how you fixed them.
/ Included original design files and code.

1. Downloading and installing Arduino IDE , loading AT Mega 328 familly library and installing AT Tiny USB drivers:

I therefore decided to redesign my board from scratch

I looked at my project to identify what components I needed:
/ 1. LCD monitor and shield,
/ 2. Sensor for temperature an humidity,
/ 3. Light sensor,
/ 4. Board (modified satcha kit),
/ 5. Usb micro cables,
/ 6. FTDI module,
/ 7. ISP module,
/ 8. 1 power supply 12V,

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I started to solder my circuit. .

Soldering smd without propper hoven facility can be tricky. Soldering components need the highest care and concentration.

It needs to be done step by step: first use bit of soldering paste to connect one pin of the components and dispose it correctly on the board. Once this is done, use the flux marker on the remaining pins to solder an carefully add just the right amount of solderibg paste to avoid any short circuits. .

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After finishing soldering, I needed to check all my circuit to identify any eventual short circuits. Indeed I identified a number of serious problems with my board. First apart from a good number of components which were short circuit, among which the mcu, as well as a number of other components which were misplaced, such as the LED and the mcu, etc, that I had to carefully remove and solder again. I would like to especially thank Axel from Denis lab for the help and support he has been providing throughout my circuit design and prodution.

For the purpose of the output exercice, I organised a networked circuit based on a similar principle as our Fabacademy instructor, Thomas from Woma, did last year during : Fabacademy 2016. I first connected an Arduino board to a modified Satchakit board I designed for the purpose of week 10.

1. Creating the circuit board: I created a circuit composed of a LCD screen 20/4, and its I2C shield connected to my modified Satchakit board.

Group Assignment:
/ Automate your machine.
/ Document the group project and your individual contribution.

Learning outcomes:
/ Design appropriate objects within the limitations of 3 axis machining.
/ Demonstrate workflows used in mould design, construction and casting.
/ Don't rely on a printed document. Refresh your browser to ensure that you're viewing the most up-to-date information for each assignment in this living document each week.

On the group page (linked on your Lab page), has your group:
/ Creating & programming a purpose made circuit board and using a Servo motor as an end actuator for my façade pattern.

Have you:
/ Shown how your team planned and executed the project.
/ Described problems and how the team solved them.
/ Listed future development opportunities for this project.
/ Analyse and solve technical problems.
/ Included your design files, 1 min video (1920x1080 HTML5 MP4) + slide (1920x1080 PNG).

The group exercise, was developped during the assignments 9 and 11. All the answers regarding the assignements can be found on the group project page. I have also documented in more detail some part of the project that I specifically worked on.

1. Creating the circuit board:

Assignment:
/ Design a 3D mould, machine it, and cast parts from it;

Learning Outcomes:
/ Design appropriate objects within the limitations of 3 axis machining.
/ Demonstrate workflows used in mould design, construction and casting.

Have you:
/ Explained how you made your files for machining.

FAQ:

Should I read the MSDS and TDS this week?
/ Answer: 1. It is always a good idea to read these documents..

I want to only make a wax mould, and cast something in it - is that acceptable?
/ Answer: 1. Learn and go through the 3 step process first . To break the rules you have to master the rules.

1. Preparing the files for laser cutting:

The second half of the Fab Academy programme is designed to build on the previous weeks. You will be synthesising information and implementing skills that you were introduced to in the first half of the programme and encouraged to integrate these into your final project proposal.

Assignment:
/ Measure something: add a sensor to a microcontroller board that you have designed and read it.

Learning outcomes:
/ Demonstrate workflows used in circuit board design and fabrication;
/ Implement and interpret programming protocols.

Have you:
/ Described your design and fabrication process using words/images/screenshots;
/ Explained the programming process/es you used and how the microcontroller datasheet helped you;
/ Explained problems and how you fixed them;
/ Included original design files and code.

FAQ:
/ Is the satsha kit/fabduino I fabricated considered a valid board for this assignment?
Answer: 1. Fabricating an unmodified board is considered as electronics production but does not count towards any design skill. 2. If you changed the original satsha kit/fabduino, it is a valid board.

For this assignement, I used an analogue photo sensor from Velleman, model VMA 407.

Assignment:
/ Read the material safety data sheet (MSDS) and technical data sheet (TDS) for the resins that you're using.
/ Design and make a 3D mould (~ft2 /30x30cm), and produce a fibre composite part in it.

Learning outcomes:
/ Demonstrate workflows used in mould design and construction;
/ Select and apply suitable materials and processes to create a composite part.

Have you:
/ Shown how you made your mould and created the composite;
/ Described problems and how you fixed them;
/ Included your design files and ‘hero shot’ photos of the mould and the final part;
/ Read and linked to the material safety data sheet (MSDS) and technical data sheet (TDS) for the resins that you're using.

FAQ:
/ Does the mould have to be 3D milled?
Answer: 1. No. It could be a torsion box (interlocking and skillfully joined) made on the laser or CNC, or a 3D mould.

/ If the composite object is made without vacuum bag/compress/compact, is it acceptable?
Answer: 1. You must prove you can use compression (two molds or vacuum bag) to remove extra resin. So if you just use wet layout you should make some test coupons showing you know how to do compaction. See 2017 composite review video at 1h11m10s.

For the purpose of the assignement and my final project, I have decided to create a casing for my electronic devices made of cotton and resin. This prototype will house the project board, screen, shield and the internal sensor.

I used the CNC Heiz high1000-ST to mill the mould in a PU board. The area is 30/30cm wide and high. program the circuit board.

I made a series of tests with different fabric samples (jute and jean).

I tested 3 layers of each fabric. Arduino library

I used clamping tools to compress the 3 layers of fabric tests.

I made a template for the cover of the casing with cotton fabric.

I decided to cut them with the laser cutter. .

The fabric wasn't entirely flat and some fold appeared in the cut piece of fabric.

The seller recommended me to use a demoulding spray in order to ensure a clean demoulding process.

The resin and its hardener ar used in the fine arts network. I could'nt find a data sheet but there are some safety recommendations on the packages in themselves. It is recommended to use gloves, and a mask. The technical specifications are: "Résine cristalle époxy EC141. Dureté (shore A) 70D. Gélification à 25°C 6-7 h. Démoulage 24 heures. Viscosité A 900 mPas. B 250 mPas. Densité A 1,12 g/ml. B 1,00 g/ml. Epaisseur maximale 10 cm. Utilisée pour la fabrication d´objets transparents de petite à grande taille, la bijouterie fantaisie, décoration intérieure extérieure, sculpture... Mélanger soigneusement 100 g à 50 g de catalyseur. Eviter l´inclusion de bulles d´air. Grâce à la longue durée de travail et le point exotherme bas, ce produit convient également aux moulage de grands objets".

I used 100ml resin, 50ml harderner. The liquids are easy to mix.

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Then I applied with care the fabrics covered with resin on the casing frame.

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The third layer wasn't poured into resin since the two first layers had quite a lot of resin and the intention is to compress the sheets in order to reduce the proportion of resin..

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Assignment:
/ Design and build a wired &/or wireless network connecting at least two processors.

Issue opened:

/ Networking needs to be more clearly defined here. Like expressing the need to have multiple controllers communicating using addressing.

Learning outcomes:
/ Demonstrate workflows used in network design and construction;
/ Implement and interpret networking protocols.

Have you:
/ Described your design and fabrication process using words/images/screenshots;
/ Explained the programming process/es you used;
/ Outlined problems and how you fixed them;
/ Included original design files and code.

When I initially started this exercise, I used the web resources shared by Emma on week 10 for the output assignment.Among others I've been using a link towards a tutorial to replicate an Arduino Uno that I wanted to customize for the purpose of my electronics assignments.
As I went along with my initial circuit design, I realized that it had got way to complicated to produce or use it. I namely included a full Arduino Uno and 2 H bridges within the same circuit. By the time I was finished with the design, we reached week 12-13, when Niel explained that it was better to go with a scalable circuit board, rather than using a complex single architecture.
I therefore decided to give up on my first Fabduino board, and got to work on a simplified circuit design, specifically designed for my final project. As I didn't need any motors as end effectors, I also got rid of the H bridges.

For my final project circuit, I decided to etch 2 similar boards that I would network together. The first board (slave) would be connected to input devices, such as a photo or a temperature sensor, and a second board (master) which would be connected to output devices such as a monitor, a tablet or a computer.
So I downloaded the Satchakit found on the Fab Academy link distributed by Neil. Though I had one slight problem, the whole documentation and circuit design were compiled with Eagle, whereas I am merely using Kicad; the problem is that although this two programs are doing pretty much the same thing and look very much alike, they don't talk to each other, it is therefore impossible to import a circuit designed with Eagle into Kicad. I therefore had to do it from scratch. After all this was a good thing since it allowed me to really tailor my circuit to my needs.

Assignment:
Write an application that interfaces with an input and/or output device that you made, comparing as many tool options as possible.

Learning outcomes:
Interpret and implement design and programming protocols to create a Graphic User Interface (GUI)

Have you:
/ Described your process using words/images/screenshots;
/ Explained the the GUI that you made and how you did it;
/ Outlined problems and how you fixed them;
/ Included original code.

I tried to create a graphic interface between the Satsha kit board and my computer showing the real time data from the different sensors.
I used a basic Arduino code in the Arduino IDE software in order to communicate the information to the processing code.
The input is the temperature and light sensors; the output is the computer screen.

 
  #include 
 #include 
 int capteur = A1;
 int capteur2 = A2;
 int photoRPin = A0;
 int minLight;          //Used to calibrate the readings
 int maxLight;          //Used to calibrate the readings
 int lightLevel;
 int adjustedLightLevel;

 // Ecran LCD branché sur la backpack LCD I2C (a l'adresse 0x27)
 // Dimension de l'écran 20 caractères par ligne, 4 lignes
 LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x3F,20,4);
 void setup()
 {

 Serial.begin(9600);
   //lcd.init();
 {
  lightLevel=analogRead(photoRPin);
  minLight=lightLevel-20;
  maxLight=lightLevel;
 }
   // Initialize l'ecran




   // Affiche des messages sur l'ecran
   lcd.backlight();
   lcd.home();
   lcd.print("Inside temp        C");
   lcd.setCursor(0,1); // colonne, ligne
   lcd.print("Outside temp       C");
   lcd.setCursor(0,2);
   lcd.print("Bright Lux");
   lcd.setCursor(0,3);
 //  lcd.print("");
 }

 void loop()
 {
   delay( 1000 );
   float valcapt = analogRead(capteur);
  float voltage = valcapt * 5.0 / 1024.0;
  float temperature = 100-( valcapt * 0.1609);

 lcd.setCursor(12,0);
 lcd.print(temperature);
 delay(1000);

  float valcapt2 = analogRead(capteur2);
  float voltage2 = valcapt2 * 5.0 / 1024.0;
  float temperature2 = 100-( valcapt2 * 0.1609);

 lcd.setCursor(13,1);
 lcd.print(temperature2);
 delay(1000);
 //auto-adjust the minimum and maximum limits in real time
  lightLevel=analogRead(photoRPin);
  if(minLight>lightLevel){
  minLight=lightLevel;
  }
  if(maxLight  

Assignment:
/ Propose a final project that integrates the range of units covered.

Learning outcomes:
/ Define the scope of a project;
/ Develop a project plan.

Have you answered these questions:
/ what will it do?
/ who has done what beforehand?
/ what materials and components will be required?
/ where will they come from?
/ how much will it cost?
/ The answers to the questions above will allow you to create your BOM, or Bill Of Materials:
/ what parts and systems will be made?
/ what processes will be used?
/ what tasks need to be completed?
/ what questions need to be answered?
/ what is the schedule?
/ how will it be evaluated?

Assignment:
/ Create and document a license for your final project. Develop a plan for dissemination of your final project. Prepare a summary slide (presentation.png, 1280x1024) and video clip (presentation.mp4, 1080p HTML5, < ~minute, < ~10 MB) in your root directory.

Learning outcomes:
/ Recognise the range of licenses available;
/ Formulate future opportunities.

Have you:
/ Summarised two kinds of licences and explained why you chose one;
/ Imagined and outlined possibilities and described how to make them probabilities;

Hardware and softwares used for this assignment :

PLAN FOR DISSEMINATION:

I have developed the Superfold project as part of my thesis project on Parametric Design. I have been working on my research project within the frame of the parametric design course I have created and developed for the past 3 years within the ULB Faculty of Architecture with Victor and Denis who joined us last year. I plan to include a series of Research by Design parametric projects into my phd. The Superfold project is an original design that develops opportunities to rethink smart cladding. I therefore plan to write an research paper about it and prototype it within the FabLabUlb research center. In order to test different prototypes and work on a series, I will make use of the digital fabrication tools we have at the lab and I am planning to using the robots which we applied for last year.

The project which started a few years ago is divided into the following steps:

Step 01: September 2014: Create a Digital Fabrication course at the ULB Faculty of Architecture and test and experiment digital thinking and techniques for architecture.

Step 02: January 2016 : Application for 2 Robots at Innoviris, the Brussels reference center for Innovation. Fisrt phase of the application granted in Mars 2017. Finalizing the technicalities of the application with Innoviris Team in July 2017.

Step 03: January to July 2017 : Setting up the principles of the Research by Design project through the Fabacademy 2017 first prototype. Test and develop a first small scale Superfold prototype at the FabLabUlb.

Step 04 : September 2017 : Start a bigger scale Superfold prototype and develop the research on material's behavior with a partner laboratory specialized in materials and physics. Develop critical workshop with students and invited teachers.

Step 05: September 2018: Start a finalized prototype with the use of the robots and finalize the research papers with the specialize partners & implement the knowledge and design process principles in the Digital Fabrication course.

LICENSING:

The research projects fall automatically under the legal copyright & intellectual property rules of the ULB.
Any artistic or literature work is therefore protected.

But as a maker, I would also like to register the superfold project under the Creative Commons, which is a simple but standardized tool addressed to the maker's community.

1. ULB copyright & intellectual property LICENSE :

"In an effort to disseminate and simultaneously protect the knowledge gained within its walls, the ULB has adopted a simple yet effective strategy for intellectual property of the its researchers’ inventions.
The strategy covers rights over the findings of research carried out at the ULB, from the initial stage of the project (invention letters, patents, skill protection, and software, etc.), to the successful transfer to the market through licensing contracts granted to existing businesses, or through the creation of spin-offs.
Scientists are encouraged to contact the TTO ( Technology Transfer Office) as soon as they achieve marketable results, so that the ULB can provide them with adequate protection and assist them in reaching the market.
If the invention successfully reaches the market – for example, through an operating licence granted to an existing company or the creation of a spin-off from a ULB lab or technological breakthrough – then once the intellectual property protection fees incurred by the university have been covered, the income is divided into three equal shares: for the ULB, the lab(s), and the scientists involved in the project.
Copyright: the ULB has created an institutional repository (DI Fusion) to archive and publish the work carried out by its scientists online, making DI Fusion the ULB’s academic library. Professional ethics: in order to protect the ULB’s scientific excellence and that of its researchers, the university has compiled an ethical code that reiterates the efforts made to combat scientific fraud, and has also formed an ethics advisory board that can process any complaints that may arise.""

1. Creative Commons LICENSE:

"The Creative Commons copyright licenses and tools is an alternative to the “all rights reserved” setting that copyright law creates. Every licensor retain copyright while allowing others to copy, distribute, and make some uses of their work — at least non-commercially. Every Creative Commons license also ensures licensors get the credit for their work they deserve.
This license will allow me to give access to private users and limit its use to the open source community. I do not wish to protect the electronic part of the project as the principles I have used come from the open source database. I would like to prevent the use for commercial purposes, but it would allow the dissemination of the ideas and therefore be part of a wider research community.

More information can be found on the creative commons; website.

My license would be:

Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.

NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes.

ShareAlike — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original.

• Date: June 2017

Close Project

Assignment:
/ Complete your final project. Please see Final Project Requirements for details. Track and document your progress.

Learning outcomes:
/ Evaluate project plan,
/ Apply time management techniques,
/ Summarise and communicate the essence of a project.

Have you answered the questions:
/ what is the deadline? How much time do I have left?
/ what tasks have been completed, and what tasks remain?
/ how will I complete the remaining tasks in time?
/ what has worked?
/ what hasn't?
/ what questions still need to be resolved?
/ what have you learned?

EVALUATE THE PROJECT PLAN:

What is the deadline ? How much time do I have left?
The deadline of the fabacademy Superfold project allows me to make a snapshot of this research by design project and potentially redirect some questions and issues. With the time left to complete this project, I am queen on making the experiment work with some simplified constraints in order to test the initial ideas.

What tasks have been completed and what tasks remain?
The Superfold project is evolving and progressing well and I can make a check up of the tasks status. I have made an overview of the achieved and unachieved tasks, knowing that some of the unachieved tasks will be further developped in the course of my phd journey:

The achieved tasks:

Create a support stucture for the dielectric alloy material,

Create the right shape for the dielectric alloy material which will allow effective and controlled movement,

Design and install the circuit that will monitor weather and temperature conditions
in order to relate it to the dielectric alloy material movement,

Design and create the casing for the electronics,

Extend the design to the data cables and power supply,

Create a support stucture for the dielectric alloy material,

The unachieved tasks:

Design the fixing method for the facade modules,

Test reactions with different weather conditions,

Improve the circuit and the resilience of the electronics,

Improve the power supply and potentially replaced with a solar powered device,

Improve the data transfer and potentially replaced with a wifi transfer ,

APPLY TIME MANAGMENT TECHNIQUES:

I am used to work with regular checklists and I update them regularly. Even if I have well advanced softwares at my disposal, I quite like making lists on my notepad. As I started working on the tasks to be done for the deadline, I set up the following checklist, highlighting the tasks, the people who can help me undertsand some issues regarding the tasks and the timing needed for each one.

The initial checklist: