Initial Design Considerations
The initial design used a rectangular shape. I didn't quite give it much thought as I wanted to test the idea in the first prototype. I just went with the shape that felt right at the moment. As I was testing the idea with the first prototype, it was clear that the inner shape of the mechanism needed to change. With the current shape, as you move the table top, the inner mechanism was visible. This would restrain threads from moving freely.
Shape Iterations
I explored two different solutions to address this issue:
Slotted Design
Adding slots in the inner table mechanism to accommodate thread movement
Incorporating marquetry on visible parts of the inner table
This approach would make the mechanism an integral part of the visual aesthetics
Square Design
Making the table square-shaped
Reducing the size of the inner mechanism to conceal it completely
This minimalist approach was more appealing because of its clean aesthetic
Movement Analysis
After prototyping the new square design, I observed significant differences in movement:
Instead of simple back-and-forth motion like the first prototype, the new design created combined up-down and back-forth movements.
This movement more closely resembled actual sweeping action.
The gap between the two tables influenced the range of motion: smaller gaps resulted in reduced movement
Scale Model Construction
I wanted to try out how everything would fit together and look in a scale model. I had reservations on how it would actually look and feel. Even slight measurement variations were very much visible in the final result.
Construction Challenges
Metal Workshop Challenges
Rod Work
Cutting the rod was straightforward
Bending using the vice was manageable
Achieving identical bends in both rods was challenging
Inconsistent bends affected table top alignment
Bracket Creation
Created custom U-brackets due to unavailability
Struggled with metal sheet thickness selection
Used thin sheets for better bendability
Marking and drilling process required careful attention
Unfinished hole edges couldn't be filed without warping
Later learned about simpler pipe alternative, but couldn't implement due to existing design
Wood Workshop Challenges
Base Construction
Used heavy base for stability
Discovered base needed to be larger or heavier than initially planned
Created square cavity for main leg attachment
Used splitting technique with screws for tight fitting
Table Top Assembly
Pre-drilled holes in all four legs
Required multiple rounds of assembly and disassembly due to uneven rods
Discovered need for two screws per leg instead of one
Single central screws caused unwanted rotation
Final Results
The completed prototype revealed both successes and areas for improvement:
Table top showed slight tilt due to uneven rods
Movement was satisfactory but produced squeaking sounds from metal-wood friction
Moderate resistance in movement - neither too tight nor too smooth
Overall successful prototype that clearly showed necessary improvements
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