Hydraulic Arm Using Cardboard

For my project, I designed and built a hydraulic arm using cardboard. I chose cardboard because of its accessibility, versatility, and environmental benefits. The aim was to demonstrate that complex mechanical concepts, such as hydraulics, can be effectively illustrated using simple and sustainable materials. This project not only showcases the engineering applications but highlights the potential of cardboard on how creativity and ingenuity can transform this material into functional and impressive structures.

• CARDBOARD
• 10 ML SYRINGE WITHOUT NEEDLE
• OXYGEN AIR PUMP TUBE
• FLEX KWIK(SUPER GLUE)
• TOOTHPICK STICKS
• USED DRY CELL
• TWO COPPER WIRES(15CM EACH)
• TWO ICE CREAM STICKS
• SAND PAPER

• The first two pictures are equivalently same and depicts the measurements of the supporting structure.
• The third picture depicts the measurement of the handle structure.
• Cut the parts in cardboard using the measurements as shown.

• Take a cardboard of considerable size, and fix the used dry cell in the center of the cardboard. This used dry cell serves as the axis for moving the hydraulic structure as a whole.
• Now, make a hole equal to the size of the battery in both the square parts which we had already made.
• Now paste it using glue gun as shown.
• Next, take the triangular parts which we had made and glue it with the bottom as shown.

• From the made parts take the two small rectangular parts.
• Make stoppers (small square cardboard used to prevent the structure from slipping) and use it as shown.
• Now attach the rectangular part, stopper with the bottom part using a tooth pick as shown.

• Take the longest rectangular part from the made parts.
• Using stoppers and toothpick, stick the longest part with the middle section as shown.
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• Join the handle parts as shown.
• This step will be quite difficult.
• Make holes as shown.
• The upper hole will be used to attach with the handle using tooth picks.
• The lower hole will be used for inserting copper wire which in turn will be used for connecting to the syringe.
• At the end of the hooks, stick sand paper because it provides some grip for picking up objects.
• Now glue the handle part with the top section.

• Make a knot using tag for three syringes as shown.
• At the top of the piston make holes for four syringes including the three that we already modified.
• Now support the syringes with the respective sections using toothpicks by inserting toothpicks into the tag and the hole made in the piston.

Remember that we have used a battery. What was it for? Well the battery is used for turning the structure as a whole. How can we do it?

• Take the two ice cream sticks and place some card board as shown. Insert a syringe between the sticks.
• Using hydraulics, now we can turn the system

We have done this project. Now sit and enjoy it's mechanism.....