Kinetic Water Ripple Automata Sculpture

This kinetic water ripple automata is a mesmerizing mechanical sculpture designed to mimic the natural motion of rippling water. Crafted with precision using Fusion 360, the automata transforms rotational movement into a series of fluid, wave-like motions. Inspired by the elegance of water dynamics, this wooden mechanism features layered circular elements that create an illusion of continuous waves when operated.

Built for both artistic appeal and mechanical fascination, this piece demonstrates the beauty of kinetic motion through simple yet effective engineering principles. Whether you're an automata enthusiast, a woodworking hobbyist, or a lover of kinetic art, this project is a perfect blend of design, craftsmanship, and motion.

In this guide, I will walk you through the design process, materials used, assembly steps, and the mechanics behind this automata. Get ready to bring waves to life with this unique wooden sculpture!

Fusion 360 for 3D modeling

1) Open Fusion 360 and start a new design. Create a new sketch.

2) Sketch the profile of the stanchion using lines and curves, ensuring it is fully constrained. Mirror the profile along the Y-axis. Then, sketch the support bar profile and finish the sketch.

3) Select the support bar profile and extrude it. Set the operation to New Component.

4)Select the stanchion profile and use the Revolve tool to create the stanchion. Set the operation to Join. Repeat for the other stanchion profile.

5)Create a new sketch on the X-Z plane. Draw a 10mm diameter circle at the origin and finish the sketch. Extrude the circle symmetrically with Extent Type: All.

6)Create another sketch on the top face of the support bar. Draw a 5mm diameter circle and use the Rectangular Pattern tool to array the circles as required. Finish the sketch.

7)Select all circles from the pattern and extrude them using Extent Type: To Other Side of the support bar. Set the operation to Cut.

8)Apply fillets to the edges to smooth sharp corners.

9)Assign Wood as the physical material.

10)Save the design.

A cam is a mechanical component that converts rotational motion into linear motion (or vice versa), often used in camshaft mechanisms in engines or other systems requiring precise timing of motion. Typically, it consists of a rotating disk or wheel with an eccentric profile (the cam profile), which interacts with a follower to produce the desired motion.

1) Open a new design and create a sketch on the Y-Z plane.

2) Use lines to create the cam profile as shown, apply constraints, and then finish the sketch.

3) Select the first profile and revolve it to create a solid body.

4) Repeat the process for the remaining profiles and join them together.

5) Select the second cylinder and rotate it by 15 degrees, using the Y-axis as the rotation axis.

6) Rotate each subsequent cylinder by an additional 15-degree increment:

1. Third cylinder: 30 degrees (15 × 2)
2. Fourth cylinder: 45 degrees (15 × 3)
3. Fifth cylinder: 60 degrees (15 × 4)
4. Continue this pattern until the 13th cylinder, which should be rotated 180 degrees (15 × 12).

7) Select all the cylinders except the middle one and mirror them across the Z-axis.

An axle is a central shaft that is used to support rotating parts, such as wheels, gears, or other components in mechanical systems. It plays a crucial role in transferring motion and force from one part of a machine to another.

1) Create a new sketch on the X-Z plane.

2) Draw two parallel lines and apply necessary constraints.

3) At one end, create the specified sketch as shown in the reference.

4) Mirror the sketch along the Z-axis and finish the sketch.

5) Select the profile, revolve it, and join it to the cam.

6) Sketch the handle and apply constraints.

7) Select the horizontal profile, extrude it, and join it to the axle.

8) Select the handle profile, revolve it, and join it as well.

9) Assign wood as the physical material.

10) Save the design.

A follower is a mechanical component that moves in response to the motion of a cam in a cam-and-follower mechanism. It typically slides or rolls along the surface of the cam, translating rotational motion (from the cam) into linear motion or other specific motions, depending on the design of the cam and follower.

1) Create a sketch of the follower, apply necessary constraints, and finish the sketch.

2) Select the vertical profile, revolve it, and set the operation to "New Component."

3) Select the semicircular profile, extrude it, and choose "Join" as the operation.

4) Select the follower and create a rectangular pattern as shown in the image.

5) Assign wood as the physical material and save the design.

The character of an automation toy refers to the design, personality, and functionality of the toy in relation to its movement, interaction, and behavior. An automation toy is typically one that incorporates mechanical or electronic systems to create movement or actions without manual intervention, offering a dynamic and engaging experience.

1) Open a new design and create a sketch on the X-Y plane.

2) Draw 12 circles, constrain them properly, and finish the sketch.

3) Select each circle profile, extrude them, and create a new component for each.

4) Assign wood as the physical material to the components.

5) Save the design.

The stand of a kinetic automata sculpture provides the foundational support for its moving parts, ensuring stability while enabling motion through mechanical or motorized systems. It holds the sculpture's elements in place and facilitates the movement of components like cams, gears, and figures, creating the dynamic, interactive effects characteristic of kinetic sculptures.

1) Create a new project.

2) Import the stand into the project.

3) Import the cam, join it to the stand, and set the motion type to revolute.

4) Import the follower, join it to the stand, and set the motion type to slider.

5) Select each follower and establish a tangent relationship with the cam.

6) Import the character into the project.

7) Rigidly attach each character to its corresponding follower.

8) Set up a motion study for the revolute motion of the cam.

9) Go to the render workspace and render your animation.

10) Congratulations—you’re done!