While working for Conrad Shawcross Studio, I was asked to help develop a mechanism for translating angular movement into linear movement along the x and y axes. This was a wonderful research project that allowed a deep investigation into the kinematics of linkages.
The project started with investigating different rocker linkages, before focusing on the Peaucellier mechanism: the first planar linkage capable of transforming rotary motion into perfect straight-line motion
The intersection of the two envelopes pinpoints a location in the x-y plane, thus translating oscillatory motion into movement about the x-y plane.
Here, the Peaucellier mechanism can be seen in detail, with a symmetrical arrangement to maintain the stability of the envelope.
Working closely with the studio, this design was iterated to reduce materials and improve spatial efficiency.
The subsequent prototype was drawn such that it could be fabricated from a minimum of parts (box section mild steel, laser-cut mild steel, graphite plane bearings, and PTFE gears).