"CAD Contraptions" are a set of physical, immersive models that a user interacts with to change an aspect or parameter in modeling software. The ideal user for this project is a beginner to modeling software who doesn’t know where to start. CAD Contraptions aims to make the process more engaging, intuitive, and understandable through a series of handheld devices that tie action verbs to use of specific commands

Thesis

Precedents: Conceptual

The Logitech Craft

At its core, a basic input dial. The touch-sensitive control lets you feel your way through your creation for a more efficient and immersive workflow.

Gravity Sketch

An intuitive VR design platform uses a set of handheld controllers to design rather than the regular mouse and key system. This allows users to collaborate and create in an entirely new way.

Precedents: Technical

Zoom Focus

By former NuVu student Pierre Belizaire, Zoom Focus is designed to make staying engaged on Zoom easier by replacing rather boring tasks with more interactive and less tedious physical devices.

Virtual Pottery Wheel

By l’Artisan Électronique, this project, instead of using clay, uses a sensor that reacts to your hand movement that displays the model digitally. Once you are satisfied with the digital model, it will be 3D printed.

Original Project

Rhinoceros Controller: A handheld device that aims to enhance the way that the user interacts with 3D modeling software with a more direct connection.

Iteration 1: Concept Identification

Re-developing the concept was a core part of our first week, as we looked more towards helping beginners through different tactile objects.

Iteration 1: Arduino Exploration

Early on, we were looking at possible sensors and devices we could use to translate to action verbs; e.g., slider translates to an "extrude curve."

Iteration 1: Grasshopper Prototype

Iteration 2: Object & Command Explorations

Tea Pot

Works a lot with curves and lines and finding ways to manipulate them into 3D shapes.

Rubber Duckie

Is mainly several control points that are dragged around along with a basic material and texturing introduction.

Lunch Box

Illustrates how to change parameters of an object to look more organic and appealing.

Iteration 2: Designing After Mid-Review

We entered a phase of rapid prototyping and sketching where we started to put together separate gadgets that could possibly be used in our final design.

Storyboard/Use Case

Iteration 3: Grasshopper Parameters

Body Shape

The body shape is determined by the positions of three control points which form a curve. The curve is then turned around a central axis forming a 3-D shape, sort of like a pottery wheel.

Handle Shape

The handle shape is determined by the positions of three control points. Two of the points are located on the body shape curve, and the third is the intersection of the other points. These points form a curve, along which is a cylinder that forms the handle.

Iteration 3: Grasshopper Parameters

Spout Shape

The vector of the offset start point is used to determine the location and length of the spout.

Spout Start Point

The point where the spout begins is along a body shape curve that is rotated 180° on the central axis. The point is offset inward to integrate the spout into the body.

Final Models: Rotation Widget

Final Models: Polyline Widget

Final Models: Revolve Widget

Final Models: Scale Widget

Final Models: Docking Station

Revolve

Rotation (x3)

Polyline

Scale