Mechcircuit

Interactive Mechanics and Sensors for Zhejiang University

MechCircuit leverages the neodymium magnet's natures of magnetism and conductivity to integrate electronics and mechanical structures into prototypes. It enables non-expert users in the mechanical and electronic fields to design and create interactive prototypes achieved without using traditional mechanical parts. Rather than involving complicated operations including wiring and soldering, it applies magnetism and laser-cut slots to connect electronic components. MechCircuit is expected to be used in the product design iteration for a wide audience using the standard laser cutting technology.

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Mechcircuit by Shuyue Feng

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Interactive Mechanics and Sensors by Shuyue Feng

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Shuyue Feng Mechcircuit

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Shuyue Feng Interactive Mechanics and Sensors

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Mechcircuit Interactive Mechanics and Sensors Press Releases

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Mechcircuit Interactive Mechanics and Sensors Media Articles

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Unique Properties

Mechcircuit enables non-expert users to design and fabricate interactive prototypes with electronic circuits and mechanical structures. Users can achieve mechanical functions like rotary and linear without using traditional mechanical parts. Meanwhile, instead of involving complicated operations like wiring and soldering in conventional electronic circuits, Mechcircuit applies magnetism and laser-cut slots to connect the components, making connecting and replacing quick and easy.

Tags

Interaction Design, Magnetoelectric Materials, Prototyping, Computational Aided Design

Production Technology

Taking advantage of the fact that rubidium magnets are both magnetic and conductive, we have designed mechanical structures with magnets. It is much easier to design and assemble than the traditional mechanical structure. At the same time the mechanical structure is still interactive. To facilitate user design and generation, we have developed computer-aided design software. The software integrates various modules for user-friendly prototyping. We used a commercial grade laser cutter for cutting and processing and conductive silver ink for the circuitry.

Design Challenge

Mechcircuit wanted to integrate the design of structures and circuits, while simplifying the design and manufacturing process. It was challenging to use a different design and fabrication approach than traditional ones and to use materials that were readily available. Based on several attempts, we finally chose rubidium magnets as the magnetoelectric material and used conductive silver ink paint to replace the traditional Dupont wire.

Project Duration

The project starts in July 2022 and ends in December 2022 at the School of Software, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China

Operation Flow

The mechanical structure composed of magnets allows the user to design and assemble easily. As the user manipulates the structure, the circuit signals change. The user can interact with the circuit by manipulating the structure.

Research

Mechcircuit leverage the neodymium magnet’s natures of magnetism and conductivity to integrate electronics and mechanical structure joints into prototypes. We conduct the evaluation to explore technological parameters and assess the practical feasibility of the fabrication pipeline. And we organized a user-observing workshop for non-expert users. Through the outcoming prototypes, the result demonstrates the feasibility of Mechcircuit as a useful and inspiring prototyping method.

Inspiration

In prototyping, the design of electronic circuits and the design of mechanical structures are often carried out separately. In addition, the electronic circuitry and the mechanical structure also affect the prototype's styling. This makes the design often not optimal.

Project Overview

Mechcircuit Interactive Mechanics and Sensors has been a Silver winner in the Product Engineering and Technical Design award category in the year 2022 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Shuyue Feng.

Silver Recognition

Shuyue Feng was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2023, a testament to excellence of their work Mechcircuit Interactive Mechanics and Sensors.

Shuyue Feng Press Releases

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Mechcircuit: Revolutionizing Interactive Prototyping with Integrated Mechanics and Sensors

Shuyue Feng's Mechcircuit project, developed at Zhejiang University, introduces a groundbreaking approach to prototyping, seamlessly integrating electronic circuits and mechanical structures to enable non-expert users to create interactive prototypes.

Shuyue Feng Newsroom

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