Articulating Cube

The objective of this project is for students to create a cube which transforms into an object or product of their choosing. With the starting dimensions of six inches cubed, the cube must incorporate different methods of articulation to transform to the final product. Articulations include folding, nesting, pivoting, bending, reconfiguring, etc. As proof of concept, students should justify their ideas using sketching and study models. For their final presentation, students must create a finished model using mat board and everyday materials along with step by step instructions explaining their cube’s articulations.

This Articulating Cube project was created for the class Design - 280 at CSU Long Beach

Ideation

To start, I created three different potential objects to transform into a cube, a camera, bulldozer, and backpack. I chose to continue with the back pack as it had the most potential for interesting articulations. I was also interested in incorporating a softer, flexible material with the hard mat board.

Prototype 1

My first concept began with the idea of pulling a flexible bag out of a hard shell. The backpack straps would loop through the mouth of the bag to function as the clasp. When the clasp string is pulled it closes the mouth of the bag similar to a drawstring. Unfortunately the final form of this concept was too similar to the original cube.

Prototype 2

My second concept attempted to remove the cube entirely by completely unfolding. Pins inserted through the back into the base creates a stable, hard bottom shell to support the soft bag. Continuing from the previous model, I incorporated a similar drawstring solution to close the bag.

Prototype 3

For the third iteration, I attempted to incorporate more articulations into the model. This model explored using pivoting side pockets and a telescoping back which pulls the soft bag up. A wire frame inserted into the mouth of the soft bag helps to give structure to the flexible material.

Final Model Instructional Diagram

The final model incorporates concepts explored from the previous three models, including a soft bag with wire frame, pivoting side pockets, and an unfolding cube.

Final Model

Using custom, nested fixtures to stay closed, the cube unfolds completely to reveal the outsides of the backpack on the inside. A series of wire frames allows the soft bag to pivot into place, giving it a curved, tent-like structure.