Boxing Animation

This project was part of my mechanisms class, where were I was tasked with creating an automated sport simulation powered by a single hand crank, utilizing mechanisms such as four-bar linkages, Geneva wheels, cams, and slider-cranks.

Skills Applied

• Mechanism synthesis
• Motion design
• CAD modeling (SolidWorks)

Project Overview

Design Selection

• Brainstormed several potential sports-themed automaton ideas:
• Evaluated designs using a weighted objective chart:
• The boxing animation scored highest (9.3/10) and was chosen.
• The build was modeled at a 1:10 scale.

Mechanism Breakdown

Each movement in the automaton was achieved with a unique mechanism:

1. Dodge
   • Modeled with a four-bar linkage (3 precision points + 1 dyad).
   • Synthesis via graphical and analytical motion generation methods. See graphical synthesis below:
   • Motion:
2. Kick
   • Designed with a four-bar linkage using path generation with prescribed timing.
   • Kick accelerates during extension phase (timing emphasized in synthesis).
   • Graphical synthesis:
   • Motion:
3. Punch
   • Replicated with a slider-crank mechanism.
   • Dyad calculated from max/min shoulder angles.
   • Motion:
4. Bell
   • Simulated using a cam and follower system.
   • Cam profile shaped to ring bell once per full cycle.
5. Clock
   • Created with a Geneva wheel.
   • Each full crank rotation advances the clock by 1 second.
   • Mechanism counts down from 5 to 0.

Synchronization and Gearing

• Mechanisms are synchronized via gear trains:
  • Dodge, Kick, and Bell: 1:1 gear ratio.
  • Punch: 2:1 (punches twice per full cycle).
  • Clock: 6:1 (ticks every 1/6 rotation).
• Gear layout designed to maintain timing and realism.

Ring and Boxer Modeling

• Boxing ring modeled after Olympic standards (scaled to 1:10).
• Boxers were CAD-modeled with joints and degrees of freedom that match each motion.

Final Result

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