BristleBot Model 3

Target Audience

• Children (age 8-14)

  

  BristleBot Model 3

• Adults (parents/guardians)
  • Who would accompany the children to replicate this model

Starting Point

• Get a feel for visual conception through this Youtube Tutorial Video
  • This helps to capture an image of a generic BristleBot Model
• Derive the features for the BristleBot from |Hexbugs

Replication Goal

• Instead of copying the Youtube Bristlebot, remodel its structure and design based upon the listed materials
  • Be creative to gain children's attention and their interests in making this bristlebot
• Like nano hexbugs, the replicated model must move as well
  • The vibration caused by the model allows the Bristlebot to move in a direction
  • Angle the brush/base so that the model moves forward; not in a loop of random directions
• Improvements from the previous BristleBot Models
  • The balance issue has to be accounted
  • Maintain the safety rules as BristleBot Model 2 centered on
  • Like BristleBot 1, the model must be appealing to the eyes of children

Materials

• 5 in. by 5 in. wooden block
• Three $1 material's brushes
• $1 material's motor
• Two 3 in. metal strings
• Duct Tapes (Grey and Orange Colored)
  • Not mandatory to have separate colors but it looks nicer this way

Procedure: BristleBot Model 3 (Pics)

• 
  1) Gather the listed materials
• 
  2) Position three brushes onto the Wooden Block. Make sure the head of two brushes point at the same direction whereas middle one is facing opposite direction
• 
  3) Duct-Tape the brushes onto the block of wood
• 
  4) Duct-Tape the other end to secure the brushes' stability onto the block of wood
• 
  5) Add the two 3 in. metals on the Motor
• 
  6) Duct-tape the Motor onto the wooden block
• 
  7) Duct-Tape the battery onto the block behind the motor
• 
  8) Duct-Tape the Wires onto the sides of the Battery
• 
  9) Duct-tape the rear of the model, firmly attaching the wooden base onto the battery

Procedure: BristleBot Model 3 (Vids)

• Step 1: How to Assemble Model 3's Base
• Step 2: How to Attach Metal Strings on to the Motor
• Step 3: Attaching the Motor to the Wooden Block
• Step 4: Duct-Taping Battery onto the Wooden Block
• Step 5: Duct-Taping Metal Strings onto Battery

BristleBot 3 Testing

• The demonstration of the BristleBot 3

Pro(s)

• Significantly safer model compared to the BristleBot Model 1
  • No sharp needles or dangerous materials required
• Assembly style to build this model
  • Each compartment could be replicated by young children by simply stacking each layer on top of each other
    • Bottom = Toothbrush
    • Middle = Wooden Block
    • Top = AA Battery + Motor
• Duct tape is flexible yet relatively durable to stay attached to the model
  • It can also be easily cut with scissor
• Relatively simple and easy to make
  • The cutting parts for duct-tapes can be done faster under adult supervision
  • No complex or tedious coiling of wires required to attach them to this model's motor
• Portrays an image of a tank
  • Children might find this model appealing to their eyes
  • Relatively creative external features
• Stable and the model doesn't fall to one side
  • Unlike the BristleBot Model 2, prior to the motor activation, the model doesn't fall down to the ground

Con(s)

• Exposure of vibrator
  • As the vibrator spins to cause movement, children's hair (especially girls') could be rolled up
• The model lacks mobility
  • Cannot move unless the user constantly hold onto the wires firmly
  • When let go, the model almost immediately shuts down
• There is no 'real switch'
  • Duct tape may have been used to attach the wire onto the battery but it peals off eventually
  • Can only 'move' or 'function' if the holder consistently presses the wire onto the battery
  • Frustrating for the young children due to its limited ability to move
  • As seen in the video, occasionally, despite pressing onto the battery, the model doesn't function