Instructable

Presentation:  Hartwig_CompCraftProposal

Videos:

photochromic roofing IMG_4146

slow motion shading deployment SHADING

I saw this project a few days ago and thought it was so interesting, and actually a really usable and practical application of e textiles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1bAM_M4zcPs

http://www.springwise.com/jacket-vibrations-guide-wearers-paris/

www.wearableexperiments.com

Here’s my proposal for today:

Hartwig_CompCraftProposal

In our group we discussed ways to reverse the thermochromic reaction. Since I’m looking to create a shading device, I want the shading material to become more opaque as the light/heat increases. To do this, we either thought I could run current through the fabric and have it shut off when a temperature sensor reached a certain high temperature, or that I should look for a material that behaves the way I want to begin with!

There is a way to reverse the thermocromic process and make it a film, which is used in thermochromic windows that remind me of those transition lenses people used to wear, where they looked like regular glasses when they are indoors, but when they went out into the sun they became sunglasses!

This is the effect I’m looking for, but I’m not sure how to duplicate it myself:

http://youtu.be/WylYlPfXxJ4 (@55 sec)

I’m interested in the affects of the muscle wire on textiles, which is always easier to measure on a grid, so I used a sample of a linked metal mesh to test it. I laid out the wire into 3 connected segments.

I just tested it with a battery, I assumed correctly that the mesh was a bit too heavy for the wire to really move, but it did twitch a bit!

Jessica

I was really interested in creating more of a volume with the thermocromic ink, so I tried mixing it with bioplastic

4 Tbsp. water
1 tsp. gylcerin
1 tsp. white vinegar
1 Tbsp. corn starch

Combine ingredients in a sauce pan and cook over medium high heat until the mixture becomes clear and begins to bubble. Mixture will be more solid them liquid. Spread onto a silicone sheet or tinfoil in a thin even layer. Let cool for a few hours.

I think I let the bioplastic cool too long before pouring it onto the plastic and ink powder, so it didn’t spread as evenly. It still reacts to the heat, but I’m hoping for something more dramatic and spacial. I’m hoping to do something related to shading devices and maybe making it deployable for the final project which relates to my thesis of textiles in/as/in architecture.

Jessica

Here are my speaker attempts:

Conductive thread sewn onto flat paper

Folding it

Copper tape on folded paper

-Jessica

Here are the materials I found interesting in the materials library last week:

Waterproofing fabric, I like the 3 dimensional quality and how fine the weave must be to actually collect water!

Metal grid in resin, this really has a glow about it, I like the harsh grid softened by the light.

Kova textiles fabric, I like the the iridescent quality and interesting textures in the weaving

Jessica

Hey guys here are the hours for the library, FYI.

25th e 13th, 3rd floor

Instructable

1) Paper prototypes for feedback (Focus on role or look+feel)
2) Concept and design goal (What does your design seek to accomplish? Who are you designing for?

Personal desk lamp that reacts to current light conditions an its own position. has 3 states: On (glow (similar to computer glow?)), on (direct) and off. Built in sections to be self supporting yet flexible enough to be easily positionable. Possibly solar charged?
3) Materials list (What do you need to build your design)

knitting supplies: yarn, needles

electronics: lilypad, light sensor, solar panel
4) Prior art and precedents that inspired your design and direction.

tiny usb lamp

crochet rug with led rope light

Jessica