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Puzzle Piece
Class Project
In this project, each student created a unique puzzle piece using a laser cutter. The puzzle piece is created from a randomized algorithm to create the interlocking features. Each piece is unique and will assemble into a large puzzle for the University of Rochester Children's Hospital.
Background
The objective of this project is to understand the importance of individual contribution in a team and understand the process flow for laser cutting.
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If there was a problem with the generation of one of the pieces (where a student is responsible) that causes the puzzle not to assemble properly, everyone in the class could do no better than 80%.
If there was a problem with the generation of one of my neighbor’s pieces (where a student is responsible) that causes the puzzle not to assemble properly, I could do no better than a 60%.
If there was a problem with the generation of my piece (where I was responsible) that causes the puzzle not to assemble properly, I could do no better than 40%
Algorithm
To create the dimensions of the puzzle piece, each side of each puzzle piece was generated utilizing a fourier series. The coeffecients were used to plot each side of the piece in Nx. I was assigned piece #18.
CAD Model
To ensure my part (green) was properly created, I communicated with my neighbors to ensure each side fit in an assembly.
Assembly
After cutting the pieces in a laser cutter, each student placed their piece into the puzzle. In the second image, the part I created is located in the 2nd row, 6 pieces from the left. Overall, each piece fitted perfectly and all students received 100% on the project. The puzzle was then donated to the University of Rochester Children's Hospital for the patients to play with.
