Development of and experimentation on deformable three-dimensional figures by the use of polystyrene beads, a pressure sensor, and an air pump

Authors:
Kadri Rebane;Yasushi Matoba;Azusa Hakamatsuka;Toshiki Sato;Sachiko Kodama;Hideki Koike
Affiliations:
The University of Electro-Communications, JP;The University of Electro-Communications, JP;The University of Electro-Communications, JP;The University of Electro-Communications, JP;The University of Electro-Communications, JP;The University of Electro-Communications, JP
Venue:
Proceedings of the 1st workshop on Smart Material Interfaces: A Material Step to the Future
Year:
2012

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Abstract

In this paper, we describe the design and development of shapeable figures filled with polystyrene beads. We discovered we could create solid objects by the extraction of air from a container filled with small polystyrene beads. These objects were easy to shape. They also maintained their shapes after formation. We collected feedback about the formability of these objects by the insertion of pressure sensors. We were also able to control other devices, such as LEDs and DC motors, based on data collected by the pressure sensors. When we controlled the DC motor, we were able to regulate the air pump's power. This allowed us to control the objects' hardness by modulation of the volume of the air inside them. Our method can be employed with applications that require shape manipulation. We applied this method in the construction of a doll figure and a boot. We used "stuffing beads" to create a larger doll shape that can function as a bone inside the doll. The doll prototype's shape could be changed manually. The boot could be adjusted to fit the shape of the user's leg.