Abstract:
The goal of this Freshman Design project was to create an innovative animatronic version of Mario the Magnificent. The animatronic dragon was created to wake up as it is approached causing its head to lift out and up from its cave, for its eyes light up, and to emit a growl. A mist that acts as smoke was also created to be emitted from the dragon’s cave. These things were accomplished through several key steps. First, a rough skeleton was created including a 3D printed jaw and the motors required to accomplish the stated goals were tested within the appropriate circuitry using the created code. For an aesthetically pleasing exterior, the dragon head exterior was sculpted in clay and a silicone mold created from it. A liquid latex head covering was made using the mold, the skeleton was assembled, the motors and circuitry were secured in the skeleton, and finally the outer covering was added. In order to achieve the testing aspect of this project, it was necessary to test the force of the jaw in terms of safety. It is important to know that if someone puts their hand in the mouth of the dragon they will not be injured. Despite considerable success, there were some challenges encountered. These included failure of the original plaster mold, difficulties with circuit implementation, and the creation of a great enough volume of mist. Despite these, a working animatronic has been delivered that contributes toward new understandings of animatronic construction and implementation.
Proximity Sensors:
The project goals include making three proximity thresholds to the dragon using proximity sensors. The first range of proximity occurs as the person comes close to the dragon causing the dragon head to move up from the ground and open its eyelids. The second threshold occurs as the person comes even closer to the dragon which will make the dragon's eyes light up, jaw drop, mouth growl, and nose produce smoke. The final range of proximity occurs as the person puts their hand in the dragon's mouth. This will prompt Mario to close his jaw around the hand.
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