WHAT IS A STRANDBEEST?
Originally created by Dutch artist, Theo Jansen, Strandbeests are typically constructed using PVC pipe while sails harness wind energy to move the machine on its own. Strandbeests move by a complex array of kinematic linkages forming legs. The word Strandbeest is Dutch for “Beach Animal”, a nod to the fact that Jansen tests all his devices on the shore of the North Sea and the animal-like shape of the sculptures.
rideable Strandbeest
Ohio state senior design project
Background
This project was completed for my capstone design class as a part of my engineering curriculum at Ohio State. The class gave senior students the opportunity to combine all of their previous engineering experience to complete a comprehensive, multi-semester design project. During my last two semesters at Ohio State, I worked alongside five engineering students to design and build a rideable, human powered strandbeest.
PROJECT SCOPE
The team would adapt Theo Jansen’s original concept to solve a complex design and engineering challenge. The project required the team to design, fabricate, and build a rideable strandbeest that would operate solely by human powered (no combustion or electrical power was considered) and have the ability to turn.
Human Powered
Rideable
Turning Capability
BRAINSTORMING
The ideation process started by researching and evaluating strandbeest designs from sources ranging from DIY YouTube videoa to Theo Jansen’s personal website. Using this collection of designs as inspiration, each member generated a set of unique design concepts (pictured below).
FILTERING IDEAS
To effectively evaluate the designs, the strandbeest was decomposed into five subsystems: frame, legs, drivetrain, user interface, and steering. Using the concepts generated in initial brainstorming, the means by which each subsystem functioned were extracted and evaluated. Design decisions for each subsystem were made using feasibility and go-no-go filters along with pairwise comparison charts. The image to the right outlines the steps in this filtering process.
Results of the MORPH CHARTS & MATRICES
After filtering ideas, the remaining options for each subsystem were organized into a morph chart (below). From this chart, composite concepts were generated by combining different subsystem solutions. The resulting four composite concepts were evaluated similarly to the subsystem analysis. First, the concepts went through a Go-No-Go and feasibility filter. Next, characteristics determined to be desirable were weighted and used to complete a decision matrix (above).
The proposed FINAL DESIGN
After going through several design iterations, the team arrived at the final design pictured in this SolidWorks model. Detailed discussions for each of the subsystems can be found in the tabs below.
Fabrication And FINAL ASSEMBLY
Fabrication and assembly…
PROCEDURE & RESULTS OF FINAL TESTING
Testing results…
Human Powered
Rideable
Turning Capability
COMING SOON STRANDBEEST VIDEO
The Standbeest project video is in the works and will be soon be uploaded to the Engian Design YouTube channel. This video will document the Strandbeest project from beginning to end and is filled with bonus content not featured on this page. Follow the Engian Design YouTube channel to check for the latest updates.