Mechanical Systems Design & Fundamentals

Learn what mechanical systems are and master the design principles for creating functional mechanisms through hands-on exploration and building. Understand basic mechanical concepts including leverage, mechanical advantage, gears, and simple machines, then apply these principles to design and build linkages, gear trains, and motion conversion systems. Practice creating cam mechanisms, linkage systems, and timing devices essential for automata and kinetic art while understanding how force and motion are transmitted through mechanical systems. Develop skills in mechanism design that efficiently converts motion and force for both practical applications (workshop tools) and creative projects (automata, kinetic installations). Build mechanical systems that demonstrate fundamental engineering principles through tangible, functional mechanisms while maintaining focus on automata-relevant applications and workshop tool creation. Also explore "non-anthropocentric mechanisms", systems designed to interact with ecological or environmental agency rather than human convenience.