Mechanical Integrator
A fully mechanical definite integral calculator might not be the fastest way to find integrals. But it sure is cool.
The Story
Finding inspiration.
For a high school calculus final project my friend Luke and I scoured the internet for what we could create. We finally landed upon the mechanical integrator after finding inspiration in old warship machines and a fascinating youtube video.
The new design.
Using Autodesk Fusion, we experimented with various layouts and settled on a final design that blended modern and historical integrators. With the school year’s end rapidly approaching, I promptly moved on to the next phase of the project.
The creation of our dream.
I manufactured the final parts using 3D printing and our school’s laser cutter, then completed the project with LEGO motors and components to bring the mechanical integrator to life.
How it works.
To wrap up the project, we presented to our class with an accompanying video that demonstrated how our mechanical integrator functions.
(All credit to Luke Stenger for the creation of the video)