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Cardboard Aperture: v2

Cardboard Aperture: v2
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After a little more research, I have managed to improve my Cardboard Aperture greatly!

This Instructable is based off of a project of mine to design a working aperture out of around-the-house materials. I had just seen an awesome set of Steampunk goggles by Gogglerman that had a very nice brass aperture in one eye. I set about trying to figure out how it had been made, and my resulting project went through two design iterations before I had anything working. I then posted that as my first Instructable.

So, instead of just editing my first Instructable, there's enough different to create a new one, which I have done. This time I'll be posting some instructions sheet downloads (in *.psd and *.pdn format for compatibility with your checkbook) and more pictures. Perhaps even a video!
 
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Step 1Designing your Parts

Designing your Parts
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While not really the hardest part of this build, designing the parts is a crucial one. I've attached some files that should really help you out. I mainly used a compass and a protractor to design the parts.

The first part is the holding and hinging ring. Since my aperture was designed for six 'arms' I set the hinge holes 60 degrees apart. If you want more arms then you'll need to reposition the hinge holes. Use this widget to calculate this angle if you are lazy like I am don't want to do the math yourself ;)

The next part (looking like a rib) is one of the actual arms that swings in and closes the aperture. Each one should encompass about 100 degrees. You'll see how the hinging and swinging pegs are attached later.

The last part here, the one shaped like the hinging ring but with notches instead of holes, is the adjuster ring. The notches will 'grab' the pins on the upper face of the arms, pulling or pushing them around the ring.

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70 comments
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Feb 4, 2011. 2:48 AMandiukas223 says:
yeah mine kingda failed but looks cool o_O by the way its youre first design anyway thanks :)
Aug 22, 2011. 5:52 AMvanadium chrome says:
Y'did a really good job
Feb 15, 2011. 12:28 PMrawromg says:
When I assemble it, the pegs just slip out of the groves inwards
Aug 14, 2011. 6:25 PMMadmartigan95 says:
The same thing happened to me. I have no idea how to fix it... yet.
Feb 15, 2011. 2:46 PMrawromg says:
I'm not sure, I printed out the PDF and cut it out on the same material you used.
Jul 26, 2011. 2:03 AMmonkeys98 says:
im going to make one out of wood then metal
Feb 4, 2011. 12:58 PMdeyb1 says:
Sorry, I just can't help myself...
I'm not even angry.
I'm being so sincere right now.
Even though you broke my heart.
And killed me.
And tore me to pieces.
And threw every piece into a fire.
As they burned it hurt because I was so happy for you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ljFaKRTrI
Jun 14, 2011. 7:09 PM_Scratch_ says:
Ahh portal = best game evar
Mar 31, 2011. 5:08 AMCobaltBlue says:
Thank you, deyb1, for providing the link explaining Dumchicken's somewhat obscure but brilliant reference.
Feb 13, 2011. 6:19 AMVick Jr says:
I'm trying to use aluminum house-siding for the leafs. The Apature will be used as the housing for the evil robot eye of my evil robot turret. I'll post pics when it's done (could be a while)

...but look at me still talking when there's science to do.
Feb 13, 2011. 9:25 AMdeyb1 says:
That sounds better than a gun for the people who are still alive. And sounds like a good material to use as well, lightweight, yet strong. Good thinking on you!
Feb 4, 2011. 5:24 PMmr.noris says:
now theres no sence crying over every mistake we just keep on trying till we run out of cake
Feb 6, 2011. 8:16 AMMugabuga says:
So I'm glad I got burned, think of all the things we learned, for the people who are, still alive.
I saw this and didn't even think of cameras, I thought of Aperture Science.
Feb 6, 2011. 2:35 PMtomas.savage says:
we do what we must because we can
for the good of all of us
except the ones who are dead
Jun 11, 2011. 6:07 PMHandiest1 says:
I am really happy to see this design. A few years ago I rehabbed a church into a house and it had a big round window that caused all kinds of glare. At that time, I failed at designing an aperture for that, and didn't want to take my camera apart to study. so I gave up. I was going to make it out of plywood, about 7-8' in diameter, and 12' off the floor, and control it with chains or something. Thanks for posting, I think it's a really neat/interesting item.
May 28, 2011. 12:41 AMgadjetralahami says:
its nice and cool.thanx 4 da idea
Mar 6, 2011. 2:14 PMtwonkie12 says:
could you make them small and attach them together to make some really weird glasses
May 5, 2011. 7:58 AM9mvp9 says:
He means to make 2 of them and turn them into apeture glasses.
May 6, 2011. 7:14 AM9mvp9 says:
Metal aperture would be cool.
Mar 28, 2011. 12:08 AMAnonyomus Duck Ninja says:
Sweet! Making one now, will post when finished.
Mar 19, 2011. 6:46 PMDumchicken says:
aperture sience doo doo doo doo doo doo ................................................................
....................................................................untill you make a neat gun for the people
who are still alive........................................................................................................
...................still alive still alive still alive still alive(fading sound)
Feb 19, 2011. 6:47 AMdombeef says:
You beat me to making an instructable. Mine was basically the same design but I made it out if foam core and credit cards.
I will make a slideshow about it later on.
Good job though!
Feb 5, 2011. 4:09 PMD00M99 says:
How do you make the arms? Can you post a plan for that? Or is there really no preference?
Feb 12, 2011. 5:07 PMD00M99 says:
On the plans I never saw a scale for the arms; I only saw it for the rotating ring and nothing else.
Feb 6, 2011. 6:39 PMSt Jimmy says:
I think it's really just a section of a circle spanning 3 holes, slightly thinner than the holding ring itself
Dec 4, 2011. 4:45 PMheathbar64 says:
So how did you come up with 100 degrees? Just want to know the nitty gritty of how it was actually designed.
Dec 4, 2011. 4:51 PMheathbar64 says:
And what are the notches for on the outer part of the adjusting ring?
Feb 4, 2011. 6:30 PMD00M99 says:
It's really awesome looking and stuff, but what is it actually used for? Or more specifically, what CAN it be used for?
Feb 12, 2011. 5:08 PMD00M99 says:
I downscaled it and made it into a monocle. :)
Feb 6, 2011. 1:16 PMSyncopator says:
A very clever design, congratulations.

I should point out, however, that it isn't an aperture, it's a shutter or diaphragm.

The size of the hole is the aperture.
1-40 of 70next »

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