Introduction: Hydraulic Arm

This hydraulic arm was a homework for my daughter's school. The idea was to create a toy from recycled materials. Hope you enjoy.

Video:

Step 1: Materials

- Pieces of cardboard
- 8 syringes
- 1,5 meter hose (aquarium pump)
- 15  Plastic clamps
- 2 screws with 3 washers and 4 nuts
- 1 piece of wire (clothespin)
- 1 wooden stick
- Water, paint, glue, knife, ruler, etc..

Step 2: Planning and Cutting

We made two drawings of what would be the arm and joints. This allowed us to readily quantify the material being used.

After choosing the model that we would use, cut the pieces (not much criterion measurements) as shown in picture.

Step 3: Cutting and Mounting Arm

Step 4: Cutting and Mounting Claw

The gripper is designed to move just one piece. It was more simple.
The "finger" was pasted fixed and mobile was seated on a shaft made with a piece of wooden stick that had a piece of cardboard cut in a circle glued on top so as not to leave the place.

Step 5: Cutting and Mounting Base

The base was made from two pieces of cardboard in order to support arm and accommodate syringes in the same set.

The movable part has two holes:

- One in the center (to be able to rotate the base)

- The other end (to link the syringe and allow movement)

The syringe was attached to another piece of cardboard to keep the same level of mobile base.

After verifying the limits of movement, we fix the syringe with the clamps.

Step 6: Putting It All Together

Aftercreatedthearm,clawand basepiecestogetherto testoutthe movements andcheck if everything isworking properly.Onceassembled, we found thatthe syringeclampwas notwell positioned.We cuta piece of cardboardto attach thesyringeto another position,as shown in figure.

Step 7: Painting

After completing the check and corrected minor errors, disassembled the arm as far as giving and paint. After the paint dries, put together definitely.

Step 8: Filling the Syringe

We chose four colors to color the water and fill the syringes.
Fill the hose and then put a syringe (without air inside - close) on one end. Fill another syringe (not filling all) and put the other end. Check the operation.

Step 9: Final Result

I hope you enjoyed.

Hands-on Learning Contest

Finalist in the
Hands-on Learning Contest

Hack It! Contest

Participated in the
Hack It! Contest

3rd Annual Make It Stick Contest

Participated in the
3rd Annual Make It Stick Contest