M bo batan

First Concept Model of Wings

I have been commissioned to build a set of wings for a theatrical performance. The plan currently is to build them out of wood and make them so that they can be strapped to the performers back. I am going to shoot for something in the size range of a 2' wide system when closed, opening up to ~8' when open.

The photos that are attached are of a half scale mechanical test model that was constructed in an evening. The materials are wood dowels and toothpicks for the hinges. The system that I have chosen for these wings is a simple chain of levers to activate all the component parts.

The goal of this project is to construct a rather complex set of mechanical wings almost entirely out of hand carved western cedar.